The Year I Did Things Differently

"Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."   --- Colossians 3:23, 24

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It's a new day and I feel all anticipatory!

But last month, oh dear. I felt all 'been there done that oh hum'.

I remember thinking, "At my advanced age, I've done everything. Over and over. For decades. The years were wonderful, but now there's much I can no longer do and my days feel like old reruns with no surprises. BORing."

Uh-oh! Immediately inside I 'heard' a voice quip, "Well, whose fault is that?"

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So I asked God to help me mix things up. To make new discoveries, do tasks differently, to stop procrastinating and most of all--to change my so blah attitude.

And my oh my. He really does give us great ideas when we ask! I mean, here are just a few examples--

He reminded me I could read books I generally wouldn't have chosen before.

And I can more consistently thank people, including those who make Youtube videos which have inspired or helped me.

I can set aside additional money to give to those in need.

I could learn more about organic food and natural remedies and also pass along to others the information I glean.

Or I can send more surprise gifts to folks, asking God that they arrive when most needed. I can more consistently encourage others and keep a clear focus on all that God's called me to do.

I can more faithfully express condolences to those online who lose loved ones. I can more often pray for others and spend more time with God.

I could form new habits which make my family's life easier as we age. I can search for new-to-us tv series or movies.

And become more creative in all that I do.

Basically, I can improve upon everything I'm already doing and work at everything 'as unto the Lord'. And I can ask Him to help me view all of Life through His eyes, rather than my old blue ones--

--so that by the end of 2025 I'll be able to say this was the year I did things differently.

"Ask and it will be given unto you."  (I'm sure it thrills Jesus when we ask to become more like Him, to view things His way!)

"Do everything you do because you love God."

--Donna Rigney

"Dear Lord, guide me to use my time well--to develop new skills and form fulfilling habits. Help me to explore beyond what I have known."

--Sabra Ciancanelli

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Tom and I are re-watching the tv series, Grimm (go here for my explantion of why I love this show) and we're absolutely loving it again. Not a show for everyone, but it's certainly one for us. (We're watching 'free' via Prime.)

Disclaimer: sometimes we fast-forward through episodes a bit heavy on the 'hinky magic' stuff. Discretion advised.

Anyway, the song Tomorrow Is a Chance to Start Over was in an episode and I immediately added it to a Youtube list. Somehow I'd forgotten about that one.

My oh my, it's perfect for this post and for this time in many of our lives. You can listen here (it's beautiful) or just check out the chorus:

"You are another day older 

Soon you'll be through the dark

Tomorrow is a chance to start over 

You'll re-ignite the spark

Tonight you can lie here on my shoulder 

Soon you'll be through the dark

Tomorrow is a chance to start over, 

Start over again"

And may the shoulder of Jesus be incredibly real to you, my friends, especially these days in which we find ourselves living, days we can--still--make a fresh start each morning!

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Here's a lovely video about making your life more creative and what you'd like it to become.

Twenty-Three Paces to Baker Street. An old movie some of you may enjoy. (Free at Youtube.)

These people made me feel so lazy! (Haha.) I do love watching hard workers because they inspire me to get up and do at least a little bit of work around my house.

I found this tiny house wonderful and the couple very inspiring.

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I've felt especially happy and grateful since Monday around noon!  ツ

And remember! Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Have your cards and stamps all prepared?

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15