Another Year Is Dawning

We live at the Willowbank Hotel (a non-profit, Christian hotel), and enjoy spending time interacting with the guests and staff that are here.

We spent New Year's Eve working on jigsaw puzzles, playing the piano, and fellowshipping with the guests and staff around the fireplace. The evening went by quickly as we had so much fun interacting with others and sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness. My sisters and I took turns playing hymns and singing at the piano and were delighted to be a blessing to those who spent the evening with us. Soon, midnight arrived and we opened the year 2010 by singing hymns and reading from God's Word.  Afterwards, a light snack was served and we soon said good night.

One of the staff members suggested this song be sung as it written specifically for New Year's Day. I love the words and would like to share it here:

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy grace;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee

~Written by Frances Havergal

It's my prayer that through sharing our experiences here that you will be encouraged to continue following God's will and be drawn closer to Him. May God richly bless you and your family in the year 2010!

Blessings,

 (for the all the Richardsons)

The Challenge Begins Tomorrow!

Okay, so I've decided to read the Bible chronologically using Blue Letter Bible's chronological reading plan. The plan is designed for a 12-month period, so I'll have to double the amount of chapters read each day.

I also found this article helpful as it explains how to modify a reading plan to the time frame that you choose: Customizing A Bible Reading Plan

My sister Sara has joined me on the challenge so we are looking forward to doing it together!

May God richly bless you and your family in this new year!

Blessings,

Peach Blossoms!!

Yesterday, we were delighted to see several peach blossoms on our peach tree in the backyard.  We moved into our new home only a few months ago and were excited to see that a peach tree was on the property.

Now that there are blossoms on the tree, we can look forward to eating fresh peaches for breakfast next spring!

Blessings,

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.Genesis 1:12

Reading the Bible in 6 Months

A few days ago, I came across Kaylene's blog: Face Value.  She has started a wonderful challenge: to read the Bible in 6 months.  I've always wanted to read through the Bible, and this is a good opportunity. We'll start January 1st and finish at the end of June.  I haven't settled on a reading plan as yet (e.g. chronological, blended, Old & New combined etc.) but hope to have it all worked out soon. I'll have to read about seven chapters a day which shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.  I'm sure it'll be challenging at times but the rewards are priceless.

I'll keep you updated on my progress and hope you can join us too.

Blessings,

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalms 119:16

Power Outage!

Winter gales are common in Bermuda, and it was ironic that one should arrive on the first day of winter!  The weather changed quickly and by late afternoon it was very windy outside.  The temperature dropped to about 62 degrees and it began to rain.  Soon, the power went out but we were told by our electricity company that power should come back in an hour's time.  That was around 4:20pm.  Well, we waited and waited and each time we called to check the "estimated wait time" there was a message saying that the time was being adjusted and that we can call back later.  The sun set around half past five so we had supper by candle and flashlight.  We talked together and played with our kitties while the wait for electricity continued.  Finally, we realized that we'll have to go to bed in the dark.  Then just as we were about to turn in around 8:30 the power came back on! As we went to bed we placed our flashlights on the dining table just in case the power went back off.  It never did and the weather calmed down somewhat overnight!

"For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name." Amos 4:13

The Father's Love Letter

Please visit www.needGod.com for more information. This video can be found in other formats at www.fathersloveletter.com.

Hibiscus Flowers

I'm amazed at the variety of hibiscus flowers that we find in our neighborhood. Actually, the hibiscus thrives in Bermuda's subtropical climate and these beautiful flowers grow abundantly throughout the island. I took pictures of each variety of hibiscus that we found in and around our yard. Please enjoy these wonderful works of art done by our Creator!

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalms 104:24

Cooler Weather A'Coming!

Although we are almost mid-December, we've been blessed with warmer temperatures! It's been about 70 or so degrees consistently for the past couple of weeks. Today though, there was a bit of a change, and it's about 63 degrees, and the temperature is expected to drop gradually over the next few weeks.

Although winter isn't my favorite season, it's fun being able to cozy up with my family and read different Bible stories...but I will definitely look forward to spring!!

~Sara