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New Things- Letting Go of the Familiar

March 24, 2012 / Cindy Barclay / "Treasure Trove" Blog Roll
9

Ahhhh! Spring Break!  Methinks it should be a mandatory holiday week for everyone! 🙂  I’ve reveled in my “new” routine- no babysitting, no homeschooling, no agendas, no lengthy to do lists.  On the positive side- enjoying my family more, a mini-vacation, visiting a museum & a zoo, a more leisurely pace, 3 books devoured, 2 movies enjoyed, rejoicing as I literally watch spring unfurl her glorious presence- and there’s still 3 days left!  Woohoo!

 

My enthusiasm for a change up in schedule has not been shared by Bethany!  Bethany thrives on “the same.”  Wake up, hugs, toast and eggs with turkey bacon, Bible, home school, unload dishwasher, play Wii Fit, do lunch, pick up bedroom, go to Broken Arrow, come home and play with Amy, Spencer, Finley, and Cohen, help with dinner, etc.     Same is good.

New is- well, “new” triggers asking Mom 50 times a day, “What are we doing today?”  Fun freedom for me translates to Bethany as chaotic confusion.  Relaxing rejuvination to me is surprisingly stressful for Bethany.

Whether you’re a CRAG (creative random abstract gal) like me, or a COG  (concrete, organized gal) like Bethany, “new” can be fun or stressful, fearsome or scintillating!

Yet God is doing NEW THINGS all the time in and through our lives because NEW brings GROWTH and LIFE!

Though God’s character never changes, he delights in making all things new!  ‘”New” means an end to the old, comfortable, outdated ways we live.  Think about this- there is “life” in the bulb lying in the wintery ground but “New life“ casts off the shroud of burial as spring flowers heroically push upward to their “new” world of light. “New” means stretching, reaching, shedding, leaving, receiving, moving on to the unfamiliar so we can experience growth.  To remain the SAME indefinitely, leads to decay, stagnation and death.  Life is to change.

He wants to change our ways- change our thinking- change our choices- change our desires- change us into the best version of ourself He created us to be!  And only He knows “what” and “how many” changes that will take!

So, this spring, look up!  God has “new” things for us if we lift up our eyes and “perceive” what He is doing!  “Same” may seem good beause it’s predictable and comfortable, but “NEW” promises growth and life for all- no matter if you’re a CRAD or a COG! 🙂

SURPRISING TREASURE:  Isaiah 43:19   Amplified Bible (AMP)

19Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
‘
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(BTW- Bethany, Finley, and Cohen all adjusted to Spring Break and ended up having a lot of fun!)
Bethany, Cohen, family, Finley, growth, new things, spring

9 comments on “New Things- Letting Go of the Familiar”

  1. Lori Brennan says:
    March 24, 2012 at 3:14 am

    You have no idea how this speaks to me, as God is doing a “new” thing in my life. Perfect timing…God’s perfect timing; yet another confirmation! Thank you my dear friend. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cindy says:
      March 24, 2012 at 1:32 pm

      LOVE your profile pic and LOVE you! I’m learning to “let go” of the old to welcome the “new” as new seasons are constantly unfolding in our lives! Hugs Lori!

      Reply
  2. Jeff says:
    March 24, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    While I am a random, abstract learner and too often that reflects my teaching/preaching style, my daily routines are ordered, planned as best I can, and scheduled- almost to the minute. How else could a random, fun-loving abstract guy like me get so much done? Cindy will tell you that I, like Bethany, do not do well on a vacation or day off. It takes me several days to become relaxed and comfortable when I am off the “grid.” Funny how much Bethany is like her daddy in that regard. By the way, I am sitting here studying, reading, and typing but basically wishing Cindy would get up so I could ask her, “Hey honey, what are we going to do today?”

    Reply
    • Cindy says:
      March 24, 2012 at 1:33 pm

      Sweetheart- I’m not sure you know what “off the grid” means. 🙂 just sayin

      Reply
  3. Jeff says:
    March 24, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Hmmm, me too- But I do know what “on the griddle” means… that is why I don’t stand around too much!

    Reply
  4. Rita Garcia says:
    March 26, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    I’m definitely a CRAG gal! Thanks for this glorious reminder of being ever watchful for the “new thing” He loves to do in our lives! Thanks for blessing my day!

    Reply
    • Cindy says:
      March 30, 2012 at 5:45 pm

      Ahh Rita- we have a lot in common I think- I absolutely loved your Armor of God series!!! Thanks for posting. hugs

      Reply
  5. Amber says:
    March 26, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    I thank the Lord for “New Things”…. I’m a CRAG gal too 🙂 (My new saying, now, thanks to you, Cindy).

    Reply
    • Cindy says:
      March 30, 2012 at 5:47 pm

      Hilarious Amber- Remember when we used to say WOGs? women of God? Jeff is getting ready to do a series on MOGS and WOGS (men and women of God) If you get a chance- listen online after Easter 🙂 sounds like it will be a new series- Love you bunches and miss you!

      Reply

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[panel style=”default” title=”My Surprising Journey” text_align=”left”]

What is God’s Surprising Treasures?

“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” Isaiah 45:3

I hope this web site will be an encouragement… [Read More][/panel]

 

 

[panel style=”default” title=”About Cindy” text_align=”left”]Jeff & Cindy

Hi, I’m Cindy- 35 years of “livin” with my prince charming, Jeff. I’m a home maker, not a house wife, parent of 7, memory maker, mama bear, Nana to 11 & counting, Pastor’s wife and I’m daily amazed by the depths of God’s love.

I love reading, home schooling, encouraging others, playing the piano, worshiping, dating my husband, and planning parties and retreats for our clan. Someday, I really want a horse and learn to play the cello and viola.

[/panel]

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