How are things with you so far this new year?

As you read this, we will have "survived" what is generally accepted as being the worse month of the year. The climaxes of Christmas and New Year celebrations are over and all we are left with are hangovers, mental if not physical, and greatly depleted bank balances. The weather is awful, with all that rain, yes, frost and snow as well. Certainly making up for that lovely dry summer we had last year. And the dark mornings and long, lightless evenings seem to have been with us for ever!

But heh, it's a new year isn't it? And anything new, in the main, can bring hope. Hope for better things to come. Hope for new life. Time for renewed endeavour.

You don't have to look far to see crocuses and snowdrops in our lanes and woodlands, perhaps in your gardens too. You've probably spotted early daffodils. Camelias, primroses and Lesser Celandine will soon be flowering and bluebells aren't far off.

Don't you think these beautiful flowers are part of God's way of refreshing our dulled minds and giving us renewed hope and inspiration?

I think it is well worth a prayer to say "thank you!" to God for all that beauty he has created for our benefit, don't you?

And yes, still, "A Happy New Year!"

Thank you for reading this.

Ken.

PLEASE NOTE. This and all other entries in 'News and Notices' are usually listed in order of date published or amended.