I just finished reading my Bible and I am surprised that the Beatles song,  “Hello, Goodbye” came to mind. Maybe it came because this is the last day of 2013, a time of exit and entrance. It is goodbye and hello.

I am leaving 2013 with many conflicting feelings. I have experienced two or three big good things, but they are tempered by the deaths of many things. I have seen the death of dreams, relationships and people. It has been a tough year!

As I say goodbye, and partially, good riddance, God is reminding me that even in death there are many things to be thankful for.  Sometimes a hello could be hidden in a goodbye. Some of these “hellos” will grow into wonderful things.

After finishing the passages at the end of Malachi, Psalms, Proverbs and the Revelation, I read the One Year Bible format, God encouraged me to list things I am thankful for. In a few moments I had a list of 19 blessings that were people, places, things, events, situations, ideas, that He is the source of. If I had spent more time, there would have been more things.

This small exercise is helping me have a desire to begin 2014 with a heart of hope and with less of a focus of loss. Instead of starting this year with your list of resolutions, maybe a list f things to be thankful for will give you a greater vantage point to set future goals. It will be for me.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus, be with you in 2014 and beyond.

Kelly

Christian radio has been a great blessing in my life. Today, Pastor David Jeremiah had a great message on the people who missed Christmas.

Today’s Radio Broadcast

Why Some People Missed Christmas | December 16, 2013

Discover the kind of people who miss Christmas and the ones who don’t in Dr. David Jeremiah’s message, “Why Some People Missed Christmas.”

Take a moment to listen at http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio

I like to share tips of all kinds. As you think about sprucing up your home for the holidays, consider making your dining table more attractive with a small investment. I found both of these sets of “candle holders” at Target.

The darker set sits on out kitchen table. Each has 12 stones, as a connection to the Twelve Tribes of Israel and a reminder of my faith. The place mats were also purchased at Target.

The clear set is on our dining room table. I think the white candles provide a nice contrast to the table runner that was made for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration. (Last year my mom kept asking me if I had a table runner. So I made one this year – and she loved it.)

I find that using an odd number of items seems to make the décor interesting and somehow still balanced and an eye pleasing way.

So if you have the inkling make your meals mo’ better with a pretty table.

Kelly   -who loves to eat meals from real plates-   Wilson

P.S. Check out our website at www.betterdaybetterlife.com