Well here we are in a new year with all of its potential for change. But do we actually want change?
This will be our reflection for today my friend, so grab yourself a cuppa & treat for our time together.
I’ve gone back to my old favourite, that’s also good for the digestion, which is a cup of Earl Grey tea & my treat, simple Apple wedges.
Change
I must admit that after all the sudden & unexpected changes that have come into my life, often hitting from left field, I’m not necessarily a fan of change.
Although, I do know that the change that comes to us, whether negative or positive, offers us the opportunity to draw closer to our Heavenly Father through His Son & our Saviour, Jesus.
I’m sure we could all write a list of some wonderful changes we would like to see in our life & the lives of those we love but life doesn’t necessarily work like that…does it?
Often we bring our prayers & requests to the Lord, hoping & expecting change the way we think it should go, but God doesn’t work like that… For His answers are often wait or no that’s not my perfect will for that situation.
So change the way we want it, isn’t necessarily wise in God’s eyes!
However, change is a necessary part of life & will come to us whether we want it or not! Just like the four seasons in nature, each season brings its nurturing elements for growth & renewal.
So do the seasons of life for us. For without them we would become stunted in our Spiritual growth.
Word of the Year (WOTY)
And that brings me to the word for this year. At first Eternity seemed to stand out, especially after reading Mr Eternity for our Book Club.
And thought this may be the particular focus God has for me in 2024 but then the word Change shone brightly.
Last year’s WOTY was Season & what wonderful things God revealed over the course of 2023 surrounding Season.
One very special highlight was entering the Season of Great Grandmotherhood with the safe arrival of my great grandson Colten. I now hold the title & role of great Nanny, as well as Mama & Nanny!
He is such a little cutie! Here he is at the Baby Spa where his Mum & Dad learnt baby massage (& some fun photos of course!).
Great grandmotherhood is a delightful season. It holds so many wonderful blessings in being able to hold & cuddle the newest member of our family, see my eldest granddaughter become an amazing new Mum & my daughter an adoring Granny is a privilage in my Bonus Years.
We have five generations of our family living on this planet at the moment who walk in God’s love.
Keeping His promise of;
‘…showing mercy and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.’
Exodus 20: 6 AMP
2024 a New Season, Eternal change
Thus, in my journal for 2024, I have begun with the heading Eternity with the WOTY Change under it. Many of you may be thinking, well Jennifer isn’t that just the course of our daily walk with the Lord?
Well the answer is Yes & No, let’s pondered for a moment on how often we truly focus upon these two aspects of life with a heart of willingness & expectancy for an entire year?
I’m assured of the following;
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (the sudden & unexpected), for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deut 31:6 (words in brackets mine)
How can I be strong & courageous in the face of change when my resilience is low?
By allowing God’s strength & courage to fill & change my inner most being. Trusting He has something wonderful to reveal to me in the change that is to come this year.
And changing within has a very important purpose, as the following scripture tells us;
” …do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
2 Cor 4: 16 BSB
How do you cope with change my friend? I’d love to hear your reply in the comments below.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2024 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo used with the permission of Colten’s Mum & Dad.
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Lovely thoughts on change. We have to accept them. However, sometimes, we don’t necessarily like them until we adjust to them.
Thank you, Yes adjustment is a process…
I’ve found that my response to change depends on whether it’s something I like or something I don’t like. 🙂 If it’s pleasurable, bring it on! If not, I don’t like change. This will be a wonderful Word of the Year, Jennifer! So glad you linked up with our One Word community.
Thank you Lisa! 🙂
Congrats and enjoy the little ones. It’s so great to hear our littlest one running around and calling out to us. We are so blessed.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 292. See you again next week!
Thank you Esme! Indeed it’s a beautiful time in life 😊
It’s so interesting God had us on the same wavelength this week! It was funny that our posts were right next to each other at Joanne’s place this morning. Some changes are fun–like babies! Others, not so much. But God’s grace is sufficient for each one.
Yes, I saw that 😊. I love it when God has two or more with a word from Him in agreement Barbara.
God is good all the time!
First, congratulations on the arrival of Colton! Truly a blessing to experience another generation in your family! I do not find change easy either and yet, as I trust the Lord I come to realize He knows what is best and good for me. But it truly is a process. It will be interesting to read how your word impacts your life this year. Happy New Year, Jennifer! You are a blessing and your words always bring encouragement!
Thank you Joanne, you too are a blessing my friend. 😊
And yes God does know what’s best for us, which we realise as we process the change in our lives.
embracing the next generations is such a joy, a reward, a blessing. and praying for them becomes a full-time work in and of itself …
That it is Linda! My grandmother used to say she started off praying for just her three daughters, then they got married, then they had children & then the children had children & she was praying for a crowd! 😂
How exciting to be a great grandmother! I’m 38 and already a grandmother to two (a three year old and a 3 month old) AND I have a 15 month old myself!! Babies all around!
Thank you Megan! I was a young Mum & Granny too! Although not so young great granny 😉 It’s wonderful to have the next generation to keep us on our toes ☺️
Stopping by for my first cuppa of the new year with you. I can’t wait to savor your delicacies in your words and virtually sitting having yummies with you.
I don’t handle change well at first. I mean sometimes Jesus puts change right in front of me. Sometimes he throws me for a loop and it takes me a bit to process but then I’m good.
Visiting today from Crazy Little Love Birds 19 #25
{{Hugs}}
Hi Paula, so lovely to have you join me in a cuppa my friend. Yes, it does take awhile to process… doesn’t it?
I was talking to someone yesterday who said, since the CoVid years, they only like change if they’re in control of it. I think we can all relate to that…don’t you?
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
As always, you inspire! Change is a good word for this year. Some change is welcomed and some is not as far as our world is concerned.
Thank you my sweet friend for your words of grace!
Thank you Pam! ❤️
Congratulations on becoming a great grandmother! I am thrilled that my son & daughter-in-law are expecting another baby.
Change is a good word for 2024. There has been a whirlwind of cultural change in the U.S. We have a presidential election coming this year with a very divided population. Through the year I need to rest in God’s sovereignty–and seek His guidance for navigating a troubled time.
Thank you Carol & congratulations to you on another grandchild on the way!
Yes, we live in very tumultuous times, we definitely need to rest in His arms my friend.