New and Fresh

As you can see, I have been playing around with the design of the blog. Yes, I finally found the "customize" stuff and it's quite fun to post on a new background!

I do not know what it is about having something new that makes you feel "renewed". Old things are good and useful, but sometimes one just needs something new.

Recently there was a message posted on my email about "old things" and how important it is to keep, treasure and fix up the old things. That is so true. The article suggested that we do not know how long we will have these precious things, so we ought to fix up the items that have been tried and true and we especially ought to cherish the old relationships of family and friends. Tears came to my eyes as I went on to be reminded of how much we will miss dear ones when they pass from this world. The appreciation of those with whom we have known, and spent such special times, swept over me and the loss of those who have gone on before was felt anew.

I don't know about you, but when I purchase a new flavor of toothpaste, new fragrance, shampoo or lotion, for instance, I can hardly refrain from trying it and sometimes using a fair amount of it before the old product is quite gone. There is a small collection of old-style hairbrushes, clips, eye-gels, lip balms and fragrances in a plastic shoebox in our bathroom. Occasionally I do go through it and find something that was tucked there a year or so back; even then, it's like a new product again!

Bradley's toys went through cycles. Keeping an eye on the things that he was playing with the most, I would sneak others into a box and place it on the upper shelf of the closet. Months later these would be brought out and reintroduced. He was thrilled with the new toys and again I'd pick several of the forgotten ones to be set up until a later date. Everyone loves to get something new or even something "new again"!

Often we cling to the old things. Many of them are worthwhile, build character and serve to enrich our lives. Others can keep us from moving forward or cripple us from trying something new, even when we know that we should.

The most wonderful new thing that I possess is new LIFE. When I received the Lord's way of salvation, through His death and resurrection, my life became new. The best thing is, it never has an expiration date! Romans 12:2 reminds me that each time I spend in fellowship with God in His Word, I am renewed in the spirit of my mind. It is a possession that is new and stays new forever!

Here I post a picture of two dear, old friends. They have been best friends since before they started school and remain close to this day.

I am sorry that I have not been more diligent in regular posts lately. Life does have its way of dragging us down from time to time. Tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities. I'll wait to see what the Lord brings my way and hope to be back tomorrow morning with new thoughts!