I’m starting a new journal today…

 I thought this to be fitting being January 1st and all.

The journal I am starting is called the ‘Almond Blossom Journal’ and it had a little explanation as to what it symbolizes:

“‘Happiness: it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.’ -Vincent Van Gogh

Symbolizing new, invigorating, budding life, Vincent Van Gogh’s Branch of an Almond Tree in Blossom (1890) inspires our creative souls to bloom.”

Though this explanation was a little corny and maybe a little new age, I believe it describes quite well how I know this year is going to be. I always think of the analogy of the seed and how the seed must first die before it can produce new life. Just like the almond blossom that is creating new life, it first had to start out as a seed that first had to die so that one day in its’ future it could produce life in each new bud that formed.This is a perfect description of my life this last year and this year to come.

I have gone through quite the journey this last year in my life. I have traveled through the lowest valleys and to the highest peaks, all the while crushing the sin that I clung to, killing it, and creating in me new life. I am still going through that crushing process and wonder if it will ever end (which it probably won’t in this lifetime until I’m with Christ) but I know that this pain and hardship that occurs is for my benefit and it is to create in me a new person filled with Christ and his love, redeemed by the grace he has given me. I am thankful! 

Here’s to a great year ahead…cheers to 2012!

To Be Continued… =)