2013. . .  even the sound of that seems foreign to my ears.  As I sit here at my computer reflecting back on this past year, I realize that I am very glad to see this particular year come to a close.  I remember as a child how very far away in the future the year 2013 sounded.  I never really thought it would come. . . but it did.  And now it is gone.

It seems that some years, just by the nature of things, are better than others are.  Now if you asked me to pinpoint any particular thing that made 2013 a bad year I don’t think I could actually say.  Nevertheless, it has been an exhausting year, with very little to redeem it.

Well, I can’t actually say that either!  God in His infinite mercy has made the way when there seemed no way in several difficult situations.

Jim and I, after many months of soul searching and determination, sold our lovely old home in the North Georgia Mountains.  I miss that place like I would miss my left hand if it were gone, but there is a time and a season for everything.  It was time to let go of that huge responsibility and burden of debt.  We also paid off several thousand in credit card debt that had carried over from his automobile accident and the subsequent several years of recovery from that situation.  There is no way to describe the relief that comes with knowing that those debts, at least, will never have to be paid again.  It rather reminds me of salvation.  Once our debt of sin is discharged by His grace, we never have to worry about it again.

Our family has been fragmented this year as we watched our daughter and her family go a direction that seems unwarranted in our eyes.  Yet, there are simply some things that we can’t control.  And believe it or not, I am finally learning, in my older years, that letting go of control is a good thing.  You see, for many years I wasted much time and energy trying to fix other people’s problems, and trying to make everything alright for everyone around me.  God is teaching me that there are some things that only He can handle.  And you know, I am okay with that!  We continue to pray for our daughter and her family and trust that one day God in His infinite mercy will see fit to restore that relationship.

Even as we are saddened at the loss of being a part of our daughter’s life, we have drawn closer to our son and his family.  The joy of spending time with Joey and his wife and their two precious little girls is a balm to my weary spirit.  I am grateful that the Lord has blessed us in this way.

We continue to trust God to lead and guide us.  For the first time in many years, we are not involved directly in ministry.  I am not even teaching a Bible study group.  But again, that seems to be where the Lord would have me at this time in my life.  I will trust Him even in this.

My writing is one of the greatest joys of my life.  The books I have co-authored with my sister, Janice Lee, are a testimony to God’s saving and keep grace, of His great mercy and love.  I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to put these books to print.  Chasing Rainbows is now over two years old and The Emerald Rainbow just celebrated its first year on the shelves in October.  We are blessed.

As 2014 peeks its head over the horizon, I am eager, yes even excited, to see what it may bring.  One of my short stories is scheduled to be published in The Church of God Evangel in January.  I pray that it touches lives.  Mine and Janice’s third book, And the Widow Wore Red will be on the shelves within a few weeks.  I believe that while this story may upset some, it will also show many others the way to forgiveness and salvation.  And certainly, I can hardly wait to see the third book in our Rainbow Series completed.  It is only a vision in our hearts at this moment, but with God’s help, it will come to fruition in the near future.

As God is blessing my life, even so I pray that I may be a blessing to those around me.  I look forward to this New Year and all that it may hold.

To God be the glory forever!