All Things New

A new year, new day, new mercies ... gifts from the One who makes all things new.

My name for this year is Praise, and today I praise Him for-

a new year, a blank slate, a new beginning
new plans for our family, education, ministry
new habits, a new focus ...

 Forget the former things;



do not dwell on the past.


See, I am doing a new thing!


Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?


I am making a way in the wilderness


and streams in the wasteland.


The wild animals honor me,


the jackals and the owls,


because I provide water in the wilderness


and streams in the wasteland,


to give drink to my people, my chosen,


the people I formed for myself


that they may proclaim my praise.

Isaiah 43:18-21



Gratefulness



You that have giv'n so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.
See how your beggar works on thee
By art.


He makes your gifts occasion more,
And says, If he in this be crossed,
All you have giv'n him heretofore
Is lost.


But you did reckon, when at first
Your word our hearts and hands did crave,
What it would come to at the worst
To save.

Perpetual knockings at your door,
Tears sullying your transparent rooms,
Gift upon gift, much would have more,
And comes.

This notwithstanding, you still went on,
And did allow us all our noise:
Nay, you have made a sigh and groan
Your joys.

Not that you have not still above
Much better tunes, than groans can make;
But that these country-airs your love
Did take.

Wherefore I cry, and cry again;
And in no quiet can you be,
Till I a thankful heart obtain
Of thee:

Not thankful, when it pleases me;
As if your blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Your praise.
     ~ George Herbert