This is New Years Day and 2023 is a blank slate. None of us know how the pages of our story will unfold. Sure, we can set our goals and make plans, but ultimately…
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
By the end of 2023 this now blank journal will be full. This is where I still my soul, attend to the Word, examine my heart, write my devotions, and pray.
At the end of 2023 I’ll read and reflect, and again I will be amazed at God’s patience with me, the prayers He will have answered, His great faithfulness, His abounding grace, His unexpected blessings, and His tender mercies even during difficult times.
Whatever our stories look like this year, let’s trust that our Father in heaven is intricately weaving everything together for His highest glory and our highest good.
He is the Author, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and history is really His-story!
Happy New Year everyone!
Quietly Roaring 
Happy New Year! The One who knows the road ahead delights in doing life with us. Let’s do this with Christ…
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Yes, amen!
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Thank you, Jo. Amen! God holds the past, present, and future in His capable hands.
It’s still about two hours until 2023 in our time zone.
I look forward to reading your blog in this brand new year. God Bless!
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Thanks David happy New Year!
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Amen 🙏🏽. Happy new year to you Jo.
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Thanks Manu and to you!
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Happy new year! Thank you for the kind reminder that God is involved 100%.
Praying that this year brings God’s blessings to each of us.
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Amen Funmi!
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Happy New Year, Jo! God’s mercies are new. Looking forward to hearing what God gives you to share with us throughout 2023! Lots of love, hugs and blessings!
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Thankyou Mandy! Bless you!
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Happy New Year! God goes before us and so all is well. Blessings!
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Yes Patty because He lives we can face whatever tomorrow brings! Bless you!
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Thank you, Jo, for such an encouraging message to read as I wake up to the first day of a new year! I love these words of yours that bring such hope ‘At the end of 2023 I’ll read and reflect, and again I will be amazed at God’s patience with me, the prayers He will have answered, His great faithfulness, His abounding grace, His unexpected blessings, and His tender mercies even during difficult times.’ Praise God! Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year to you too Benita! Bless you!
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Amen. I am impressed that you have one journal. I have an addiction to journals and have a different one for everything. Ha I guess if I have to have an addiction, journals aren’t bad.
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Ha ha no I have several. My main journal for daily devotions, a gratitude journal where I list things, a quotes journal and an ideas journal! I admit the last two don’t get much use except for when the mood strikes!
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Haha You’re funny!
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After seeing decades of journals pile up, I have pretty much stopped writing thoughts in a notebook. I guess my blog is my journal these days. Every time the Lord gives me some experience that gives me “divine perspective,” my first impulse (after thanking Him) is to share it with my readers. ❤
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That’s great you can do that! I’m a very private person and stuff only makes it to my blog when I feel led in that direction. Which is why I haven’t blogged much lately!
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One thing about being transparent, you don’t worry much about what people will find out about you. 😉 (I guess I’m more “noisily roaring.”)
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Nailed it…The difference between extroverts and introverts 😜
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There is nothing as daunting to a writer than that dreaded blank page; but glory be to God, He is our Author and Finisher – we hold to Him and follow His Light. God guide and bless you richly in 2o23 sister 🙏
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Thankyou Alan 🙂
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A blank page- what a wonderful way to welcome a new year. I just pulled out my new journal for this year. I think the hardest page to write on is that first one. It’s funny how last year’s journal seems like an old friend while this years’ is like a new acquaintance that I’m shy about getting to know.
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Perfectly described Beth! Can so relate to that!
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What a sweet analogy, Beth. ❤
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