Friday, December 31, 2010

Jubilee

I love new beginnings, whether it is when I hang a new calendar or at the beginning of fall semester... both marking new years in our home.

I was having a chat with Christopher recently (brought about by his comment during the conversation that most Chinese restaurants are open Christmas) about the importance of New Year's celebrations to Eastern cultures, including those on which we base our Biblical roots.   He mentioned Chinese New Year and I brought up Rosh Hashanah... the first of the High Holy Days.

One need not read very long in the Book before we come to understand God cares about new beginnings, too.  I think embedded within our DNA, there is a need for a clean slate, an annual Jubilee.

Hmmm... in my case I need to breath Jubilee as His Grace covers my every move and thought and emotion and action... etc.  :)

Next week I plan to spend time in the Word and pondering the old year as well as the new.  I'll think of books I want to read, Scripture to study, lists to make, and other stuff to do as well as to be.  After all, I survived another year on this The Silent Planet (the first of Lewis' brilliant Space Trilogy).

In the meantime, thank you all very much for noticing me... as the dear Eeyore would say.  I am glad you found Coffee Tea Books and Me, whether today or so many years ago.  Thank you for your comments and your prayers and your support and taking the time to click on Amazon's widget and helping to build this Community of friends through Cyber Space.

Next year gives us the promise of more books and more coffee and more tea and friends and family and most of all... God's Grace in these uncertain times.  Whatever the future holds, He holds us in the palm of His hand.

Note:  I am way behind on both e-mail and snail mail!

Picture: Afternoon Light; allposters.com

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have you seen the video on Youtube when the choir sings the Halleluia chorus from the Messiah as a surprise in a Canadian mall? It's amazing.Just google Youtube mall choir.
Happy New Year to you and your family.

Lisa said...

Happy New Year to you! I hope this next year is one of "Jubilee" for you! I appreciated your thoughts in this post.

Kimberly said...

We LOVE you!!! Happy New Year!

Lisa in Texas = ) said...

Happy New Years to you! I really love the idea of the New Year being like the Jubilee. Thanks for the reminder.
God bless,
Lisa :o)

Anonymous said...

Brenda, Thank you so much for the inspiration to sit and ponder. I tend to rush, rush, rush thru my days. I think I will find a notebook and spend some time thinking, praying and making lists. A Blessed New Year to you and yours, Dee

Scrappy quilter said...

Happy New Year friend. I'm so glad you have this blog. It's such an encouragement. Hugs

John'aLee said...

I've enjoyed getting to know you through your wonderful posts this last year. I hope all the best for you in this new and upcoming year!

matty said...

Have a wonderful New Year, dear Brenda!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Happy New Year! I do like the New Year...a fresh start, just like the Jubilee year!

I am going to be going a way a few days with my husband for our anniversary...nothing fancy but I am hoping for some quiet time, to think and plan and pray.

I am thankful for you and your blog - it has been a blessing to get to know you!

Anita said...

Happy New Year, Brenda! You give me reason to stop and think...reflect...meditate... Thank you.

Susan Branch said...

Happy New Year, that was lovely! Susan

moreofhim said...

Your blog is one of my favorites! I always am inspired and uplifted when I visit you! I love new beginnings, too, and am praying for a peaceful year - full of the Lord and knowing Him better.

Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!

God bless you - Julie

Gumbo Lily said...

Blessings on your new year! The snowy barn picture is beautiful!

Jody

Joanne said...

Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing! "I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand"
Blessings and more of His grace for 2011!
Joanne