Welcome 2009!!!

Well, my blogging hiatus is officially over. I have enjoyed seeing others take a break from their blogs over the Thanksgiving and Christmas season -- to know that I'm not alone. Saying that, I really enjoy those friends who regularly blog and look forward to what they share. My muse was defitinitely quiet for awhile ;)

This time has been contemplative and prayerful for me. My blog may reflect some of those 'aha' moments for just a time, or may be a lasting change for my life.

One example of this thought, is that I've felt that my blog writing follows my photographs, so there must be an event or I must take photos before I write. It has felt great to release that order -- saying the first of many good 'nays' to routine things.

Another example, is, although I live a pretty simple life by today's standard, I've noticed that I no longer cope with even regular stress well lately -- and have found continuing peace and contentment important to maintain - again saying 'nay' to invitations to events, people's requests for help, etc....it became clearer that I am more of a 'people pleaser' than I admitted to myself or others, which always puts additional pressure to perform.

One blogger friend says that for the past two years, she has begun the new year with a word or phrase - e.g. 'God is faithful' her first year, and 'purposeful' for this year; and then, to be mindful of those terms and their life impact throughout her year.

So, for 2009, my hope is that I will 'Wait upon God's grace'....through the years I have learned a lot about the blessings of obedience to 'wait', but I would like to be able to be mindful of those instances or happenings, and then to rejoice -- even through the waiting time...Thanks, Karen! You are an inspiration to me.