I have been trying to figure out how to share this news with you; my dear friend, my loyal reader, my brother or sister in Christ. I’ve been struggling. I’ve shed some tears. I’ve listened to wise counsel. I’ve asked God’s guidance.

I’ve finally made my decision. Full Measure of Joy will be taking a ministry sabbatical. You may be asking what that means. So here’s a summary from Wheat Ridge Ministries.

It is a period of time to be set aside from the normal responsibilities of ministry. During this time, rest, renewal and study are the main areas of focus. For Wheat Ridge Ministries, their leaders are given the opportunity to seek excellence in their ministry, as well as their personal and spiritual life.

For me, a sabbatical means that I won’t write every single day. I’ll repost blogs that were written several years ago. This is the “set aside normal responsibilities” piece.

In place of writing daily, I’ll be spending time in extensive study. This period of study for me will help me to draw closer to God and deepen my relationship with Him. That fulfills the last portion of the sabbatical definition above.

Now, this is just for a period of time. Give me until the end of January and then I’ll be back live. If you recall, January 30 will be the 4^th birthday of Full Measure of Joy. I’ll return for that special day.

Many blessings to you my friend. I’ll be seeing you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

A New Day Dawning

Years ago, as a child, I had the opportunity to meet the Good Twins. They were traveling through Upstate New York and they stopped by our small congregation. I vividly remember their music filling the small church building where my father ministered.

Years later as a young mother and minster’s wife, I had the opportunity to meet them once again. They performed for yet another small congregation, but this time in Ohio. They hadn’t changed. Their music was just as delightful as I remembered and their kindness was unforgettable.

One of our daughters became ill during the concert and fell asleep in one of the pews. After tearing down their equipment and before leaving, they each stopped by to say goodbye to little miss Candace. It was a touching moment for us.

I recall one of their songs. I can hear it in my mind just as if they were standing here singing it this morning. Their voices clear and with harmonies that can only be found in siblings and even more so with twin brothers. Read through the lyrics of “New World Coming.”

There’s a New World Coming
And it’s just around the bend.
There’s a new world coming
This one’s coming to an end.

There’s a new voice calling
You can hear it if you try.
And it’s growing stronger
With each day that passes by.

There’s a brand new morning
Rising clear and sweet and free.
There’s a new day dawning
That belongs to you and me.

Yes a new world’s coming
The one we’ve had visions of.
Coming in peace, coming in joy, coming in love.[i]

Now you may recognize this song from another source, Mama Cass. While I am unsure of her intent, the Good Twins sang this song with Christ in mind. When we allow Jesus to be the ruler of our hearts, each day is a brand new day and the new world is definitely heaven.

And as a Christian, I know for certain that Jesus offers new life and a new world in peace, joy and love.

But these are not my words or my ideas. Let’s read through some of Jesus’ words as He spoke of such a life and world.

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15 – NIV)

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14 – NIV)

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 – NIV)

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b – NIV)

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32 – NIV)

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b – NIV)

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26 – NIV)

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-4 – NIV)

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 – NIV)

Of course this is just a partial list of what Jesus had to say. Just a sampling. But in this small group of verses we recognize that the blessed new day the Good Twins sang of only comes through Jesus. It is only through Him that we can believe the words to this song.

Well, today is a new day. The sun has risen and it looks to be a bright day here in Colorado. But as I look to this day on my spiritual journey, I can say it too is a bright day. For my today belongs to Jesus. He holds it in His hands.

This same assurance can belong to you today. It’s available to anyone who seeks Jesus and gives their life to Him. There is a new world coming and it is just around the bend. There is a new day dawning and it belongs to you and me. Don’t you think it’s about time to enjoy life with Jesus?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “New World Coming,” Mama Cass Elliot, 1970