Have you noticed how much Change has happened this year? Not only globally but locally & maybe in your personal life too?

I believe at some point we have all found Change challenging & don’t necessarily handle it as well as we would like. But let’s see how we can better manage the challenges that come our way & enjoy the Blessings.

But first let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy for our time together. I’ve been endeavouring to lose a little bit of weight that decided to stick around after Winter (it’s now Summer here in Australia).

So I’ve cut back on some treats, although they were healthy, only enjoying a morning tea ‘healthier’ treat with my husband where we get to discuss the amazing revelations we’ve separately found in God’s Word.

If you join me here often then you will be aware of a few things that have happened this year that have brought Change with them.

And interestingly my theme for this year aka the Word of the Year (WOTY) is Change. So when I shared this at the beginning of this year I was a little hesitant in what this may entail;

Change is coming…

And that I’m not necessarily a fan of Change per se, as I’ve had too many sudden & unexpected changes, hitting straight out of left field, leaving me stunned & dealing with life changing trauma.

But as I explain in the post below  even these can be changed into great blessings depending on how we perceive them;

Do you struggle with change?

There is also Change that brings wonderful blessing like the birth of a new generation, as well as, the joy of experiencing God fulfill His promises to us & our loved Ones.

2024, the Year of Change

Sadly, July saw my Dad step into Heaven which means both my parents are now in Eternity, as my Mother passed away in 2022. While it’s comforting for me to know they’re both with the Lord, it’s still a time of grieving this side of Heaven.

This year has also revealed a few added diagnoses to the already existing Chronic conditions I deal with on a daily basis. This means I have needed to adjust & pace myself a little differently then before.

But it’s also been a year of many blessings, I’ve had the joy of my family visiting several times during this year. Being able to spend quality time with those I love, even in the challenges, is precious indeed.

I’ve also been able to host several mini Tea Parties & dinners for my family. With another planned in a few weeks, a Christmas Afternoon Tea, what joy!

And I’ve been able to get to our Ladies Fellowship morning teas regularly this year.  Getting together with precious sisters in the Lord for prayer & fellowship over a cuppa is such a blessing & great pleasure.

Change is Constant but not all is Challenging… 

And one thing that I’m excited to tell you is that when I hosted the mini Tea Party (shared in The Most Delicious Cupcakes Ever!) for my great grandson’s first birthday (before his official party interstate), he had a special message to tell me on his T-Shirt.

Yes, he’s going to be a big brother! My eldest granddaughter & her husband are expecting their second child! Another great grandchild is on the way! Change indeed can be a wonderful thing!

It’s such a wondrous time to see God fulfilling His promise in;

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

Deuteronomy 7: 9 BSB

Personal Change

Recently, I read a couple of my fellow blogger’s posts that shared they had significant change in their family celebrations with Thanksgiving this year. They were finding this change challenging. For their past traditions were now broken.

And I could relate to these gals. For I’ve noticed a lot of Change in how, when & where our family get togethers are now celebrated & this started during CoVid lockdowns & State border closures.

There were two weddings (my daughter’s & granddaughter’s), a 21st birthday & two funerals (one my mother’s) that I was prohibited from attending because of State restrictions. These events were all major mile stone family times that I missed.

But I’ve also realised this year that not only State restrictions can interrupt family celebrations but health issues can restrict us from being more involved.

These added diagnoses changed my ability to travel interstate this year, missing several family events. Although I saw the photos & video’s of these events it’s not the same as being physically present.

Spiritual Change

But the biggest change is spiritual, in that I’ve come to truly know that I can only do what I can do, I can not do any more then that.

Absolutely knowing, without doubt, that I’m living my Best Life through Jesus who strengthens me! . Echoing the words of Paul;

“Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.”

Philippians 4:11 AMP

And that is the biggest Change of all;

being content no matter what Change comes my way in the Changing seasons of life.

What about you my friend what changes have come your way this year? And have you learnt to be content within those Changes?

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

or in Prayer

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© 2024 Jennifer M. Ross,  Second photo is from a personal photo . All Rights Reserved.  First Photo is on pexels.com

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