Monday, October 5, 2009

A New Look

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. ~~ Isaiah 43:19 NIV

“Those were the good ol’ days!” Have you heard anyone make that declaration? I recall my grandfather used to tell me about his days in the Navy, remembering times that seemed to be better than the current moment.

As I’ve gotten a bit older, I’ve caught myself doing the same thing. But Scripture promises us that we will have better days ahead. Those who believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah have the hope of a glorious eternal future.

But for the here and now, we have God’s promises and hope of new life here on earth because we’re sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:13) The Holy Spirit guides us in our daily living. He leads us the way through “the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

When living in our “desert” and “wasteland,” it is a place where reliance and dependence on the Lord’s provision is the only option. He is our only source of provision and all things come from Him.

The Lord does new things for us along our journey. There have been times I read the above Scripture and cried out, “No! I can’t see it! I don’t perceive it. Please show me Lord!” But He is faithful to show us in His timing—it’s a matter of faith and trust.

Well the Lord is doing new things in my life. Things I only imagined and dreamt of before this year. In the years past, I felt the call to be a women’s teacher and speaker. Years I’ve worked in preparation for this year. Now I can see the new thing.

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I’m teaching a weekly ladies Bible study that I am writing, and speaking at women’s conferences and retreats. And now the Lord blessed me with a new makeover on the blog as part of this new season in my life.

I want to thank the Lord for placing Crissy, a blog designer, in my life at precisely the right moment for I knew this meeting came from Him. Crissy captured my heart and the heart of the ministry I feel the Lord has entrusted to me. Crissy prayed for several days about how to design the blog. I felt so blessed by the Lord to guide me to such a prayerful blog designer.

As the Lord leads me in this new season, I now perceive it as He places the right people in my life at the right time for whatever it is I need. I can remember the “good ol’ days” but better yet, I can look forward to days yet to come as the Lord does a new thing!

Can you perceive the new things the Lord is doing in your life? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Also leave Crissy your thoughts on the new look too. Thank you Crissy!

7 gracious comments:

Leah Adams said...

Wow!! I LOVE the new look. It is fresh and exciting and beautiful. Congratulations!!

I'm so thrilled that the Lord is working mightily in you life and bringing your dreams and hopes to life. God bless you, Shonda.

Leah

Karen said...

Shonda,
I absolutely love the new blog look! It's beautiful! And I definitely think the whole theme fits your ministry theme - engrafted by grace. It's also looks very peaceful and calming.

Hope you have a great week!
Karen

Beyond Me said...

I love your new look and new seasons! WOW Crissy out did herself again. Loving you. Alene

Christina Ketchum said...

Exciting times! I love embarking on new seasons in my life!

I really can't take all the credit for your beautiful blog design. You were there every step of the way with wonderful suggestions! I enjoyed getting to know you during the process!

Many blessing with all your new adventures!

Deborah Ann said...

Beautiful blog, Shonda! I love it...

Hey, come over to my blog (www.heavenlyhumor.blogspot.com). I just launched a bloggers club, it's a lot of fun!

Mimi N said...

I love the look of your site. It's so gentle and peaceful. I think the title is wonderful!

Many blessings with your newness!

~Mimi @ Woven by Words

Lori said...

Love it girl, you used some of my favorite colors!!!