Dear Beautiful Friends,
I type these three little words "Happy New Year" -- such a simple phrase, one that hardly seems to say anything.
Yet, if I were to assure you that I'm offering this well known phrase to you with all the fullness of affection and love that I have in my heart for you at this very moment in time, would your heart feel that I really do want you to have a happy new year? A year in which you'll be healthy and well in every cell of your being, that you'll have joy full and running over, good friends to hug and fuss over you occasionally, and to have not just enough, but more than enough of what you need and truly desire.
I'd also want your heart and mind to be at peace, where fear doesn't make itself to home in your thoughts, but that perfect love, which casts out all fear, will abide there instead.
In our up-side-down world, there certainly are trials and events around the globe that send our peace skittering for cover. But when we glance backward into history, every age and era has had its dark, darker, and darkest moments. Many hardly bear thinking of. Today, alas, is no different.
If you do find yourself fretting -- or looking forward with some anxiety trying to see into this new year -- perhaps you will find a measure of comfort and restored peace as you read this old saying I share below, written by St. Francis de Sales centuries ago.
I find it encouraging, for if people who lived through their dark historical eras can hand down such hopeful thoughts, then surely it's also possible for us, in our world today, to take heart – and hope -- as well.
Do Not Look Forward To What May Happen Tomorrow
The same God who cares for you today
will take care of you tomorrow and every day.
Either God will shield you from suffering,
or God will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, then;
put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
St. Francis de Sales,1567 - 1622
or God will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, then;
put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
St. Francis de Sales,1567 - 1622
And so I do wish you with joy and hope --
Happy New Year!
With a gentle kiss atop thy heads,
Brenda
xox
What beautiful and meaningful words. Thank you Brenda.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! Happy New year my friend! Hugs and kisses to you, too!
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts you've shared. You nailed it for me. Say, that is a beautiful photo of you! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words, Brenda. Thank you. May your new year be filled with the richness of God's presence and strength.
ReplyDeleteJust came across your blog from Lavender Dreamer. Very thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteHi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comment on my blog! I am actually more active on my instagram (which I have included in my blog), I post inspirational, motivational and Christian quotes to encourage people. For the time being, this is the way I offer help!
2015 is a fresh new start and I hope you do have a happy new year and a great year ahead! May God bless you and your family!
Dear Brenda - this was a wonderful post my friend. You will not know how much I needed to read St Francis' words this morning. They were certainly a blessing to me. May you have a beautiful New Year too my dear friend. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post for the first day of a new year. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful posts. Wishing the best in 2015. Happy New Year Brenda!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and encouraging post to start the new year. Happy New Year to you, too!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post to start the new year.
ReplyDeleteAll the best in 2015 Brenda.