2017. We have ushered it in. The children and I, along with a dozen others or more as we gather along the shores of a small lake in southern Wisconsin. Even though it was after 2 a.m. when we were all in our beds at last, my two children and I were up at Sunrise. Kyle captured a gorgeous sunrise over Booth Lake on a 26 degree morning. Hours ago the lake upheld a fiery pillar of flames as we gathered around, with embers wafting  up towards the heavenly, star lit skies. It was peaceful, gorgeous, and a feeling of commaraderie as long time neighbors partake in what has become a tradition.

The flames gave way to the cold, and melted into the puddle below. Night has become morning. But not just any morning, it is the morning of a new year. It is a time to not only reflect on what God has revealed to my heart in the year past, which was more than I could have ever imagined, but also a time to consider priorities in the new year.

God's promise of eternal life has been experienced on a deeply personal level. When my husband was called to his Heavenly Home the Lord Jesus personally came to take him Home. It was a privelege to witness their conversation, and I have a questioned since, "Does the L.ord Himself always come to take His children home, or is it only His most beloved, and the majority of us get the Archangle Michael?" If you have witnessed a person at their time of crossing over into the heavenly realm, perhaps you too, have wondered. But as I write this new year blog, I have been given a revelation...

Perhaps Jesus did not come to take my husband home for the benefit of his beloved child, but for the benefit of his grieving wife. Reflecting on that moment has brought me a tremendous amount of peace in my heart these past 18 months. It is that encounter, the witness of hearing Jesse talking to "His Lord" that has given me strength to move forward and come into the acceptance of the new path of holistic practitioner.

In March I had the revelation that I would not be sitting in a clinic in Georgia, learning a new skillset, if my husband were alive. The course of my life has been forever changed...but it can be and is for good...for the good of all of God's children who are in need of what I have to offer.

The week before Christmas Abby and I had lunch with a new friend, and after I shared my story, she said she felt that there was more to come for me in my new path. It was a message that was not new to me, as a friend in Arbonne had been given a message as well during a time of prayer for me and my family.

What does God require of me? I know the answer. It is to be less busy, and more focused on listening to Him. Quiet time. It is time to unsubscribe from the many, many alternative doctors newsletters, or at least manage email to skip the inbox and place them in a folder. There is but one whose newsletters I will keep...a deeply rooted Christian doctor who helps those heal who come to his sanctuary in Brazil...his attempt to provide a glimpse of heaven on this earth.

I have been given many gifts to help others...but I sense I may not have tapped into a greater gift that is deep within me. For this to develop, it will require times of stillness. Which is pretty tough for a person with self-diagnosed ADD to handle.

Priorities. The first day of the new year many of us will be making lists. My new Law of Attraction planner is going to be an excellent tool at helping me time block. Not just appointments for clients and 1 on 1s, but time to be one in the Spirit. To connect to the greatest energy force of the universe and beyond. God the Father, God the Creator who has spoken all into existence, and Jesus the Son who has the authority over death and sickness.

Blessings to you all - may you make time for stillness in 2017.

Rita S.