Happy New Year friends!
My babes are still on Christmas vacation, so we’ve been doing lots of family type stuff. However, one thing I’ve enjoyed doing solo is perusing one of my Christmas gifts from the kids and David: the Chronicles of Downton Abbey. While it talks about the show, it also gives historical context for the show’s characters and what it was like to live in England before and after World War I. Sure, parts of the book read like an upscale People magazine, but since I’m not above reading People magazine, I don’t mind.
One thing I’ve learned is Downton Abbey or not, the society of 1920 England did not celebrate second chances. If you made a grievous mistake, that mistake could mark you for life. Wealthy people had more resources to hide sins, but even they couldn’t always escape ruined reputations. Fresh starts were as easy to grasp as the wind.
So when I unwrap my new calendar and hang it up, I am thankful for a big fat fresh new start in a fresh new year. But honestly, we don’t need a January for a fresh start. We can have ourselves the same new day on March 9th or October 16th as on January 1st or January 2nd. His mercies are new each morning.
Below are some serious and not-so-serious ways I’m inviting a fresh start into my heart and home. Maybe they will encourage you, too?
13 Ways to Get a Fresh Start in 2013
1. Buy a new journal with good, stiff pages. Use it.
2. Count and record all the ways God loves you.
3. Invest in “The Do What You Can” Plan ebook by the world’s bona fide best cheerleader, Holley Gerth.
4. Give yourself time. Fresh starts are about quality, not quantity.
6. Walk through a fear and do something amazing.
7. Uncross your arms and wrap them around somebody.
8. Buy flowers for yourself.
9. Write a letter, send a card.
10. See how a changed heart can lead to a changed life.
11. Clean out a closet {oh, how mine is beyond desperate}.
12. Grab your camera or a loved one {or both} and take a walk.
13. Remember God gives unlimited do-overs and gets the final say.
I love you, friends. May 2013 be good to us all!
What are some ways you’re inviting a fresh start this New Year?
That passage from Lamentations is one of the best ever, ever, ever. And wow – I’ve already done 1 (it was a gift), 7, 9, and 11…am about to do 4…and hope to do 6 very soon, with the help of 13 🙂 Peace to you, friend.
That’s awesome. Happy New Year, Sonika!
Kristen, your family did a great job on your gift! I had NO idea there was such a thing as The Chronicles of Downton Abbey. I may or may not be obsessed with that show. Ha! I have been thinking alot about fresh starts this year and how God is a God of fresh starts. He freely gives them to us whenever we repent and turn toward Him. He is ridiculously faithful!!! Your list is on point! I can get on board with the whole thing. Praying that 2013 is your best year yet! May it be filled with God’s goodness, purpose, hope and joy! Grateful for you! Love you lots!!!
Karina, I’m thankful for you, your prayers, and your grace! Happy New Year.
Happy New Year! Looking forward to Sunday night and season 3.
I like your 13 list 🙂
Wish you could come over – or vice versa – so we could watch together.
LOVE #7. Someday, I want to give you a real hug. 🙂
Happy New Year.
OH, Jennifer! You too. So much.
Happy New Year!
Love this…GRACE!!