The preparation, decorating, cookie-baking, shopping, gift-giving, anticipation… all over in what feels like a blink of an eye!

In the past, I have suffered from a crash of the Christmas high with a few days of the winter blues. If that’s you right now, you’re not alone … I’ve been there!

But a few years ago, I started something new that seems to have relieved most of my post-Christmas sadness — I take my Christmas stuff down as soon as the festivities are over and I have the time to relaxingly do so!

Sometimes it’s within the week that follows but most often it’s December 26th. Yep, the day after Christmas I have found that while I am busy putting away and making room for new gifts, it’s just one step further to rip the bandaid by removing the Christmas decor!

This can be a great debate as I have many people tell me they like to keep their stuff up for New Years, and if that is you, live your best life, girl! But for me, I have found the removal of the Christmas distraction frees up my mind and heart for the beginning of the New Year!

It gives me A Fresh Start!

The Bible is full of fresh starts and here are just a couple that I find ever so encouraging!

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”

Romans 6:4 — “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

Ephesians 4:24 — “Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.”

There is nothing Christ can’t make new!

As we prepare to close out one year and enter into another, I encourage you to take a deep dive into your own life today.

• Is there an area where you need a fresh start?

• Is it time for the removal of a distraction in order to free up your mind and heart for a new beginning?

Sister, if you have given your life to Christ, He lives in you and has the power to make ALL THINGS NEW

Invite him in and rip the bandaid! It make take a while or it make be over, just like that

We serve a powerful God is who is capable of anything and has wonderful plans for you!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11

Happy New Year & Happy Fresh Start

Ashley