Does New Promise to be Nice?

Who doesn’t welcome a chance to start over and embrace an opportunity to hit the reset button?

Positivity ranks high on my Strength Finder assessment, so I don’t tend to keep company with pessimism. However, let’s face it: new is not always nice.

Looking ahead into 2022 feels refreshing, and a sense of anticipation draws us forward. That is good. But, when we are honest, you and I realize that a New Year also promises:

New problems

New challenges

New heartaches

New health concerns

New disappointments

New illnesses

New diagnoses

New relational bothers

New emotional pain

New job realignments

New dental appointments

New burn out

New stress out

New crises

New medical procedures

New bad days

New bills to be paid

New workplace displeasure

New church issues

New boardroom dilemmas

New school obstacles

New COVID conundrums

And the frightening questions arise:

Will God be there?

Is God big enough to handle the

new that is not nice

in my 2022?

• If we deny the fact that we will encounter new that is not nice, we deceive ourselves and compound the frustration.

• If we depend on our own resources for the new that is not nice, we are guaranteed to become overwhelmed and discouraged.

• But if—and herein lies the victorious secret—if we determine to pivot God-ward for the new that is not nice, His promises are off the chart!

Over the recent holiday season, I revisited and meditated on an amazing verse that is power-packed with reassurance. When we lean in and listen, we hear His strong Voice which brings peace of mind about anything new. He says in Isaiah 65:2, “Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24 HCSB).

The Ancient Word in the Hands of The Ancient of Days gives us everything we need in anything new—even if, even when—it is not nice.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 Berean Study Bible).

Living with Eternal Intentionality®

What new that is not nice already has you sidetracked in 2022?

How does Isaiah 65:24 give you a sense of confidence in the God we love and serve?

What is made available for your situation as you read and reread 2 Peter 1:3?

Please share your personal outlook for 2022.

Isn't That Amazing?

For just a moment, hit the pause button on the seasonal surge, and consider these amazing holy hallmarks which permeate our Christmas.

He was in the beginning:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Isn’t that Amazing?

He came to earth:

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Isn’t that Amazing?

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Isn’t that Amazing?

He died for us:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Isn’t that Amazing?

He is coming again:

“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)

ISN’T THAT AMAZING?!

From my heart, I pray that you have an AMAZING, Christ-centered Christmas! I appreciate you and treasure your participation in this journey, as together we pursue Living With Eternal Intentionality® (Acts 17:28a).

Thank you for reading what I write; thank you for offering engaging comments; thank you for joining me both here and on social media. Particularly, thank you for your overwhelming enthusiasm for my newest book, Pulling Back the Iron Curtain: Stories From a Cold War Missionary. As much as I treasure words, it is hard to put into words what your affirmation means. Truly, I am overwhelmingly grateful.

And, God willing, we will meet here in late January of the New Year 2022.

2 Corinthians 13:14

Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry Orange Relish

When a trusted friend offers you her trusted recipe, you take it and head to the store, don’t you? That was my response upon receiving my friend Mary Lu’s Cranberry Orange Relish. The recipe is colorful, easy to make, and a delightful addition to a holiday buffet.

Ingredients:

1 package fresh cranberries (Yes, I prefer Ocean Spray.)

2 oranges

1 apple (the reddest you can find; any variety works nicely)

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of pecans

Instructions:

Slice the oranges and the apple into wedges; remove the seeds, but don’t remove the peelings

Rinse the cranberries

Then, using a food processor, pour the cranberries in first and add the sugar.

Once the ingredients are combined, add the oranges and the apple.

Pulse the food processor until the ingredients are nicely mixed.

Add the nuts and pulse again

Refrigerate until ready to serve

Place on the buffet in your favorite crystal bowl

Can be made a couple of days in advance

Behind the Cupboard Door

Mary Lu is a wonderful person that my daughter brought into my life. Though Mary Lu is closer to my age, the two of them were already friends! Kindly enough, they moved over and allowed me to join them in friendship.

Mary Lu acts as hostess and manager at The Downing House in Denver and has the capacity to serve guests in small group Bible studies as well as in large gatherings such as fundraisers and outdoor picnics. Her love for Jesus and her winsome smile, combined with her culinary expertise, make her presence in any situation beyond amazing.

This Christmas season, don’t hesitate to give this Cranberry Orange Relish to neighbors or confidently take it to a party as a gift for the hostess. In so doing, you will foster the warmth and hospitality of my beloved friend Mary Lu!