Your Inspiration 31: A Celebration of All Things New! by Evelyn Ransom

I like New: new clothes, new shoes, a new baby. It's fresh. It's hot. It's poppin'. It's New!

I love that new car smell and I really love the new fresh-off-the-lot car. I love trying a new restaurant or reading a new book. New paint and freshly cut grass bring to mind fond memories.

Have you ever slept on brand new sheets (comforter and pillowcases to match)? That is a truly wonderful thing.

I prefer new furniture, the thrill of a new job and fresh cut flowers.

It seems like everyone is searching for the newest gadget. The i-phone and i-Touch ipod are in constant demand.

New video games, mechanical toys and even greeting cards that sing popular songs continue to pop up in the stores. We want new movies and new technology.

New. New. New. Sometimes, however, things of the past never lose their "new-ness."

A Remembrance of All Things Past

I have a favorite sweater. It is Angora hair and a beautiful cinnamon color. Every time I wear it, I get so many compliments. I bought that sweater in 1991. It is now 17 years old but every winter when I bring it out, it is new to me.

I have read Shakespeare countless times. I always - ALWAYS - get Pralines-n-Cream ice cream if I go to Baskin' Robbins.

And, the trinkets I have collected over the years! I still have a red and silver bangle that my sister used to wear in high school and a pin my mom gave me my senior year. I have every old battered letter my husband sent me while he was in Iraq. I treasure these old things.

The Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

My walk with God is new.

He always has a new fresh message to fit whatever I am going through right now. As I read God's word, it is amazing to me that passages that I read as a child, are new to me as an adult. Have you ever had a revelation, "Oh, that's what you meant!" when re-discovering a passage of His Word?

And even though God's Word brings new glories, His message is timeless. Love your neighbor as yourself. Study to show yourself approved. I love you.

I like it new. I treasure the old. And, God, well He has the best of both!

About the Expert: Evelyn Smith Ransom is still trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up! For now, she is: a wife of 16 years to an Army captain; a mom to two boys, 15 and 9; two girls, 8 and 5; a real estate broker, a media buyer for a marketing firm, an avid reader; a lover of scented candles; and an ever-developing Christian.