Friday, February 04, 2011

NEW BEGINNINGS ~ WHITER THAN SNOW





A new year brings new challenges. Challenges in tatting (like Jane Eborall’s Tat It and See), new techniques and in the tatter’s lives.  A broken ankle for one, a broken promise to another, presumptions, jealousies. . .an endless list of everyday challenges.  
Are we ready for a New Year, a New Beginning?

I’m always intrigued by the personality that keeps a record of ‘wrongs’ or perceived wrong doings ~ for years.  How can I remember what terrible thing I did when she was 10 years old; and, how bad could the action/spoken word have been towards a beloved grandchild?  Since an accuser seldom specifies what it was done we are left ~ clueless.  This is not an uncommon phenomena; I’m guilty of digging around in the past, also.  My final conclusion was, “She  (my Mom) did the best she could with who she was.”  And I let go the grievance; I choose to remember the loving acts and moments of tenderness.  Humanity’s love is conditional, no matter what we say.  Even a parent’s love can be filled with conditions.  

God is the only source of unconditional love; He alone dispenses of our infidelities (to Him and others) , sins, and hateful phrases and acts.  He alone offers a new beginning, a slate wiped clean and our stained self washed whiter than snow; given a cloak of righteousness ~ which is his own covering, for we have no righteousness of our own.   Take hope in His promises.  Because Jesus sacrificed His all on our behalf, took our punishment upon himself ~ total forgiveness is ours.  Consider these promises that are here for you which exemplify God’s unconditional love!  


Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.  “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they be red as crimson, they shall be like wool”. 


Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I,  am He who blots out your transgressions, but for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more”.


For the other’s in our lives?  Perhaps those ’toxic’ friends and loved ones?  


Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgives you”.


Forgiveness for us and through us comes from God.  


If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1: 9


Truly, “You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you”.  
Psalms  86:5


O God, give each one ears to hear and teachable hearts.