- Andrea Manor's Newsletter
- Posts
- A New Year of Reflection
A New Year of Reflection
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope." --Jeremiah 29:11
Andrea Manor
January 03, 2025
Introduction
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I have enjoyed taking a break from my regular routine. What a blessing to spend extended time together as a family and host overnight guests. As I begin this new year, I find great hope and comfort in the following prayer.
Help Us Enter the New Year
God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly,
thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others,
mindful that our steps make an impact
and our words carry power.
May we walk gently.
May we speak only after we have listened well.
Creator of all life,
help us enter the New Year reverently,
aware that you have endowed
every creature and plant, every person and habitat
with beauty and purpose.
May we regard the world with tenderness.
May we honor rather than destroy.
Lover of all souls,
help us enter the New Year joyfully,
willing to laugh and dance and dream,
remembering our many gifts with thanks
and looking forward to blessings yet to come.
May we welcome your lavish love.
In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.
Upcoming Events
Come away for a Quiet Day in my home to spend time with Jesus in prayer and rest. This month the prepared scripture reflections will guide you to prayerfully look over last year and listen for where God is inviting you in the year to come. A delicious breakfast and homemade lunch will be prepared for you. Come a little early to pick out your cozy nook to pray, rest and nap. Friday, January 17, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Scholarships may be available if needed.
You can register here: Quiet Day for Women
Quotes to Ponder
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.“
“A new year… a fresh start! It’s like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on! A day full of possibilities! It’s a magical world… let’s go exploring!“ —Bill Watterson, It’s a Magical World: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection
Resources
I was given the following book for Christmas. It’s a great way to record my daily Examen prayers. First Light & Eventide: A Daily Gratitude Journal by Tsh Oxen rider
My newest book is available for purchase. The book is called Imaginative Contemplation: Exercises to help you step into the scene and encounter Christ. The booklet has scriptures, images, and prompts to help guide you through prayer using your imagination. The books are $20 each or if you need shipping they are $25. If you are interested in purchasing, please fill out a Booklet Order Request
