A Season of New Beginnings
Let’s all take a deep breath for a moment. Sit quietly with no distractions and breathe deeply to slow things down. Let your senses be enriched by your surroundings. Ever so gently, the quiet orchestration of God’s peace will begin to comfort your soul.
I welcome in the winter season as a time to reflect and refresh my soul. During this season, I intentionally give myself permission to slow down and to get lost in thought. This is a time to read, a time to “doodle” with new ideas and dreams that have been on your heart, and a time to meditate on the word of God. Above all, it is a time to turn off the rushing around and endless to-do lists in the face of that modern day motto: Time is money. Is it?
In conversations with family members and friends over the last few weeks, all of us are looking forward to this time of year as an opportunity to slow down, rest, and spend time with those close to us—to truly be present in moments of sharing with one another—whether it’s meeting for a cup of coffee or tea, taking a morning walk with a friend, or having a conversation on the phone.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
It is easy for us to get distracted from the simplicity of life’s treasured moments. I believe our Heavenly Father has always intended for us to embrace and experience the greater gifts of His everlasting love as blessings throughout the day, if we just watch for them. The overflowing schedules of modern life sometimes change our perspective of what is truly important to our souls. Our perspective is often blurred by what we think is important as opposed to simply trusting in God more and having a deeper faith to walk with Him in everything we do.
You will find true success when you find me, for I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you. I hold in my hands living-understanding, courage, and strength. Proverbs 8:14 (TPT)
With my head spinning in thought, I decided to start a new painting project in my studio. Before I got started, I pulled out the Bible and my journal and began to study and meditate on God’s word. I found myself being filled with peace and comfort as I read through His word. I was once again reminded how God loves us. He wants the best for us, yet all He asks from us is that we spend time with Him.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
His love for us is calling us to grow in our love and faith and to have the peace to move forward and prepare for a season of new beginnings—a season in which we can welcome in His love and glory with fresh hearts and have the courage to live the dreams we have on our hearts.
This season of new beginnings is a time to let go of the old ways, to clear out the worldly distractions that clutter our thoughts and hearts to be more in the moment with God. Embrace His love and experience the greatness He has promised us in our everyday lives.
If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! James 1:12 (TPT)
I set up my easel with a new canvas and pulled out my paints and brushes. I put on my painting apron, turned on some background music and began to paint. As the sunlight began to diminish, I realized several hours had passed. I quietly thanked God for being with me as we painted together. I had such a sense of joy as my creative heart was being nourished by God’s love.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
I sat in my favorite chair and sipped on my afternoon tea, reviewing the progress of my painting. I looked at my written notes in my journal from earlier in the day: “Time is money...Is it?” I quietly giggled. Actually, time with our Heavenly Father is the greatest investment one can make to richly refill one’s soul and heart with an endless abundance of love and blessings beyond imagination.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
So let’s walk in our faith with the courage to let go of the old and embrace a season of new beginnings. Open the eyes of your heart to see life with a thankful perspective for God’s love and joy.
For the Scriptures encourage us with these words: “Everyone who believes in him will never be disappointed.” Romans 10:11 (TPT)
Let’s plant seeds of faith in our hearts and grow a beautiful garden of God’s loving promises.
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ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH WITH A SEASON OF NEW BEGINNINGS
Plant a bible verse in your heart.
Water your heart daily with the word of God to nurture your garden of life.
Pray with a faithful Heart to fill your day with hope.
Grow Your Garden of Faith.
May the abundance of Joy wash over you.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 (NIV)
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 (ESV)
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 ESV
If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! James 1:12 (TPT)
For a downloadable PDF of Bible verses, click here.
