How often do we say, “This is a new start!” I find I say it often, or at least I mean to make new starts when I say it. Unfortunately, change doesn’t happen overnight; habits can be hard to break. They require a discipline that may be more than we can handle at the moment. But God has a different timeline than we do, and when we ask for change (or for help in an area for us or another), He answers this, but NOT in our time-frame-wish.
Case in point…all of us! I have on my prayer cards specific requests that I have poured out my heart about. None of them have occurred in the way I have expected. HA! Is not that so GOD? His ways are not my ways (thank goodness).
I’ll go through each one of us. See how wonderful God’s ways are working.
Doug.
Now, my wonderful HHH has grown immensely this last year. He is now reading almost nightly! Also, he has formed some amazing men relationships that truly sharpen each other; as a leader of a small men’s group, he is looked upon with so much respect. At Honeywell, he is esteemed and appreciated. So proud of him. With Tot? Their relationship continues to grow in leaps and bounds. (as does ours)
Tatum
My little Tot. Not so little anymore! She has taken on so much more responsibility with now having little Woody. Also, I have her keeping a wallet and purse so SHE is in charge of her own money, budget, and therefore discretion in her choices. Her character continues to shine as she exhibits the fruits of the Spirit at school and now at home; (She got straight “E’s” on her report card for character!). At home, we created a “winning report card” for her to make some more allowance as well as to encourage good choices. Watching her grow in her writing, her creativity, and her passion for others is inspirational. Just recently she was an ambassador to a new student; that student feels so welcomed and loved at PVCP thanks to Tatum. I love you so much sweet girl. Keep shining your light.
Austin
If you would have told me 3 years ago that Austin would be attending GCU, I would have laughed and then woken up! You see, Austin had a rough few years; first dropping out of HS right before he graduated, then making a few wrong choices with substances, living conditions, jobs…you name it. But…the past 2 years, he’s been really turning it around. First, he is working for a landscape company manning a crew and leading that daily. He works so hard! However, he knows he’s in a dead end situation. I found out about a program at GCU where they put you through an Electrician training program for 16 weeks, and then basically guarantee you a job upon graduation. I got him into it, but he would need to complete his GED. NOW, we are in the process of making all of that happen. He had his first day of class on January 5th!!! WOWOWOWOW! So proud of him! You can do it, AUSTIN!
Now me: (Steph)
Where do I start? It’s been a year of getting rid of some old habits (which I thought were good things) plus finding out much information about my digestion. What a journey. I basically have relapsed 7 times with this SIBO situation plus now add on the pelvic floor proplapse where my small intestines have fallen into where my uterus used to be. My weight plummeted this year which created a domino effect of all sorts of nasty symptoms. Ugh. I’ve put my family through so much.
BUT, I have been forced to make some tough choices, forming new habits.
Breath work
Increased down time: Prayer, meditation, yoga, journaling
Diet changes: meal spacing, removal of fake foods, REAL eating, LOTS of cooking! Pureed food/soup habit!
Friends: Newfound friendships which go deep and are so supportive
Family: EVERYTHING! (besides YOU, JESUS.)
For me, it has been a gradual slowing down but a quick jump onto feeling better as I do the right things (for my body). My appreciation and gratitude quotients have quadrupled. God takes all the yucky and makes it into a beautiful mosaic.
New beginnings are new opportunities to see things from a different perspective. May we continue on our learning path of love, joy and peace. XO.