2017.
Are we all feeling good about getting acquainted with a new year? It feels a little less strange to write it out and see it, actually. 2017 is here! 
So what does it bring with it? Will it be better than last year? Will it bring tragedy and triumph and victories and setbacks and sadness and congratulations and celebrations and condolences?
Well, yes. Probably. With over 525,ooo minutes in the year 2017, there will be minutes that will take hold of us and alter our lives forever because THIS is life on earth. Despite all of the things that may happen, let 2017 be a year of GROWTH! Who needs stagnation?
This is my first blog of 2017. Much, much, much has kept me busy but writing has always been where I go when I am sorting things out in my head. As I type out the words, foggy situations begin to clear… painters must feel the same way as they take their brush to the canvas or as musicians sit at the piano.
Over the last several months, I’ve read over posts I’ve written since the inception of this blog. I can pinpoint exactly what was happening in my life as I wrote down my thoughts~ the ups and downs and everything in between. There has, however, been one constant since the beginning; my faith in God. The not-so-subtle ribbon woven through nearly every post is my gratitude to God, my crying out to God or my deepening relationship with Him.
Has my faith grown and changed over the years? Yes …. thank GOD! Aren’t relationships supposed to deepen over time? If they don’t, 
it’s called stagnation. I can’t speak for you but I can tell you, without reservation, a stagnant relationship with anyone I love is just unacceptable.
The other day on Facebook, I asked if other people had been attacked for their faith (because surely I cannot be alone in this!). Studying people is kind of an amateur pastime of mine so I really love when answers surprise me. People “liked” the post, indicating they had at one time or another, felt excluded or demeaned because of their religious beliefs…but not many wanted to really talk about it. I believe that’s because it’s so personal and wounds so deeply. To be clear, I have friends and family members who run the gambit of spiritual beliefs.
Some attend church on Sundays and live the rest of the week like Satan is their roommate.
Some don’t attend church but love God and live a life of great character.
Some believe in Mother Nature and enjoy becoming “one” with the planet and stars.
Some have created their own version of God that suits their lifestyle without reading who He really is.
Some believe in “karma” but don’t have a clue about its ancient Indian roots or religions birthed as a result.
Some believe if you’re a “good person”, all is well. Heaven is yours….not that they necessarily believe in a heaven…..
Some believe God doesn’t exist and they’ll deal with the fallout if they’re wrong.
Some believe in God and Jesus but not the Holy Spirit. You’re called a Nontrinitarian, by the way.
Some believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit but refute the idea of an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy.
Some believe they used to be a cat or the Queen of England and are back in a different body.
I love people who fit into each one of those sentences (except that last one~ I don’t really know any of those peeps personally) and I have adopted a beautiful thing into my life called respect. If you haven’t adopted that demeanor where I’m concerned and choose to demean, exclude or belittle me OR my beliefs……well, I’ll still love you but we’re not hanging out. Simple as that. I’m rooted like a tree that’s weathered the elements for generations; bring on the storm or the sunshine because I’m not going anywhere.
Seriously, can’t we all just get along? Too much to ask? Life is too short for nonsense.
Love you. For real. 