THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

December 28, 2022

LIFE IN THE FOLD

As another year is drawing to a close, it can become a time for reflection. I often take time to think back over the past year; then look ahead to the new year and wonder what it will bring.

The year 2022 has overall been a good year for Jon and me. Overall, we have been healthy, with very little sickness. Jon has had some issues with his back, but has been able to work through it and continue going. Throughout the past few years of Covid, neither of us have ever gotten sick with it.

Jon has been able to keep busy at the company he works for, which has been a really good company for him to work for these past 14 years.

I still get to hang out with my nephew's kids, which brings me pleasure. This year I mainly pick them up after school in the afternoons; but sometimes get to stay with them if they get a day off and their parents have to work.

Jon has spent the past few months working on a new nicer, bigger workshop/shed in our backyard. It has been a huge project, and he is doing an amazing job building it by himself.

We have been safe, protected, healthy, strong and incredibly blessed. God has blessed us with a wonderful home, vehicles that are dependable, and stable finances. We are blessed with loving families and good relationships with our family members. And most importantly, Jon and I each have a committed relationship to God and to one another.

This past year has brought about a few changes. My sister had been pastoring our church since her husband passed away over ten years ago. She felt God release her from pastoring and knew that it was time to resign as pastor and allow someone else to come in and lead the church through this next season. It has been a big change for us, not having her as our pastor. So far, God has not led anyone to the church as pastor, and people within the church are taking turns ministering to the congregation.

Jon's mom was in the hospital a couple times; with the last time leading to her being in skilled nursing for a few weeks. Due to her needing a little more care than before and help with her medication, we (with her approval) made the decision to move her from independent living to assisted living; which had been a blessing and she has adjusted well.

I've had an aunt, uncle, and cousin pass away this year. Thankfully, they all had a relationship with Jesus, so we know where they now are, which brings comfort.

None of us know what the new year will bring. We can anticipate, plan, dream and have hope; or we can be fearful, dread, and expect the worst. The truth is, whatever happens, God is in control! His love and care for us will never change. Our expectation for eternity is not impacted by what happens here on earth. So I'd rather live with peace and joy and hope in my heart!!

I would like to look at Isaiah 43 as our encouragement for the year 2023!

The chapter begins by telling Israel (which could be said to us, also) to listen to the Lord who created you. The God who formed us says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine."

God speaks those same words to us today. It wasn't only for the Israelites thousands of years ago. God still is the one who created and formed each of us. He tells us to not be afraid! He has called us by name and we belong to Him!

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." (Isaiah 43:2)

No matter what the coming year brings, good or bad, God will walk through it with us. His plan is never to destroy us, but walk through each day with us and give us His protection. His desire is to draw us closer to Him.

Verse 13 says, "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch you out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."

Further down, God reminds the people what he had done in the past. Then in verse 18-19 says, "But forget all that -- it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?"

It's easy to remember the past to the point of forgetting to look ahead to the future. We may dwell on our mistakes and failures of the past, so that we continually feel unworthy of God's favor and mercy. Over and over again, we beat ourselves up for past sins; even though we've repented and God has forgiven us. It is not God reminding us of those things, but Satan's attempt to hinder us from moving forward and accepting God's forgiveness and grace.

Verse 25 speaks to that by saying, "I -- yes, I alone -- [meaning God] will blot out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again!"

God promises to forgive, remove our sins, and never remember them again!! That's pretty awesome!!

Sometimes we may also dwell on the good things and good memories of the past, to the point that we fail to see the goodness and kindness of God in the present. It's fine to look back and remember the blessings and good things that have filled our life. It's a good thing to look back and enjoy the memories of family and loved ones. But let us, also, see what God is doing today and how He is continuing to work in our life!

We can enjoy the blessings of God in the present, while thanking Him for what He has done in our past; yet looking ahead with expectation and hope to the future!!

May you look to the coming year with expectation and hope for seeing what God has planned for your life!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

You probably already know the story of Joseph. His brothers sold him as a slave, and he was taken to Egypt. While there, God warned the Pharaoh of Egypt through a dream and Joseph's interpretation of the dream that he should spend seven years stockpiling food to prepare for a famine.

Before the Last Supper (the last meal Jesus ate with all His disciples), Jesus sent His disciples to prepare a room for Him. They had to set up a table (or a few), chairs, and plates, had to make sure they could get food, including wine and unleavened bread, make sure the room was clean, etc.

Sometimes we have to prepare for the long term, and sometimes for the short term. But we do need to prepare for our future. That doesn't mean we need to fret and worry about it. There were also times Jesus sent His disciples with instructions not to bring extra food, clothes or other preparations.

So let us prepare for the new year, welcome it with open and ready arms. But don't fret about what we will eat or where we will live. Trust that if we prepare according to what we are able, Jesus will make sure there is food for us to eat and a place to sleep.

ON THE MENEWE:

Hidden Valley Ranch Oyster Crackers

Whisk together oil, dry dressing mix, and spices.

Put the crackers in a large bowl and pour the mixture over the top; stir to coat evenly.

Spread crackers on a baking sheet and bake at 275 for 15-20 minutes.

Store in ziplock bag or airtight container.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

Growing up, my family generally celebrated New Year's eve by attending a singing at our church or a neighboring church. The church would be packed, with people from area churches gathering to sing in the New Year. I think the ladies would often bring food and we would have a time of fellowship and eating at some point during the evening. We would ring in the New Year with singing and prayer.

Then daddy's birthday was on January 1^st, so we would celebrate him on New Years day.

Nowadays, Jon and I generally bring in the New Year by staying up and watching a movie and eating snacks. We've tried to go to bed earlier some years, but we have neighbors who shoot off fireworks at midnight, so have found it's easier to just stay up. Although we don't see him on his birthday, Jon's brother, Ken, celebrates his birthday on January 1^st. Happy Birthday!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Isaiah 43:18-19a

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org