“And the One who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new!'”

-Revelation 21:5

A new year, a fresh start, a clean slate.  2020 turned out, despite everything, to be a pretty good year for our family.  Of course, it’s only in looking back intentionally can we see through the doom and gloom that seemed to permeate life every time the news was turned on or social media accessed.

Throughout it all, God was and shall forever remain on His throne.  What good things happened in your family in 2020?

Some of our highlights:

• ComputerGuy went back to seminary and completed a Master’s degree. (Yay for online programs!)  He started on this journey just before we were married, and is now back on track to finish the M.Div he began back then, and Lord willing, to go on from there.
• Rocketboy completed another CLEP test and his first “real” dual credit college course.
• This summer marked 20 years that ComputerGuy and I have been married!  I am so blessed to be married to my best friend!!   (My parents also celebrated their 50th this year!  What an amazing example to follow!)
• And despite everything, we were able to “tweak” our planned summer vacation. What was originally supposed to be an extensive trip out of state turned into an in-state adventure, but we were able to go horseback riding and ziplining. So much fun!  Rememberies made!
• I completed training to become a CASA volunteer.
• The Chickadee Nest is now celebrating THREE years of blogging!  Wow!

…and there’s been so much more!  Does it help to look back at the positives?  It does for me.  2021 is a wonderful blank slate now and unlike other years, it is a bit harder to make plans, but maybe that’s a good thing.  Maybe it’s a good reminder that we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.  Maybe we can make sure to make *today* count.

Abiding in Him

Last May I chose a word that I felt was applicable to the topsy-turvy world I was finding myself in then… you can revisit that Mother’s Day post here, but I feel like the word “Abide” is still applicable to this new year.  No matter what the world may throw at us, we can abide in His peace.  Finding that daily peace isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s stolen by a quick glance at the news or a mounting to-do list. Having Mt. Washmore in the kitchen or laundry room isn’t very conducive to peace.  In those moments, stop and take a breath.  Be intentional in recognizing exactly what it was that stole your peace.  Fix it.  Turn off the news. Get that to-do list started.  Be thankful for the blessings you have, and Who gave them to you.

“Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.  Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!”           – Psalm 84:2-4

 We spent more time at home in 2020 than we have in a long time, or maybe ever.  Is your home your sanctuary?

More than ever before, 2021 is truly a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate.