HAPPY NEW YEAR From Ben and Billie!
Yesterday and today, as I reflected on 2024, I thought, “What a year it has been!”
On January 1, 2024, after 16 days in the hospital because of a staph infection in his spine, and currently in a nursing facility for therapy, still dazed by the suddenness and severity of his illness, Ben and I faced an uncertain future. Many questions haunted our minds. Would Ben be able to walk again? Would he be able to drive? Would he be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life? What about his job? What did the future hold?
Today, 366 days later, although Ben’s not where we would like, we’re rejoicing and praising the LORD over his progress.
As I meditate on the past year, Psalm 23 comes to mind. Like King David, Ben and I can proclaim:
THE LORD IS (OUR) SHEPHERD AND WE SHALL NOT LACK. God has gone before us, and He is our rereward. Because of His faithfulness, our needs were abundantly supplied. And we know He will continue to lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
THE LORD IS OUR COMFORTER AND PROTECTOR. In the valley of the shadow of death, we feared no evil, because GOD was with us! Our cups overflow with thankfulness and gratitude!
THE LORD IS OUR CONSTANT. In Psalm 23, after meditating on all God had done, King David gleefully exclaims, “SURELY, goodness and mercy will follow me ALL the days of my life: and after my life is over, I will dwell in His house forever!” This is our testimony as well!
As we say goodbye to 2024 our declaration is: GOD is good all the time and all the time God is good!
The year has not been without pain, sorrow, sickness, struggle, and uncertainty, but regardless of our troubles, God has been with us EVERY DAY! He has been our strength, our counselor, our deliverer, our provider, our companion, our comforter, our encourager, our refuge, our hope, our light in the darkness. I know beyond any doubt, that He will be that and so much more in 2025.
As you greet the NEW YEAR, don’t dread it, embrace it! Knowing no matter what, the God of our days, the LORD over all, is with you. Because He is YOUR Shepherd, you will not WANT for anything!
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We thank the LORD for you!
From our home to yours, may God bless you with a Happy and prosperous New Year!
With grateful hearts, Ben and Billie
All for HIS glory,
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