What Are You Doing New Years Eve

This New Years Eve, I took a ride on my bike through the neighborhood. The weather was perfect and I saw so many beautiful things that I love to look at. Had to take my camera along and shoot some pictures. Probably one of my most favorite things to do. I was thinking a lot, praying, reflecting on this past year and wondering about the new year to come. I thought I would share some thoughts with you. I even took a picture of my shadow. Which proved to be quite a challenge keeping the bike balanced and NOT DROPPING the camera and smiling all at the same time. In 2010, this is the age I became. Never thought I would live to be this old. Ha...I realize now that 4o is the new 13? *smile*

Even in the cold of winter, there are beautiful blooming flowers. All a gift for our eyes from up above. How many times do I pass them by and not give thanks for just the ability to look and enjoy and just take in? Reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom, who while she was locked in a concentration camp in a cold, dark cell. She once was walked to the wardens office and without someone seeing her, stopped and picked some little white flowers and kept them in her cell as God's gift of beauty to her. Everytime I see white flowers I am reminded to be thankful.

I liked the color of this fire hydrant and apparently the ants think it's good enough to build their little home beside.

These pecan trees have been around for years. For some reason, they are just beautiful to me in the winter, with the moss hanging like jeweled necklaces swaying in the breeze. I can just stand there for hours looking at them. You can see balls of mistletoe in the top. I thought about climbing up and getting some down. Thought about it. Didn't do it. Not such a climber these days.

Doesn't this just take you away somewhere? It does me.

I think about how many New Years these trees have seen. Were they here when horse and buggies were traveling by? Like Little House on the Prarie? Then did they see the First Model T Fords go by? Like on the Waltons? And now, the air conditioned cars with TV's inside? I just think about things like this.

And hands down, this is one of my most favorite places to go in the world. This is my solitude . You hear birds, wind, a duck or two, a hoot owl but, no traffic, no horns. This is a great place to talk to the Lord and listen. It's a great place for a picnic lunch. I hope to do more of that next year. It's a great place to catch bream. Another great place for pictures. I am more thankful than I have ever been for the opportunity to go here.

How about the cool colors of everyones boats? I am just learning to look at everything for what's beautiful and not what's wrong. I pray for eyes that see beauty in chaos.

A road covered in leaves like a blanket. Reminds me of the white paper they lay down the aisle for a bride to walk down.

A single red leaf. Just there for me to look at and admire. And then watch the wind fly it away somewhere and hoping someone else will appreciate it's color like I just did.

33. I always think of 33, the age Jesus was when He died on the cross for me. And He gave Himself willingly. They didn't take His life. He gave it. * sigh* He loved me before I even ever was. I can never comprehend that. I can never think about that without crying. And what does He want from me? Just a yielded life to Him. A relationship. Minute by minute communication. Total dependence on Him for everything.

I saw this Yield sign several times today while riding. I heard His gentle voice. His loving and caring voice.

"Jana, yield, give, hand over everything to me. Everything that concerns you, keeps you awake at night, that scares you, that brings you joy, hand it to Me and allow Me to take you into this next year."

And I say.....yes, I need you, Jesus, to be in control of every part of my life.

When I saw these bamboo plants I remember this verse.

A BRUISED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK, AND SMOKING FLAX HE WILL NOT QUENCH; HE WILL BRING FORTH JUSTICE TO TRUTH. Isaiah 42:3

And the truth is, this year has had so many things that have happened, that I feel like a bruised reed. Just discarded and laying there, can't get up on my own but, HE promised me. HE WILL NOT BREAK!!!! He's strengthening me daily and providing for me. HE will not let me fall. HE will be my strength. HE has been my help in time of need. HE is my fortress and refuge. I will praise Him in the good and in the bad.

And I will say for this past year and this coming year....My eyes are upon you.

2 CHRONICLES 20:12

......."FOR WE HAVE NO POWER AGAINST THIS GREAT MULTITUDE THAT IS COMING AGAINST US; NOR DO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO, BUT OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU."

And this is my motto. And my prayer. And my very breath. My eyes are upon my Saviour, the one who gave His very life to die for my sins. And no matter where this year takes me, I am safer in His loving arms in the storm than in smooth waters alone.

Look how tall the bamboo plants grow when they aren't bruised. I see this as a promise to me for the upcoming year. Thanks for reading the reflective side of me. I know it's a shock.