Another New Year

Will this year be the same as last? Will I struggle with the same sins? Will I trip over the same pebbles? Will I stumble through the same pot-holes? Will I get upset and frustrated over the same failings of others? Will I cry again over the same wounds and hurts?

God created a growing changing world. The earth spins. Trees reach. Children grow. Flowers open. There's something so life-giving and exciting about watching beautiful healthy change transpire before our eyes.

We were created for eternity but because of the fall, life's growth is cut short in death. In relationships with God, self and others the discouraging breath of hopeless stagnation speaks... “he'll never understand.” “I'll never get over this hurdle.” “I'll always struggle with this.” “It will always be this way.”

God is unchanging but when our eyes are set on Him, we change. The uncurable wound is healed. The unforgivable sin atoned for. Light and hope are found in spite of darkness. Joy in sorrow. Strength in weakness. Peace amidst chaos and confusion.

You can't force a flower open without harm, life must issue from the inside. You can't argue a baby into smiles but when you cuddle and love, gaze at and interact with the child - the smile often follows. We must abide in Christ and allow his presence and love to change every facet of our being - bringing fruit we never thought possible. Through relating to Him, communicating with Him, obeying Him, worshiping Him, loving Him. Not by acquiring more knowledge 'about' Him without His presence.

Tazara at 3 months trying to conceal her irresistible smile

Will this year be the same as last or will I allow Christ's love to change me? At 19 months Zeke still falls over now and then but not as often and many days he runs freely. Tazara still cries now and then but more often the sounds coming from her lips are happy coo's and babblings. By God's grace I too can walk in His ways day by day and take up His words on my lips. Words of life instead of death. Abba's shoes are big, they fall off my feet as I tottle around but by God's grace I'm growing into His ways as he leads me along step by step with my fist clasped tight around His finger.

2013 Dickson Family beach trip! :)

A marriage (or any relationship) cannot stay stagnant. It is either growing or wilting. Thank you God for creating marriage. We get to be involved in the intimate life and growth of another. I've been so priviledged this last year to study a couple counseling papers with Andrew. It's fun learning exciting truths from God's Word together. To be able to look at areas of strength and weakness in our lives. Our sins wound each other but we get to rejoice over and experience growth in the other as we learn from the Master Healer how to heal such wounds and grow to afflict each other less often. We have the opportunity to propel one another forward or knock one another down. It's exciting to be able to pray together with Andrew and watch Abba answer prayer. Whatever 2013 may hold...Abba is here and he holds all the answers. God is so good! So good!