Amid the noisy revelers and the screaming fireworks
The New Year eases in, shrouded in smoke and fog
It brings the promise of a new beginning
You can put aside the heartaches, harsh words and failures of the past year- and reach for the gifts....

Faith - the substance of things hoped for - the evidence of things not seen.  Grace - freely given love and favor.
True friends - loyal in your trials and triumphs.
The belief that your bruised soul will be soothed and you will be covered with a blanket of peace and serenity.
And inner courage to support you till you are strong enough to stand alone.         E. C.


The first day of this new year is overcast and rainy, but I took a walk and looked for inspiration and something beautiful. Look what I found - a lovely camellia.