I can’t believe it’ll be 2018 soon. You know what that means? A fresh start.
Why am I so surprised that time is just flying by?
My youngest celebrated a birthday, last year before he’s a teenager, my eldest son is on the verge of driving, my daughter got into her dream college. The reality of being an empty nester doesn’t seem so far off. I will celebrate a milestone birthday in the near future and this year I will have lived in our house longer than my childhood home. How is that possible? I was just changing diapers and had three kids in car seats.
I still feel like that high school girl but the mirror tells a different story. My sweet grandmother, Nell always said that only at 25 I couldn’t wrap my brain around it. I was going to be young forever. On the doorstep of twice those younger days, I understand. I guess that’s only with age and hopefully some wisdom that we can understand.
I know these last few years my faith has been front and center of my life. I can truly say that I love the Lord and know him. That doesn’t mean I know everything and have it figured out, exactly the opposite. It means that I need him more than ever and I am so grateful for his love and mercy. Not to be morbid but life here is fleeting and temporary. The world is really good at keeping us distracted. Distracted from our goal of eternity with Christ. At least that’s my goal for me and my family. The day to day grind keeps us so busy that we forget why we are here, I get distracted by my to-do list, errands, chores, and all the things that take up our time and get us off track. At the end of the day though what really matters? People, right? Our relationships? Have you ever thought if I had to leave my home in a split second what would I take with me? It’s a sobering thought is it not? I’m guessing your list is short, like mine. Family.
I think joining Bible study has given me a different perspective on life. It keeps me grounded and I’m surrounded by other women who are looking for that connection to God. As crazy as it sounds being part of Edie’s Oily Sisterhood also gives me that perspective. Never in my life has I been surrounded by such gracious women who love the Lord, who truly want to do good and are so supportive and encouraging to one another. I have only met two of these women in person but my connection to them is real. I feel like I have a purpose and that feels good. I love our home but how many times can I rearrange the family room? I don’t want to just share the perfectly decorated room. I need more, I need deeper and the Sisterhood and Bible study group is filling that void.
So what is the point of my post? I’m not even sure myself. Maybe it’s to get you to look at things in a different way. What do you need? What are you missing? What does a fresh start look like for you? I had this deep longing that has only been filled by God. In 2018 I’m going to keep learning and growing. Not only my faith but my relationships and my business. I want to help others live better, happier, healthier more fulfilling lives.
January marks the fresh start. It’s like the beautiful cover of freshly fallen snow everything is bright, clean and beautiful. After a while, it melts and the dirt becomes visible. It’s a lot like us really. We clean up nice but then we get caught up in the daily grind of life, our old ways, and bad habits take hold. We need the clean cover of Christ to wash away our sins. Here’s to a beautiful New Year filled with love and peace.
Much love,
Susan
ps. I have some fun posts planned for January. Macrame, DIY natural deodorant, yummy breakfast casserole, 50 things and more!
Have a question for me? Please email me anytime! You can reach me at susandu@msn.com
Happy New Year Susan! A fresh start is always so exciting. All the best to you in 2018! xx
I’m a long time quiet reader through Bhome. I may have left a comment before, because your home is so absolutely lovely, I’m sure I must have told you at some point! But, you’ve asked this question before, “what can I do for you?” And I wanted to tell you, and then time passed, and I wasn’t sure about how to ask for this…I love your desire to live for eternity. I lose focus of that too often too. I think I may be addicted to looking into people’s home’s because I just love home life. I love family and comfort and homemaking. But here’s the catch. I was never blessed with children. I’m so thankful that my husband, who I did not marry until the ripe ol age of 43, is someone who appreciates my desire to nest. He’s sad with me that we were too old to have children, (fostering may be in our future). And the thing that I think that really touches me is when a blogger is transparent, and talks about her spiritual life. I’m happy for everyone and their families that they cherish….but I’m often left out of those posts about child rearing and and family life in general. But I’m never left out of the posts that remind me that we need constant renewal. So thank you for bringing to me reminders of connecting to God. I do love that you share your earthly home, it is so beautiful, but I love when you point to the heavenly one too. Looking forward to the next year!
Thank you so much Cassandra. I am touched by your comment. I need reminding all the time and I just feel lead to share that. I think often people are afraid to talk about their faith for various reasons. It’s been a journey and I have so much more work to do. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope that fostering will be a way for you to fill your home with the love of a child. Many blessings to you in the New Year.
Hello friend, I can’t imagine what you’ll accomplish in 2018! Happy New Year!
Beautiful post. Thank you. Bless you in the new year.
Thank you for being an “extra” ordinary blogger and professing your faith in Jesus Christ! In today’s world that takes courage and I admire you for it. Looking forward to more posts in the future. JC and DIY are my favorite acronyms!
I always look forward to your posts and enjoy your tips and sharing. I can relate to the reality that time really does fly by. It amazes me how each day changes a little till years have passed and our life history fills with highs and lows, but with hope and faith we move on. Over the years I have raised a beautiful family, became Grandma to 8 beautiful grandchildren and one great grandchild, lost my beloved husband, but life goes on. I’ve been so blessed, that I look forward to the future with excitement. I too, was touched with Cassandra E. comment and I’m sure, that her life history book will be filled with much joy over the years. Warmest Wishes to you and your readers for a Happy New Year filled with Health and Happiness.
Thank you Linda. I’m sorry for the loss of your husband it sounds like you have a beautiful life. Many blessings to you and your family. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and visit me.
Thank you Sonya, I have so much more to learn and share with you, I’m so grateful that you take time out of your life to visit. God bless.
Thank you, Michelle, you too.
Beautiful! so much of what I am feeling myself today!
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing from your heart. I especially like you comment about eternity. We are given such a short time here on earth in comparison to our heavenly home. I do agree that it’s important to keep our priorities straight and make sure that our first love is the Lord and loving others after that. Thanks for posting the picture of your family.
Hi Bonnie, I need constant reminding and it’s something I”m working on. Each day is a gift! Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment. It’s nice to know others feel the same way. Happy New Year!
Hi friend, thank you. I know your faith is very important to you. Many blessings for the New Year.
Oh, you are my soul sister for sure! Your post was beautiful (along with your children!) you are so right at the end of the day it is the people, the time we spend listening and caring, being kind and deepening our relationship with our Lord and His beautiful Mother. I’m always very excited for the start of the new year…new beginnings.
Cassandra’s comment touched me as well…Cassandra please read Holley Gerth’s story about after a long struggle with infertility God gave them a 21 year old to adopt. God always has a plan we just need to trust in Him. You will be in my prayers Cassandra.
Happy New Year Susan…I’m so looking forward to the posts you have planned! Love and Peace to you as well!
Soul sister for sure. Thank you, sweet friend! Blessings for the new year.
Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. :-)