all things new

So I'm introducing a new blog to my blogging audience!! (which I think is like one person...maybe). It feels really nice to be doing something new and fresh. Sometimes you just need a change.

I know many of my mom friends can attest to this. We rearrange furniture or paint walls in an attempt to give our surroundings a fresh new look. Because honestly, for the stay at home parent, our house is our office and sooner or later the walls begin to close in. It's where we do all our business and when we clock out (what?, there is no clocking out) we're looking at the same walls.

Sometimes I just simply need some change of scenery (or a change of blog!), other times it's more than a superficial change that I'm craving.

I know, poor poor me! These are some serious first world problems. {i am truly blessed} But seriously, I think the superficial problems can sometimes be indicators of a deeper problem.

As I've reflected on this, I realize something about me. I get restless and when I get restless, I get dissatisfied and I look to all sorts of things to distract myself from the real issue. My response...paint a room! Reorganize the pantry! Redecorate the mantle! Start a fresh new blog! (guilty as charged)

But if I'm honest and take the time to dig deeper I discover that my real problem is that I've taken my eyes off Jesus. And all that's left is....me. And let's face it: I'm just not all that. At the end of the day when everything is stripped away and all that's left is me...that can be depressing. I say that not because I don't like myself or value myself as a person. I say that because I have no power to save myself.

I can distract myself with projects and self improvements but when depression seeks to overtake me, when the pain of rejection taunts me, when disappointments of life weigh heavy on my soul, I need a Savior. I can do very little on my own to overcome these trials but Jesus has already overcome. He says,

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Oh but it gets better. One of my all time favorite hope inspiring verses in the bible is Revelation 21:3-5...

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, 

for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, 

“I am making everything new!” 

Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

I love everything about this passage. It gives me stability in my restlessness and peace through my struggle. More than that...it gives me hope that Jesus is making all things new.