Happy New Year to TSJ Faithful Friends!
Like most people these days, on New Years I ponder setting new goals and outlining specific changes I would like to make.
But I notice as I age that I am drawn to goals around spiritual growth and soulful changes. Ultimately matters of heart and soul are the fuel for personal growth and lasting change.
We often dig deep for answers when we go through more troubled times. As with so man people around the world, it is in such times that I have discovered the strength to keep going. And I have experienced perhaps one of the greatest gifts of grace possible – God’s palpable Presence.
Ever since my late,Tom, was ill I have marveled repeatedly about what I have personally experienced and named “Just-in-time Grace.” That reignited my gratefulness for the faith I had developed. In spite of heartaches and feelings of helplessness, there were marvelous moments of help that came in many forms. Those are the moments when you are on the brink of fear, failure, hopelessness, and helplessness and are open to seeing how God steps in.
I have had many of those experiences in my lifetime. I am sure many of you have too. And perhaps it would be great fun to think of and share with each other marvelous moments that have truly been more than “coincidence.”
This year, as I journey with you by blog letters, I am want you know this:
I am committed to maintaining an open mind and heart. I want to share with you stories that reflect spiritual as well as psychological truths so we can be fueled by faith and wisdom in this challenging and changing world.
Finally, I have been highly inspired by authors who write shamelessly about their journeys of faith and their passion for simple truths of grace and love that I too embrace but have lacked the courage to openly express. I look forward to sharing some of them with you. I also find inspiration these days in the Bible stories and noticing how the ancient people in far away lands are similar to us.
How about you? What are your dreams or visions and hopes for yourself in the year ahead? I would be delighted to hear from you.
As always Solomon and I love you and treasure life’s journey with you,
Margie
