New Year, New Beginnings

It is hard to believe that it is already 2011. Remember the Y2K scare? It seems like it was just yesterday. 2010 passed too quickly, though it was full and thoroughly enjoyable. Tim returned from his first deployment almost a year ago, and we are saying goodbye once again. He will be deployed for 6 months to the sunny, sandy Middle East, flying a fine aircraft, and earning his "hero" title. I get to stay in Rapid City where winter will last too long; thankfully, work, friends, and Ellie will keep me busy.
I have already experienced a newness this year -really a refreshing of God's grace in my life. I would like to believe I'm growing in Christian maturity, but sometimes I still like to wallow in negative feelings, doubts, and fears. Thankfully, God's grace is too generous to me to keep me in those selfish ways. In preparation for the time of separation for Tim and me, God has flooded me with an inexplainable peace, joy, and rest in His goodness. It almost feels surreal, but I don't want to take it for granted or presume that I should be having negative feelings instead of owning His grace. God promises joy instead of mourning, peace instead of fear, and trust instead of doubt. Bless Him for His marvelous grace! I hope that you may experience His renewal in 2011.