5 West Nursing

Another year has past and a new one has begun!

This was a scene from our home new year’s eve. Kids playing on the driveway, moon-jumpin’, sparklers sparklin’, and rockets a flyin’ as we met the new year with a bang! The neighborhood was fairly quiet except for our house. We made so much noise that you can hear it from miles away. Obviously I’m exaggerating , but we did have a blast. See that roman candle? It almost burned the neighbor’s house down (just kidding!). One of my guests brought in the fireworks, and I made sure that everyone was safe. It was fun… until the cleanup!

I remember New Years way back in the Philippines growing up. You could hear it from miles away, the sound of fireworks coming to a “boil” so to speak reaching its climax at the stroke of midnight. I’m not quite sure where the Filipinos got this tradition from. I’m guessing we got it from the Chinese. To scare the evil spirits away with a loud noise, the Chinese would light up firecrackers, a tradition that continues to this day. I’d like to think about it as making a loud noise to our Lord, the One who gives what we need through out the year, and through the years to come. Looking back I can say, that despite all the ups and downs, we still end up on the up side. The Lord has been really good to us, and despite being a failure or being rebellious at times, He is still merciful and kind to show us how much He loves us. We are truly blessed.

As we welcome the new year, I’d like to invite you to look back and reflect on the blessings the Lord has given us throughout the year. I’m sure like me, most of you had experienced challenging times. Sometimes we even feel like the tough times wouldn’t end. Do not fret my friend, you are not alone. Even if the future looks unclear right now I know one thing’s for sure… our God will see us through! All we need to do is put our trust in Him. In this ever changing world, living in uncertain times, He is the solid rock on which we can stand. So to you my friends, Happy New Year and May the good Lord bless you and your family as we face the year together!