Sunday, December 30, 2018

Letting go of the plans...




We have now seen another Christmas come and go and hopefully, like me, you shared that precious day of celebrating the birth of Jesus with those you love and cherish.

It’s the hearts whom we share that day with which matter most of all, and that is why I’ve always loved the saying ‘hearts come home for Christmas’. If only those emotions felt on the day could be carried with us the other 364 days of the year, like the warmth that fills our heart as we stand singing carols with a child’s arms wrapped round our waist. Wouldn’t the year be something rather special all the way through if we did? A thought to ponder.

With 2019 just days away I am taking some time to reflect on the year that has gone, the major and minor changes, challenges and blessings which came with it – and I’m praising God that He did not tell me about most of them until they happened because I would have worried over more than a few.

Whilst it is fun to plan forward at the start of a new year, it can also be a way of setting ourselves up for future disappointment if those hoped for plans do not come to pass, and for me, already this past week I have had to adjust the plans which I recently shared with you (here) due to an unforeseen event which will affect how I maintain and grow my embroidery design business.

So I went to the Word for guidance and reacquainted my heart with Jesus’ instruction to not worry about tomorrow because we have enough to concern ourselves with today. I believe He was drawing our thoughts to the moment at hand, focusing our mind on the needs of this day and giving them precedence over what may come to pass tomorrow. After all, none of us can truly be assured that what we want to happen next week, next month or next year will even eventuate.

So it is in light of Jesus’ directions that I have chosen not to be dismayed at what has transpired this week but to look on it as an opportunity to begin afresh in 2019 and to follow His lead along this now slightly altered business path to the newness ahead.

What about you?
Has life offered up a rocky path lately; have the plans you made for next year come to a grinding halt even before you got to sing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight on the cusp of 2019?

I encourage you to let go with grace that which was and to open your hands to what is yet to be, trusting Jesus will be there guiding, loving and instructing you as you face whatever changes are to occur. He loves you. His plans for you, for me, are always for the best even when we cannot understand them. For now we look through a glass dimly…but one day all will be made clear.

As we step into a new year, may I encourage you to hold tightly to all that breathes life into your world, all that brings goodness and light, and all the relationships you wish to cherish and nurture. Open your heart to what is yet to come and let contentment flourish during your season of waiting.

On the flip side, as chaff is sifted from wheat, let go of the unnecessary; the superfluous; the things that rob you from living your best life; the things that hinder a closer walk with Jesus, and those dreams which were not meant to be.

And dear ones, may the Lord lift your heart with a happier and more blessed New Year than you could have planned for. 

hugs


22 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for these words!! This has been a rough year for me, financially, physically and emotionally. But on the other hand, I’m learning to trust my Heavenly Father more and more!! Please pray for me!

Nanna Chel said...

I have just been reading Val's blog post about the same issue, Jenny https://val-laird.blogspot.com/2018/12/when-rug-is-pulled-from-under-your-feet.html There must be a way around this so that all you clever designers can still have your beautiful designs published. Perhaps God will surprise you both. .

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful words from a beautiful soul. Happy New Year.

dixigirl said...

This kind of thinking ensures we will have a blessed new year & it will continue all year.Thank you for the encouragement.

Susan M. said...

Thank you for encouraging us! You will never know this side of heaven how much your gentle words mean to those who read them!

Allie said...

Good words, sweetheart - may we ever draw closer to Him!!

Kathy C said...

What a great encourager you are, Jenny! ♥ "Lord willing" has come to be so freeing for me, & sounds like for you too. May 2019 be a year that we can look back on, & truly see our Lord's grace, mercy & love. Hugs!!

Lin said...

Lovely post Jenny. 2019 May not be looking as you planned it but I hope that it will be a good year for you and all your family. Xx

TerriSue said...

Thank you for the encouraging words dear Jenny. One thing you said struck an extra large note with me. You mentioned if you had known of some things that happened you would have worried. My deceased MIL used to pride herself on her worrying. She said it showed her love for her family. What I saw was a burden on her family. Members were hesitant to share things as it would start Mom worrying. She grew up as a Christian and was a preachers wife, yet she didn't feel that God was able to handle things and by her worrying things would get better. Now I know this isn't you but let me continue. Watching her as a young bride I decided I would not go down the path she had chosen. I chose to not worry when I was barely 21. I replaced the word worry when it was something that needed to be taken to the Lord on a more continual basis with CONCERN. It is amazing how changing the word worry to concern alters the makeup of it. Concern doesn't bring about the nagging constant presence of a problem that you are not able to do anything about. That is what worry does. I encourage you to change this one word in your vocabulary. If worry doesn't have the same meaning in Australia as it does here in the USA I humbly apologize.
I am so glad that Craftsy gave you warning and then you to us. I went over there and looked at my loves list and bought patterns of yours while I was sure could. I also was able to purchase some from some other designers. If Craftsy did nothing else, they might have gotten some of us to stop waffling and finally buy what was on our list.
Happy New Year Dearest Jenny!!!

Peascod said...

Well said,(again) Something my heart needed to hear today. Your Sunday posts are such a blessing!

Mimi said...

Jenny, thankyou. This post is very appropriate for me as well. Life has changed greatly for us in the last twelve months. All good, thankfully, but change is stressful even when it's positive, so I am taking time to reflect and offer thanks for my family and loved ones on the Eve of a new year. Sending love to you and yours. Mimi xxx

Unknown said...

Thank you for those words Jenny. We will start the New Year without our beautiful daughter who passed away on Friday from cancer. She was 53.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

(((((hugs))))) Praying for you and your family, dear Vivienne. xxx

Farm Quilter said...

We do have to let go of whatever we are clinging to in order to receive the blessings God has for us. Reading TeriSue's comment...I have decided that if I worry about anything I'm just telling God I don't think He is up to the task and that I don't trust Him. So I'm with TeriSue...it is something I need to be praying more about! Excited to see the next leg of the journey He has planned for this next year.

Barbara said...

Your words, "let go with grace that which was and to open your hands to what is yet to be, trusting Jesus ... Excellent advice for us all.

Anonymous said...

Prayers and Blessings to YOU! Happy New Year!!!

Sherry said...

Thank you Jenny dear for these encouraging words. Life happens and so many times we have no control over what is or isn’t. I shall be focused on Clarity, Positivity, Prosperity, Good Health and Renewed Creativity throughout 2019. I shall strive to not waste precious time by doing what does not feed my soul. Blessings Dear...

Susan said...

I have not had a bump in the near past, and I'm grateful for that, too. =) I have been blessed in many ways lately, and I'm appreciating the break. I knew that you would consult with the Lord over changes to your plans, and I know the two of you will work things out for the best ... because you are a listener. I'll pray for your wisdom this coming week. =) I love the new blog design!

Demented Quilter said...

Jenny those words are beautiful. Thanks for your encouragement.

Grammy D said...

That is a greatpost just in itself. I have never been a worried and I have had a lot I could have worried about. I know God always has things under control and I dont need to tell Him how to do things. Hope you dont mind if I use some of your thoughts for my Bible Study group.

KingsailK said...

Thanks Jenny,a very Blest new year to you and yours.Let us keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus.

RevTrudy said...

Thank you. reinforcement of words preached last Sunday. God speaks to us in so many ways.