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Stephanie Rische

Blogger and Writer: Capturing Stories of God's Grace

January 1, 2013

A Year of Stubbing My Toe on Grace

I realize that a new year is little more than an arbitrary flip of the calendar, a changing of digits we have to recalibrate to each January. But even if it’s just a psychological prop, I still get a bit of a rush as one year comes to a close and a new one gleams, fresh and untarnished, on the horizon.

On this last day of 2012, I find it hard to believe I’m wrapping up my year of reading the Bible chronologically and posting my musings about it. I’d like to thank you, my readers, for putting up with my ramblings, for encouraging me with your comments, for calling out places where you felt I missed the mark. I appreciate each of you more than I can say.

As a way to recap this past year of “Stubbing My Toe on Grace,” I thought I’d share with you the most priceless gift I received this Christmas. My husband, artist that he is, made a beautiful handcrafted book for me with the top 10 posts from the past year. (Obviously, I cried.)

Here they are, in chronological order:

10. The Burden of Love

9. Grandma’s Prayer

8. God’s Tear Jar

7. On His Hand

6. Once Upon a Time, I Wore a Pretty White Dress

5. On Priests and Awkward Moments

4. A Letter to My 25-Year-Old Self

3. Like Amish Peanut Butter

2. Dumpster Diving

1. What My Two Favorite Toddlers Taught Me about Faith

On this day that marks both endings and beginnings, it seems fitting that today’s reading includes these words from Christ:

Look, I am making everything new! . . . I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.

—Revelation 21:5-6

As we look back on the year just behind us, we have the assurance that God was the God of everything that transpired in the past 365 days. And on the precipice of a new year, we have the assurance that he is the also the God over all the unknowns that await us in the year ahead.

Whatever your year has held—and whatever life has in store for you in the year to come—may you rest in the arms of the One who is both the Beginning and the End.

December 2012 009

 

8 Comments Filed Under: Seasons Tagged With: beginning, ending, God's faithfulness, new year, revelation, top 10
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About Stephanie

I think that glimmers of grace are all around us, and I'd love to share those stories with you. I hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and join me at StephanieRische.com.

Quote of the Week

“Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
—Madeleine L’Engle

Discussion

  1. Heather says

    January 1, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    CONGRATS Stephanie!!! One year is a big, big deal!! LOVE your writing (of course) and so thankful to share this “hobby”/artform/outlet with you. What a sweet, thoughtful gift…priceless!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      January 3, 2013 at 12:21 pm

      Thanks, Heather! You inspire me with your own creativity and blogging stamina. 🙂

      Reply
  2. alice Teisan says

    January 1, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Thanks Big S-well done. You enriched my life of which I’m grateful.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      January 3, 2013 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks for your faithful comments throughout the year, Alice! I appreciate you.

      Reply
  3. Dan Elliott says

    January 1, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    Happy New Year, Stephanie and Daniel! Your blog has been a blessing this year. How cool that you have this special book to remember your gifts here in 2012.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      January 3, 2013 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks, Dan. Writing the blog has given me new empathy for our authors. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Maggie says

    January 2, 2013 at 10:46 am

    I echo Dan’s comment above. Your blog has been a blessing to me as well – one that has enriched my speaking and teaching and that I have felt fortunate to be able to share with others. How wonderful that Daniel took on the role of designer, production staff and publisher to put it into print – perfect!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      January 3, 2013 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks, Maggie. I told Daniel he should join our staff! 🙂

      Reply

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