"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands........" 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Thursday, December 29, 2022

The last space of this years calendar

will soon be marked off and a new calendar with serene photos.....
each with a hope filled verse, will be hung on the nail in the wall
for the new year.
I glance around at the still, dry, brown, areas of the yard and to where everything
lies in winter slumber.  In just a few weeks the tiny cheery yellow blossoms of 
the Italian Jasmine will be in bloom and just a few weeks after that, the fragrant
purple blossoms of the stock flower will be growing tall. It seems that nothing 
stays asleep for too long.
The usual excitement and activities that occur for the "sending out
the old year and welcoming in the new" happens all around in the
scattered cities......miles away from our home. For us, the new year arrives as 
quiet and calm as the old year leaves. We may play a game of cards, watch
fireworks and celebrations on the television, and maybe end the night with  a toast and a clink
of glasses when the time arrives.
New years day will have us enjoying a home cooked meal with the
"traditional" side of black eyed peas and we move on with the 
unfolding days with hope of good things to come.
The first days of this new year are predicted to be pleasant and sunny. 
Not too cold with just enough warmth from the short day of sunshine.
We had extreme low temps a few days ago before Christmas and now the trees have
let go of their remaining leaves but still have a winter loveliness with 
their gray limbs and moss patches on their rough bark.
On the bare limbs, I can now see empty bird nests and dried wasp nests that
were filled with life just a few months ago when the weather was warmer.
I reflect back on the year that is almost gone. There has been some 
worry, some sad moments, and some trying challenges.  But there has been
much joy and contentment in this quiet life that we are blessed to know, 
away from the maddening chaos that unfolds in front of us on the television. 
What this new year has in store and what it's days may bring to us, only 
time will reveal.
In my heart there is hope for peace filled days ahead and the prayer
for courage and strength to endure the challenges .....
come what may.
This is my wish for you as well and for the new year unfolding.
Wishing you all a very blessed new year.

" Winter does her own pruning. And I think that, as the new year begins, 
I might well do some pruning in my own life, keeping the essentials, the real values, 
and letting go the part that is no longer contributing to the growing time of my 
spirit."
                                 Gladys Taber







 

15 comments:

Granny Marigold said...

What a lovely post filled with deep thoughts of the past year and hopes for the one just about to arrive. I, too, hope and pray for a peaceful year and for courage to face whatever challenges come my way. Great quote from Gladys Taber. Happy New Year, Kathleen.

Os meus momentos favoritos said...

Happy New Year.

Latane Barton said...

I love that Gladys Taber quote. A new year, a new beginning.

Julia said...

I enjoyed reading your quiet post, full of hope and serenity. It's wise to finish and start the year in a quiet and reflective way and in Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your comment on my blog. I too will end and start the new year in a contemplative way, quietly giving thanks for all my blessings.

Wishing you blessings for health, peace, joy, hope, and contentment for 2023.
Happy New Year. Hugs

Julia



Marie Smith said...

Such a peaceful post! Happy New Year!

Prims By The Water said...

We must all be full of hope and serenity. Am hoping the new year will also bring peace to the world and may we be full of sunshine in our hearts. Janice

Henny Penny said...

Such a beautiful post. I always enjoy reading your posts and this one is extra special. Happy New Year!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Thanks, Kathleen, for this lovely year end post in which you looked back on this fast fading year and expressed hopes the new one coming fast. We also will be quietly anding the year at home hosting dinner with a couple of other residents and all looking forward to a happy 2023. Sending all best wishes to you and your family as well.

Hill Top Post said...

Oh what a lovely post filled with so much thought and hopes of happiness for the new year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2023.

Debra said...

Such a lovely post! I also love Gladys Taber and have a few of her books. Happy New Year my friend. It is a joy to know you...

R's Rue said...

So beautiful.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Barwitzki said...

Many nice greetings to you from Viola. Here's to the good days!
Happy 2023 to you and your loved ones.
A happy hug from me.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Thank you dear Kathleen for a well thought out gentle post. I love it.
It was very noisy here in the city both leading up to and following the New Year's start. Fortunately I'm not aware of anyone being hurt.
This is a sleeping sort of time, but also always a time of suppressed excitement as we start to plan the Springtime gardens. I have seeds ordered that should arrive next week and I'm ready to get them started! Hope your New Year develops into a totally wonderful year! Much love, Elaine

Faith said...

Beautiful Scenery! Happy New Year!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

I love the beautiful photos especially the sunsets. I sure hope you will have a very Happy New Year!