Happy New Year! This is one of the first baby portraits I have done. Since this one, I have had the privilege of painting several more! Babies are so sweet and beautiful and so much fun for me to paint! Their skin is so fresh and new! And their facial expressions are honest and real. In a small way, babies remind me of welcoming a new year!
As most of us do, I value New Year’s Eve and Day as a time to reflect on the past year, and anticipate the year to come. The passing of seasons and years can be painful as we recall hard times, but it is actually a gift from God to be able to look back and learn from mistakes and difficulties, and make choices to step into new adventures by faith. I have been thinking today about these scriptures:
“For I am the LORD, I do not change…” Malachi 3:7
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.
These verses remind me that God is unchanging. This is comforting and brings hope to our hearts, that God is faithful and trustworthy. He is a rock that is sure and steadfast.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Behold, I make all things new.” Revelations 21:5
These scriptures show that even though God is unchanging, he makes us new. When we come to Him, we truly become a fresh, new creation! And, He is constantly at work in us to bring newness, healing and wholeness to our lives.
As I stand on this day between the years, I am thankful for my growing family and the relationships I cherish. I also anticipate a changing season, as our youngest daughter will be graduating from high school in May and starting college in the fall. When I am tempted to be sad at the passing of this season, I make the choice to look with excitement and anticipation at what the future holds for us. What are your hopes and dreams and goals for the new year?
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