New Year. Same You.

Confession.

I fell asleep on New Year's Day night with a tear-stained pillowcase.

A new year is typically filled with possibilities and hope as we close one chapter and begin anew. A fresh start with a 'go-get-em' mantra patting us on the back as we bravely set new goals and pursue old dreams.

So what are we to do when a new year drags along the pain and hardship from last season like a ball and chain we can't shake off? When it's a new year but the same you? When chronic illness or trauma feels debilitating, not letting you take even one step forward? When it feels like a thief is breaking in to steal your last seed of hope and you are too weak to fight?

We have one choice. We must CLING.

Too tired? Too weak?

Don't fight. Cling.

Cling to that seed of hope like your life depends on it because, in many ways, it does. Recorded in John 10:10, Jesus warns, "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy." If the enemy successfully steals our hope, he is one step closer to killing or destroying us. Jesus isn't trying to frighten us, so don't let your mind go there. In fact, he follows that warning with these words:"I came that [you] may have life and have it abundantly."

"I came that you may have life and have it abundantly."

You see, Jesus doesn't come on the scene and instantly make our circumstances better. He admits that we have a very real enemy (Satan) who is truly out to get us, and we have evidence of that all around us. We still live in a broken, fallen world. Illness, poverty, violence... none of us are immune to the pain of this world. But, there is that seed of hope when all seems hopeless... that abundant life we so desperately want. And it isn't as out of reach as we think.

I hope you will subscribe to this blog and follow along with me on my own chronic illness journey. I will be writing devotionals, just as this one, sharing wellness tips and recipes, and bring you along with me as I step into gardening as a newbie! Together, we can inspire hope as we pursue healing and dare to dream of abundant life to come. This blog is my way of taking my last seed of hope and sowing it in the ground, praying to the Lord that it will sprout, grow, bloom, then carry 'hope' seeds into the wind to reach you.

I'd love to send you some snail mail, a free gift with a note of hope to carry into this season. To subscribe to this blog, visit the homepage and give us your email address in the subscribe form. We will follow up asking for your home address, if you are so inclined, so we can send a gift your way as a "thank you for being here with us."

And remember, if you aren't ready to sow your seed, then just cling. You are loved by a God who sees you and knows your pain, and, for now, let that be enough.