Traditions,thoughts, dry spells and joyfulness

Some traditions I would like to share with you when it comes to the New Year. Growing up my mother and I spent a few years living with my grandparents. Even the years we didn't live there we would go visit on New years eve night. I can remember the house being dim, all of us sitting around the family room with our faces lit by the fire. There is nothing like watching a fire, listening to the crackles and pops surrounded by family. My grandmother would tell stories of her childhood. As the evening would go on I remember writing our personal flaws of the year before on a small piece of paper. Each of us would throw our paper in the fire. As the pieces began to burn, I believe it was a symbol of us giving our flaws and weaknesses to the Lord. Asking for his strength to overcome these in the year to come. Of course I also can remember us all having a fancy glass in our hands ready for a toast as the hand struck over for a brand new year!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! Hugs Kisses and fun~

The other night I was reminded by these times in my life. New years night Allen the kids and I ate frozen pizzas , played board games and ended the evening with a tradition. Each wrote our flaws on a small piece of paper. We then pushed them to the middle of the table. Allen began to pray for us. He asked that God lead us into a blessed new year and to help us give these flaw to him. Also asking for his strength to overcome these in the year ahead. We thanked him for our family, health and life. Asking for blessings on others and guidance to walk in the direction he intends of us this year. After our family prayer Allen gathered all the folded pieces of paper and set them in our burn bag on their way to disappear. What a neat tradition this is for us. During our prayer I felt so much joy in my heart it almost felt as if my heart leaped. I hope that doesn't sound silly. It is the only way I can explain it. You see I am saddened to say the past few months has been a dryer place when it comes to my faith. I am praying and practicing my faith daily. I just have not been feeling as spiritually close to our Lord as I would like. I feel that many of us go through dryer spells and look forward to the fulfilling dripping wet with the Lord times in our life. I say dripping wet as if we are a sponge soaking up all of Gods love and compassion. Spreading and feeling his love each moment. It truly is an awesome gift to be this close to him living life for him daily. After the leap I felt in my chest it was time Allen and I tucked the kids in bed. We then continued our devotional. It feels great to be starting the new year with this joy in my heart. Thank you Lord~