2016 -- a year of plans and surprises

I'm just squeaking in under the wire with my year end post.

Mostly I just wanted to say Happy New Year to all of my fellow bloggers who have checked in on this little blog now and then. I know, I haven't been very consistent. So, thanks for following me by email or in your favorite reader this year, so as not to miss these important life-changing posts ;)  Seriously, I do appreciate you reading and commenting. Thanks! You are awesome!

I've read some very inspiring, encouraging thoughts approaching 2016.  So  many good words on so many blogs and in books.

The truth is, we might have many plans and goals for the New Year, but we don't really know what's going to happen. As Solomon said in Proverbs 19:21: We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. (from The Message)
I don't see this as a warning. I see it as encouragement. God knows what He is doing. God sees from a different vantage point than we do. God is good and He is loving. So, we can enter a new year with hope and comfort, no matter what happens.

Expecting A Surprise

Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to feel each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity. 

from Bread For The Journey by Henri Nouwen (Jan. 1)

 I do think making plans is a good thing. I can't help myself.. I keep thinking of what I want to challenge myself with this year. So, there's the balance.. making plans but holding them loosely.

Do you have big plans and dreams for this next year?

Happy New Year, everyone!

Take It Easy

The last couple of days have been pretty slow around here. After the busyness of having most of the family around, preparing meals, enjoying outdoor activities, and keeping up the house as much as possible, then dismantling Christmas decorations,  I've been a little bit of a slug.  Let's just say me and my chair have spent some time together.

So, I've watched a few Netflix movies that I would recommend if you like a little bit of cheese, escapism, warm feelings, a bit of tension, heart string tugging,  and happy endings. And some good acting, too. Perfect to knit or sip of cup of tea to.

Because I like Morgan Freeman, I watched The Magic of Belle Isle. Ingredients: a disenchanted writer, a single mom with 3 girls, a small lake community and life lessons.

Because I like Robert Duvall, I watched 7 Days in Utopia. Ingredients: family issues, golf, faith/life lessons, small town, handsome main actor ;) The ending.. well, different.

I also watched a DVD theatrical presentation called The Belle of Amherst, about  the poet Emily Dickinson (borrowed from our local library). It was a one woman performance by actress Julie Harris and was excellent! Okay, it was wayyyyy too slow for Dave to sit through, but I loved it. :)

Going to enjoy a fun New Year's Eve with a few friends, some good appies, and board games. A perfect mix.

Then it's 2015!  Are you ready!? Who knows what it will hold.. ?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!