Thursday, March 21, 2013

New Beginnings


Yesterday was the first day of Spring.  It was also my 65th birthday~ a big one for me in more ways than one.  It has given me pause to see this number come to light.  I certainly can't ignore it, as medicare has inundated me with stuff for the past three months!  Avoidance ~ maybe because it seems like such a huge milestone, and I felt discouraged every time I was reminded that I was aging.  Then I remembered that just five years ago I just wanted to make it to 60, so I decided to take a more positive approach as I walk with Jesus through this season of my life.  This season that feels more like Spring than Winter.

Not so long ago, I was fighting Lyme Disease as it wrecked havoc in my body.  That is dead and gone now thanks to the power of Jesus.  Three years ago at this time I was having surgery for uterine cancer.  I am still cancer free and believe I will stay that way!  I used to be homebound, but no longer!  I have also dealt with PTS due to childhood abuse memories, but God promises,  "I will give you back your health and heal your wounds" (Jeremiah 30:17).  I am not where I want to be~I have not arrived,  but I have left and I am on my way thanks to Jesus and His power that lives in me.  "It is for freedom that Christ set us free...."(Gal. 5:1)

When I think of Spring I think of new life!  Birds return, nesting as they prepare for babies...trees, bushes, and flowers blooming, replacing the drab grays of winter with bright colors.  New life coming to our broken bodies as Jesus wraps His healing arms around us.  I love that Easter is set in the spring, as it reminds us of the new life given to us when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead.  He made all things new.

Another definition of Spring for me?  A new beginning!  In the midst of winter in the Midwest it seems like nothing will survive the cold and snow.  But under the frozen ground, nature waits.  As the temperatures rise and the snow melts, signs of life appear once again.  Every green thing begins to bud, daffodils and crocus push through the earth, and tulips boldly declare their beauty.  New beginnings over and over again, year after year.  Just like what Jesus offers us~ Forgiveness and healing over and over again...we are set free like the plants that come forth....... New beginnings!

Walking with Jesus in the last year has changed our lives in ways we never thought imaginable.  My  husband has been ordained for 33 years, but preaching long before that.   After three years on disability from Lyme Disease, he was blessed one year ago this past January with overnight healing and is able to serve in ministry again.  Our eyes were opened to what is available and my own journey with healing began. Slowly, sometimes taking two steps forward and sometimes taking two steps backwards, I am on the road to health and I will never stop walking that road until I reach my destination.  Healing from Lyme damage, PTS, and more.   "It is for freedom that Christ set us free..." 

Spring....when the earth lets go of winter and nature is set free for new beginnings and new life! 

Salvation~ when humans let go of their past, are set free, and new beginnings bring new life! 

Healing~ when we are made whole and set free for new beginnings!


"It is for freedom that Christ set us free. 
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
 be burdened again
 by a yoke of bondage(slavery)."
Galatians 5:1
 

I am linking up with Bonnie over at  Faith Barista Jam and her word prompt for this week ~ Spring!

18 comments:

Debbie Petras said...

I loved reading of how God has walked with you through many trials in life. And 65 is a milestone. I recently celebrated my 60th birthday. I'm told that 65 comes quickly. :)

So glad your post was before mine for this Faith Barista Jam.

Blessings and love,
Debbie

Unknown said...

Dear Renee
I am so glad to hear that you are so much better. I suffer from Fm/CFS and have grown so much closer to our Lord through the illness. I know He has made complete provision for healing and that one day in heaven I will have a glorious new body without any pain.
Much love to you XX
Mia

Still Processing said...

SO GOOD! I love your recounting of reality blanketed in that praise report of your and your husband's tenacity, encouragement to us and commitment to after having done all, STAND! I pray this spring, your spring of 2013 is as beautiful, vibrant and fresh as the flowers you wrote about! I will pray for you! Thanks for your writing. It's lyrical.
Perhaps my piece today will add a little more "slush" to the still hard ground out there : )
http://stillprocessing2013.blogspot.com/

Still Processing said...

Renee, SO GOOD!
such a real-time peek into your and your husband's faithful walk Thanks for sharing your encouragement and tenacity with us. I am now praying for you: relief, healing and a big celebration to follow!
And...your photos were such great visuals. I could "see" and "feel" the import of your words. Perhaps my post can add a little "slush" to the yet - to- melt ground out there! lol

http://stillprocessing2013.blogspot.com/

HisFireFly said...

Celebrating your spring
knowing much fruit will come forth!

Transforming Texan aka Jean said...

Happy Birthday!!! What a testament to HIS faithfulness and your service! I pray that this spring bring not only new beginnings, but a wonder like you and your husband have ever experienced!!

Many blessings.

I am visiting from Faith Barista.

michelle said...

Amen and happy birthday!

Gayle said...

Oh this is so beautiful Renee. It matches so perfectly with my weekend post that I am going to do a link over to you.
May the spring blessings and miracles appear!

Gayle said...

I forgot to wish you a belated Happy Birthday! May this 65th year bring abundant blessings and rest for your soul.

Renee said...

Glad you stopped over Debbie from Bonnie's.

Renee said...

Hello Mia
Thanks for coming by!

Renee said...

Thank you still processing, for coming by and for your encouraging thoughts and prayers..

Renee said...

Blessings on your spring days too, hisfirefly!

Renee said...

Thanks so much Jean! And thanks for coming by ....

Renee said...

Thanks Michelle!

Renee said...

Thank you so much, Gayle....for the birthday wishes, for the link up, and for your words of encouragement.

sharon said...

Happy 65th Renee! So pleased to see you on a more positive path now. I have seen the change in you since I started visiting you last May. God is wonderful with his healing isn't he. Blessings

Anita Johnson said...

Happy, Happy Birthday to you, Renee!