Beginning anew

Not particular excited about the title, but I'm back... it's been an interesting 2 month journey. I'll share some of my experiences and learnings in future posts, but how... 

What's next! Not a question... a statement. (Somehow I think that 2023, the start of a new year and the end of my hiatus, begins on a Sunday, lovely beginning.) Somewhere in the middle of the hiatus time I sense a direction toward 'stand alone' books rather than series (there are 3 series with 5 books in each series). Unless something changes, stand alone is going to be my approach - the new book is going to be called, "Being You"... at least at this point.

First, we all have to come to the realize that becoming is an on-going, never ending process. Personally, I kinda like that. It's not that there aren't certain 'is' or permanent pieces like salvation and the Lordship of Jesus; but there are also the growing understandings - a process. A long time ago I came to the obvious conclusion that when it comes to spiritual matters - nothing is ever one and done, we all continue to grow in understanding and application. Read the Message Bible in how they share Paul's comments in Philippians 2:12-13

   "What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what 

    you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in

    responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better

    yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and

    sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you,

    God himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure."

While the issue of salvation is one and done, the continuing understanding and appreciation is not. Many translations use the words 'work out your salvation in fear and trembling'. Obviously We continue to discover, to grow, to understand; which, obviously, our enemy does not want. Part of the reason would be our own understanding and standing... but part is what we share, demonstrate that others can learn.

For me, my best confirmation that I'm on my path, working and developing my gift is when I sense a kind of peace. If I'm not obsessing over what's next or trying to create 'it' in my mind; when I'm not restless in my spirit about my understanding... then I am on the right path headed in the right direction. Next I tend to start thinking about what the path will look like. Will the path be smooth, will there be pebbles, potholes and/or obstacles, maybe there are a lot of over hill and down in the dale, perhaps the path with have flowers or trees along the side. The answer is 'yes' - to all and more.

The point in all this is to remind us all that life is a continual process. And we are intimately engaged in this. Life can be abundant... but how do you define the word? What do you want your journey to be, to look like - how do you want to experience it - and circumstances play only part you give it. Beginning anew is not dismissing or forgetting the past but not being held captive to it. If you want to make a difference, be fruitful then our face is pointed forward and your hand can be firmly in the hand of the Lord. It's always OUR choice.