A Word – Calendar:

1. A table showing the months, weeks, and days in at least one specific year.

2. A schedule of events.

My definition: A clean slate, a brand new year with no mistakes, regrets or bad choices. Wide open spaces for God to fill with His perfect plans and purpose.

Every time a New Year rolls in I can’t wait to get out there and find my wall and desk calendars and day planner. I love all those blank pages offering countless opportunities for successful projects, events and life-changing moments. I’m certain God has wonderful things planned for this brand new year.

Shopping for calendars is always a challenge. So many choices. I’m sure you would laugh at the serious consideration I make of this endeavor. 

Don’t want it too cutesy, must be somewhat business-oriented yet with an inspirational flair. I pull out several to look over, and look over again, making quite a mess of the store display. When I finally find ones that meet my criteria, I can’t wait to bring them home and start filling in those important dates.

Yes, God has amazing things for us this year. Writer friends: This could be the year you have a book published! Or connect with an agent. Which reminds me, I have to block out May 17th week for my Blue Ridge Mts. Christian Writers Conference : )

Do you go on a calendar craze in January?

Or do you keep a calendar on your laptop or digital device?

THE WORD – As we enter the year of 2015, I pray that Jesus, the God of all hope with fill you with His joy and peace by the wonder-working power of the Holy Spirit! 

May you determine each day to delve deeper in the Word of God, spend more time in worship in the sweet presence of the Lord and allow His light to shine through you more brilliantly.

Whatever your passion or creative slant, I pray God gives you the freedom to pursue it in 2015.

Please comment and share three goals you are reaching for in the new year. I would love to hear your thoughts. 

May God bless you in this lovely New Year filled with promise and purpose.

Winners from last post: Congrats to Elaine Stock- you won the novel, please email me ( :

And Sherry Carter, you won the dvd!

Sharing a poster from my favorite church in Long Island, NY. We recently attended one of their Christmas performances and were amazed at the professional and anointed production. This church has always been known for its excellence even when they were a small storefront of about 20 people. They have grown to over 700 and their Christmas outreach reaches over 4,000 visitors through six performances in two weekends.

Which got me thinking…what if our churches came back around to a focus of Christmas outreach? Beyond our cute little “Christmas program” that is put together within a few weeks and usually focuses on how adorable the children are. NOTE: I have nothing against this, especially involving children in these concerts. They are precious and can touch the hardest heart with their innocence. But I’m wondering what type of results we would see if we all gave 110% to our presentations with hours, days and weeks of effort to showcase our best. I’ve noticed people shying away from involvement, anything that requires too much time and effort. They are busy with Christmas shopping, baking, wrapping presents, decorating, running around preparing for this one day of the year. I look at that and then look at a church like this where all those details are set aside till after the outreach and programs are over.

Parents, children, teenagers, couples, and singles are at practices for hours, laughing, loving, working together to present to the lost the message of the gospel. And the results are amazing! What if we all drew closer to this type of Christmas? I believe it would make the holiday so much more meaningful and blessed. People are more open at Christmas to receive the gospel. We should take advantage of this great opportunity and give our all to reach the lost.

Please share any outreach suggestions in a comment. Bonus: you will be entered in  a giveaway for a Christmas dvd or the novel, “When the Morning Glory Blooms” by Cynthia Ruchi. Please include your email address in the comment.