Newness

On my fabulous getaway with my sister last
weekend, we found ourselves at

It was a great little cabin at the top of a
big mountain.

We had a fabulous time. I don't
think I've EVER had such a good time! I had
a lot of time for reflection and thinking about
the future.

(I know you've seen this tshirt many times in this
summer's posts...it just happens to be a favorite!!!)

Sometimes, life just feels old, tired, worn-out.
Sometimes, I just need a change... a new
beginning. I never really put much thought
into it, but there are some times in my life
that I just love because I get to experience
this newness.

New babies. Their noises, their smells, their
facial expressions, the way you can stare at
one all day, and never miss the day you wasted...
there is no better example of something new.
I think we're stopping at two.

Buying a new (semi-new, as we purchased 2
years ago) car, and getting that added bonus
of the new car smell, is so exciting. With a new
set of wheels, going to the store not just a
mundane errand.

A new haircut can bring many emotions. I
can feel light and airy as I step out of the
salon, carrying 6 less inches than when I
entered. Sometimes I love the haircut, and
sometimes I have to go to two salons to
get it fixed...but I learned to love it!

A new school year can excite me, and frighten
me, all at the same time! The precious children
that grace my classroom, with boxes of new
crayons and newly sharpened pencils, are such
a mixed bag of blessings. Some have funny jokes
that make me smile every day, and some have
stories that make me want to take them in my
arms and show them the love of our God. Not
knowing what I am going to get is enough to keep
me on the edge of my seat with great anticipation
for what is ahead!

A new (one and only) tattoo...

A fresh start in my marriage is something so
priceless and cherished. I did not have a bad
marriage to begin with, just one that needed
a little adjustment. Wow! Don't I have a new
outlook on life now!

Finally, and most importantly, the newness
that comes with God's forgiveness. I would
not trade ANYTHING for the great assurance
and love I feel when I ask my God to wash away
my sins. Thank you God for this newness in life!