A Year of Goodness.

Happy New Year!   It is exciting to start a new year and I have been thinking long and hard.  My head hurts haha! 

The last two years have not been easy for anyone.  Then again when I compare them to the years my Grandparents lived through they were comparatively ok.   Our Grandparents lived through a pandemic, World War 1,  The Great Depression,  World War 2,  The Holocaust,  the Cuban Missile crisis,  Vietnam War and other things that directly hit them at home ... well their lives were no picnic at all.   It makes me realise that our younger years were incredibly blessed and care free!   We were used to things being so good that it was difficult to understand why Nan and Pa were so frugal.  But now I get it.  I am increasingly getting it! 

Living in good times was such a blessing.  But good times come around in cycles as do all the other things that come around from war, natural disasters, pandemics... none are new.   There have also always been governments for the people and governments out to kill their own people.   There has always been good and there has always been evil.  

In my lifetime at least I have never felt so pressured as I have these last two years.  A very uncomfortable pressure coming from the government, media, social media...   And constant mixed messaging and many things that were touted as fact later to be found completely untrue.   I follow Martyn Lles who is the most wonderful speaker and in a timely fashion he said this:

Only fools rush in.

That is Biblical.

Don't be ashamed acting slowly in the face of uncertainty.  The wise measure things up, count the cost, and discern what's happening rather than act in haste.

This must especially be true when working based on inadequate information.

It must be true when your spirit is troubled about something because it may be a holy troubling.

The person who acts hastily is not necessarily more virtuous.

Indeed, "Waiting on the Lord" is a mark of Godliness.  I think that turn of phrase is significant.

"The plans of the diligent certainly lead to advantage, but everyone who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty." (Proverbs 21.5)

"Fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence." (Proverbs 14;16)

"Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet errs.  (Proverbs 19.2)

When you can resist a quick move concerning a weighty matter, you have time to pray and think.  

That is never wrong.


This was beautiful to me.  Like realising I had a "get out of jail card" to fitting in with the world  (as mentioned yesterday)  this was permission and reassurance that if something doesn't seem right,  if something doesn't make sense, it is good to take time to consider and pray.  God gave us discernment and it is ok to use it.    

This method has really helped me with some big decisions in regard to the farm.  I am way out of my depth but with good advisors,  research, weighing things up and not rushing in,  I hope to make wise decisions.  Dad's goal was "to cast the stone as far down the line as he could."  So now I have taken task over from him and it is a big responsibility. 

When I first began building up my pantry it was a persistent nagging feeling and I still have it.  As things have unfolded I am glad I listened.  In a whirr of noise of life, TV, everyone having an opinion etc it can be hard to listen.   But when you have a deep down knowing then you know and never ever ignore that.

Thinking about what to write for the new year and what goals to set just one thing came to me over and over.  Write about Goodness.

Yesterday I rang my Aunt and we had a beautiful chat.  She is a famous writer and poet.  So anything she might say to me regarding the blog I take to heart.  She said that my blog spreads goodness.   This really was the nicest thing!   I am most happy as my Aunt said this here it was again.... GOODNESS.   

So goodness it is!    We can't control the world.  But we can do our best where we are right now,  with what we have and be grateful for our blessings.  We can make a world of difference to our family, friends and community.   

A Year of Goodness is going to carry over to The Tuesday Afternoon Club.

We are also going to have a Pantry Challenge.  More about that coming up.  




Harper and Scarlett are going to be here for a few days and we will be immersed in crafts!  So I will post as I can.   I want to get the year off to a good start and what could be better than time with my girls.  💗💗



                                                                                                                         





Comments

  1. Beautiful and true words. No panic, no stress, just slow and steady and enjoy each and every moment along the way. Hand it to God, as He has the knowledge of all. Good ness will overcome all.
    May you be blessed in this coming year.

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    1. Thank you Cheryl! I hope you have a blessed 2022 as well. xxx

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  2. Be Blessed in 2022 Annabel, as you are a Blessing to all who know you! My scripture for you is Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you Peace". Regards Robyn SA

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    1. Thank you so much Robyne, that is beautiful! xxx

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  3. What a wonderful start to the new year! Your grandchildren are beautiful! I look forward to learning more from you and all the bluebirds in this new year! Blessings to you and yours.

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  4. What a lovely post to read on New Year's Day - optimistic, but thoughtful too. X

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  5. I agree with your Aunt! Your blog is always a happy place to be and I appreciate you! Happy New Year!

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  6. Happy New Year, Annabel. have a wonderful time with Harper and Scarlett. I'm looking so forward to what you have in store for us. Blessings, Laura

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    1. Just had to ask -are you in PEI (as I am) ...?

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    2. Hi Gigi,
      Don't I wish! That's why it's PEIdreaming Lucky, lucky you. No , I'm in the U.S. (Ohio), but we went to PEI back in August of 2001 for THE most amazing vacation. We went to PEI to see Anne of Green Gables/ L.M Montgomery sites and also to Nova Scotia to Peggy's Cove and Bay of Fundy. We were able to go by train and have an overnight sleeper car. It was a magical experience. I would dearly love to go back someday. For now I watch the Anne and Road to Avonlea shows . PEI was the only place that if someone had said you can move here or I'll give you a vacation home, I would have said yes in a heartbeat. Laura

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    3. Oh, Laura, that is so sweet ... we just moved here last year and I LOVE it ... it's beautiful and a dream come true for me, as well! I love the Road to Avonlea shows, too. :) I feel like I can have my vacation and live my real life all at the same time .... If you ever make it out this way, let me know. We will have a little cottage by the sea for guests ... :)

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  7. Dear Annabel, Excellent Post. Thankyou. Happy New Year everyone! Love Clare

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    1. Happy New Year to you too Clare and thank you! xxx

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  8. I like this post very much after the past few years I desperately want to make this a year of goodness and hope regardless of what the world is doing or saying. I don’t mean being in denial but being aware but getting on with spreading and living goodness. Oh how you have inspired me so deeply once again dear Annabel. All the very best to you and your family for this year ahead.

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  9. Lovely post! Wonderful words to start the New Year! Thank-you!
    Blessings for the New Year!

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    1. Love the photos of your Grandkids, BTW! They are So Adorable! I have three little Grands myself and enjoy them So much!

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  10. I have had an inclination to do two things this year: be a light in the darkness by bringing peace and relief from all the world stressors and showing beauty wherever I find it, and to take better care of myself (emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically) so that I can be that light to my family. That means being kinder to myself than I have in years past. I want to eliminate any feelings of resentment and bitterness in me so that I don't impart those things to others and I can only do it if I keep myself in balance. I want to help others not give them dis-ease!
    Your blog has been a light Annabel and is full of goodness and encouragement and not fear and strife. May God bless you mightily in the year ahead. May you spread that goodness and encouragement in every step of your life, online and off!

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    1. Thanks so much Terri. It is very hard sometimes if we feel we have been dealt with unfairly or something has happened in the past that trips us up. Often there is no resolution and resentment and bitterness can come in. When I have trouble with this I try and pray to give this whole problem to God. I cant make it right, I cant fix it... put it in an envelope and give it to God. A great weight has been lifted off me several times when I did this.
      I think we must also take care of ourselves. We need health, energy and happiness in order to do any of the things we hope to. I hope you are able to look after housefly as I know last year was very busy for you. With love Annabel.xxx

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  11. So sweet. Love Harpers’s big glasses :)

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  12. Happy New Year Annabel and you are so right that we can concentrate and have goodness in our homes and lives :) .

    Many times when I have uneasy feelings well before challenging things happen so I take note of them and are inspired to take a certain action which I do. Praying, pondering, lateral thinking, problem solving skills and action on our behalves are essential and different for each of us. Reading between the lines of what we are hearing and seeing on the news and other places and reading widely about world and local events helps us also be prepared in advance too.

    Would love also if you could put up your pantry challenge here as well as I don't go on facebook and the like.

    Enjoy time with the grandchildren.


    Lorna.

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  13. I love what you have written, Annabel. Your Aunt is right! Every time I come onto your blog it feels like I am unwrapping a beautiful gift whilst having a cup of soothing tea. It is the loveliest feeling and you give this to everyone! What a gift you are to the world! I love your words about discernment and giving yourself time to pray, and think. I have never felt so confused, the messages out there are coming fast and keep changing. I love that you have your girls staying. What a wonderful time you will all have. Hopefully, I will get to do some gardening/ crafting today. Lots of love, Lily

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    1. Dear Lily, Thank you so much. I think when confusion has taken over then it is reasonable to say "I am praying about this and waiting on God" and then wait for the answers. Gardening and crafting and some peaceful time should help too! I feel very suspicious when I feel pressed/ manipulated/forced. Not comfortable with that. Dad was so much like it he would not do something ever if he felt forced. Even if he actually wanted to do it haha! I must take after him! With love Annabelxxx

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  14. What a timely post. I love the quote “ only fools rush in” We live in such a rushed society and LOUD society. If you don’t purpose to make quietness you can’t hear yourself think.
    I have always been one to wait and test the waters. If everyone is running one direction I will usually go the other way.
    So many times over the years we have waited contrary to society and time has proven us wise.
    Your Grandchildren are precious. Such a blessing to have family close by.
    Love the idea of Goodness for the 2022 theme.
    We have guarded what comes into our home and have lived a very peaceful life. Turning off the news was the first step.
    Wishing all the Bluebirds a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!

    Lynd

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  15. A very inspiring post Annabel.

    I'm looking forward to seeing what you and the bluebirds are going to get up to during 2022. I hope to be able to join in more this year after the upheaval and sadness of 2021. I am still trying to find my way back to reality.

    Much love to you all,
    Tania xxx

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    1. Dear Tania, You take your time. It is a slow journey and a new normal. I hope 2022 is a better year for you. With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. Annabel and Bluebirds,
    Happy New Year!
    Here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, we have just come through a snow event. It lasted a little over a week. Our small town ran out of milk. There was no milk to purchase and my household did not have any fresh milk on hand. Thanks to Annabel and the others, I did not fear or panic. I remained calm and at peace. We had plenty of food and other things to drink. I would have loved a hot cup of cocoa but I did not dwell on that or even try to use the dried milk I had on hand instead I drank hot tea and was grateful for it. This attitude adjustment is the direct result of being part of this wonderful blog community so thank you very much! The changes in this world are coming fast and furious and chaos and confusion abound but I am determined to face the new year with a sense of calm and peace. I look forward to the 2022 theme of Goodness.

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  17. Thank you for these wise words! Looking forward to a year of Goodness.
    God bless you, Annabel and all the Bluebirds. Such a blessing to see your wonderful grandchildren.

    Love, Leslie

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    1. Thanks Leslie. I hope 2022 is a very good year for your family! xxx

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  18. Annabel this post offered me a flicker of hope. Something that has been sadly lacking for some time. I look forward to feeding that small flame with the love and encouragement you disperse through your blog. Thankyou and may God continue to bless you abundantly 🙏❤️

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    1. Dear Cheryl,
      Really we have been so lucky in our lives and the last two years have been confusing and difficult. But much of it is media pushed and it is hard to discern fact from fiction. We know how this turns out though. I hope 2022 is a better year for you. With much love Annabel.xxx

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  19. Annabel, I love this idea of a year of goodness! I can't wait to hop onboard and be inspired by your reflections each week.
    Blessings,
    Kirsty x

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