Welcome! A new year calls for a new website! I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time, but I’m not a big fan of change and I am easily overwhelmed. Thankfully my tech-savvy husband agreed to help me. So, here we are, a new space full of new possibilities. I am grateful for any and all who come here to my little corner of the world.

I love this time of year because I love the idea of a fresh start. Fresh calendar pages, fresh vision, fresh grace. My word for 2016 was “fresh” and it served me well. 2016 was a hard year for me. More challenges, more pain, more loss. But the word “fresh” inspired me to keep pursuing my life, no matter what the obstacles might be. One foot in front of the other, one moment at a time. Every time I wanted to give up (which was almost daily), I would challenge myself to find something fresh to focus on. It was just enough to keep me going.

I chose my word for 2017 at the beginning of December, a few short days before more hard and hurtful things were about to happen in my family. It never ceases to amaze me how God knows just what I need and provides it at just the right time. This word started bringing me hope and encouragement even before ringing in the new year.

LIGHT: (noun) something that makes things visible or affords illumination; the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; radiance from a particular source. (verb) to brighten with animation or joy; to ignite, spiritual illumination by divine truth.

Light was the very first of the Creator’s works. It reveals, illuminates vision, and dispels darkness. It brightens and brings clarity.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8

When I was a little girl I was absolutely terrified of the dark. I would go to bed and position myself in such a way that I thought would prevent anything unknown from reaching out of the darkness and attacking me. If I could see even a tiny sliver of light coming through the door, I would focus on that light until I eventually fell asleep. Now that I am grown, I still find myself doing the exact same thing.

I am in desperate need of even the tiniest sliver of light. It doesn’t take much to drive away the darkness.

The definition continues with this: (adj.) of light weight, not heavy; of small amount, force, intensity; gentle or delicate.

“Not heavy.” I sure could use some “not heavy” in my life this year. All too often I find myself burdened by the cares of this world. Fear is frequently a much easier choice than faith.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“… my burden is light.” Such a beautiful promise.

LIGHT for 2017.