New Years Reflections

I love the turning of the calendar for a new year. This year, 2010, is special in several ways.

One it is a new decade (though I understand some don’t agree that the new decade begins now, I chose to believe so).  My personality loves to plan, so my mind races with one year and ten year dreams.

Second, on this new year’s eve a rare blue month will grace the sky. The last time a blue moon occurred at the end of the year was in 1990. The phrase “once in a blue moon” means a rare or unlikely event.  Blue moons are really not anything superstitious; just means the second full month occurring within one month.  I just think it is neat: like a symbol of a rare and outstanding new year approaching.

If you want to read a great column about this, I invite you to check out what Suzette Standring wrote. By the way she has a great book on the Art of Column Writing.

I am optimistic for the coming year. I honestly believe things will be better for our country and the world. I believe one person can make a difference so I for one will at least try to make a difference in my neck of the woods.

Here are some inspirational thoughts to start your new year off in a positive step:

“A new year is unfolding—like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within. Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others.
    As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance.” Anonymous

Recipe for a Happy New Year.
    Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
    Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.  Anonymous

A New Year’s Prayer.
Dear Lord, please give me…

A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
  
A work to do which has real value,
 without which the world would be the poorer;
  
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
  
An understanding heart;
  
A sense of humor;
  
Time for quiet, silent meditation;
  
A feeling of the presence of God;
  
The patience to wait for the coming of these things,

With the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen.

Dear friends, thank you for reading my blog this past year and I hope you will continue this coming year to join me in the spiritual journey.

Jeanie