{It's A New Beginning Y'all}

 It's a tad late to wish a Happy New Year but I sure hope that it's kicked off good for everyone. Ours kicked off with being so THANKFUL for what God has done and is doing. As I told my family as we were reminiscing over 2024, "There is a lot of 2024 I DO NOT WANT A RE-DO but the Lord has surely taught me so very much. I am truly thankful for each breath, each day, family and close friends.

We had our three youngest grands for New Years Eve. We had a great time and the girls enjoyed a little fishing, bonfire with their great-grandfather and roasting marshmallows. Their great-grandfather will be 90 years old next month.

As most of you know I do a monthly focus board and this makes my 3rd or 4th year. I've lost count. Only fitting that New Beginnings would be my focus for January. This has been so good for me as it sits on my kitchen counter so I can see it daily. Wonderful way to focus and quote God's Word daily. 

I felt up to hosting a lunch and movie day with my sister Mary. It was so good to be able to do this with her. She had not seen the movie "The Forge" so we watched it together and enjoyed White Chili Chicken soup, sandwiches and lemon cookies made with my Meyer Lemon juice that I had juiced from lemons that a friend gifted to me. Marty and I watched this movie on it's opening day. It was so good!

I had a hankering for a fried potato sandwich a few days ago. Mercy it's been a long time since I indulged in such goodness! Have y'all tried a fried potato sandwich?

My three daughters participated in a 13.1 mile run at Disney in Orlando, Fla. They had the best time and loved dressing up. I am so proud of what they accomplished.  

I have been choosing a WORD for the year since 2013. Last year my word was FOCUS and oh did I ever need to stay focused on the Lord. STILL DO! This year I knew that my word was PURPOSE. I have always known that my life had purpose and for the Christian the word purpose is so fulfilling but lets just say that this year that word has taken a whole new meaning for me in another sense. There is purpose to my every day life and that I know, however, I do not desire to go through life just passively if that makes sense. I want the choices I make, the tasks that I do, the people that I spend time with and the things that I participate in to hold a personal meaning for my life. Yes indeed there are things we must do and have to do in life but I sure desire to be more consistent with the simplicity of life. I am not and never have been "it's all about me" person but this year, I need to focus a little more on self and the simplicity of life itself.  Our spiritual and physical health is very important and I pray for wisdom in both areas of my life. 

On another note, I am feeling much better and much stronger since breast cancer treatments have left my system.  My latest blood work did show my immune system is still low but we are working on that with proper rest, better eating habits, healthier lifestyle, exercise and for me, picking and choosing my daily activities. The tumor markers are within range. THANK YOU LORD! My latest lung scan revealed no change in the small tumor that we have been watching however a new small nodule has appeared and there is a high probability it could be from cancer treatments. We will keep scanning every 3 months. I am currently cleared until March. One day at a time is all that we can do and truly, that is all that is meant for us to do. 

As my 13 year old granddaughter Kyleigh would say, "It's a good day no matter what Nana". 

Celebrate even the little accomplishments of life is my new motto.  

I hope that the New Year is already bringing you much laughter, joy and purpose. Spend your time wisely with purpose. Enjoy the little things as they will surely bring you the greatest pleasure. 

Hugs and blessings, Cindy