Greetings and Happy New Year to all!  

This morning, I woke up to a lovely dusting of white flakes beginning to cover the ground.  I can't seem to pull my gaze away from the window.  The birds are all puffed up against the cold air and the squirrels are scurrying up and down the trees as if they are as excited as I am about the big event occurring in our front yard.  I just love it! 

There is something about snow that is refreshing and clean.  I know there are places where snow is commonplace, but here in central Arkansas, snow is a rare occurrence?an event.

If you'll bear with me, I would like to write just a few lines reflecting what is in my mind and heart concerning the year we've just completed and the new one we are about to begin.  And, of course relating all of that back to the fresh, clean snow falling on the ground outside.

First, do you know anyone who viewed 2009 as agood year?  I'm sure there are some who did, but so far, everyone I've talked to is glad to see it go. In my own family, we've experienced heartbreak, financial pressures in our business, and a lot of stress in the ministry.  There have been many things to be thankful for as well, but as life would have it, the difficult things seem to far outweigh the good?leaving us with the heavier memory.

Now, I don't want to give the impression that 2009 was the worst year in recorded history or that 2010 will magically make everything better for me or anyone else. It's just a mark in time to set new goals, get re-motivated, and start again.  January 1, 2010, gives entrance to this brand new start.  We can put the past behind us and begin again. 01/01/10.  Even the date seems to turn a page.

The crisp fallen snow outside left behind a beautiful blanket to cover up the cold landscape beneath. And we can all enjoy the serenity of the moment, but alas, it is only for a moment.  All too soon, the unforgiving sun will make its way across the sky, and the snowy covering will slip away, to reveal again, the barren ground.

With this picture in my mind, I can't help but be a little disappointed at the briefness of the moment. But truly, life is this way as well.  Time continues on like the sun.  The seasons are in constant movement.  The snow may melt away, but with the melting snow, the earth eventually changes too.  It doesn't stay cold and hard.  It warms with time, and as it does, it springs forth life.  

So, what am I saying?  2009 was a season of time?and seasons pass.  The snow is a reminder of God's grace?a covering over our circumstances.  In the Bible, God promises not to give us more than we can endure, and even with the circumstances, provide a way of escape.  But in all reality, it is the difficult circumstances of our lives that make us who we are.  These are the things which God uses to spring forth life as the seasons change?if we allow it.   

Maybe I am being a bit nostalgic and sentimental, perhaps even romantic.  but I see  2009 as a time of preparation for what is ahead.  None of us know what 2010 will hold for our families, our businesses, our ministries, or our personal lives?but we do know the nature of our loving God.  It is the one thing that doesn't change.  His constant love is ever-present in time of need.  

So as we watch this new year begin, I want to encourage us all to let the old year, and all it contained, pass away.  And, let's not set our focus on 2010 as if it will make all things better,  instead, let's set our focus on Jesus.  He holds all creation together and He is trustworthy, faithful and true. 

Allow the past and future trials to become our strength so that God can work all those circumstances together for our good?because we are called according to His purposes?not our own.

Enjoy the snow and let it be a reminder of God's grace toward us who believe.  

In and For Him,

Terri Clark,
President
Terri Clark Ministries, Inc.