happy New Year and Happy Birthday

Happy New Year to you all, and a Happy first birthday to Letters From Home.  Is it really a year since I posted my first post?

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

It's great to have that new white page feeling at the start of a new year, but also good to know that with Christ every day is an opportunity for a fresh start, and His mercies are "new every morning".

If I could sum up all the joy of 2011 in a single image, then here it is, spending precious time with my darling granddaughter, Poppy Annabel.  Her arrival has brought incredible joy to everybody. Isn't she a sweetie?!

I didn't go for a walk today, as I went to church, and we spent a happy day with my sister-in-law. But I am determined to walk more in 2012, and today I dug out my pedometer, that I bought when I used to go to Weightwatchers.  I've only done 2,500 steps today, and probably won't do many more now, but I want to get into the habit of wearing it every day, and gradually doing more steps.  I also like bikehike, where I can work out the number of miles I have walked.  

It would also help if I ate more sensibly, but the house is still full of tantalising titbits, in fact I am munching on Divine white chocolate as I write this, also my birthday is coming up this week, so maybe I will wait a few days before I give up the sweet stuff - lame excuses I know!  Bye for now.