It's a new year, and with that comes a fresh kind of feeling--like the mistakes I made in the past year can be wiped clean for a brand new start. It's like washing a chalkboard full of marks and smudges. Until you put that first word--or line--or number on the board it looks brand new. That's how this new year looks, clean, bright, empty, and brand new. Of course, I know it won't last (already my calendar is filling up). But for now anyway, my days feel new. I feel revived, and ready to face the challenge.

Of course, with the new year come resolutions. I've only made one because I know ME! My resolution is spelled
C-U-R-V-E-S! I went today and yesterday. My aim is to work out 3X a week, so I'm hoping I can stick with it this time. I've lost the weight, and now it's a matter of toning muscle.

Along with this resolution comes my "theme" for the year, which is TRUST. I've been thinking about this word and how it coincides with faith. I think they go hand-in-hand, but also have separate meanings. To me, "trust" seems like a quiet assurance, while "faith" seems more active. At any rate, trust is something for which I'm seeking to improve w/ regard to my spiritual walk. So many issues of life disrupt my faith in a Holy and soverign God. Time to take my eyes off self and focus more on God and others. Not always easy--but necessary.

A good verse to reflect on is Provers 3:5,6, which simply says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."


Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com