Leaving you with these last remaining thoughts

Change can sometimes be hard. We get used to the way things are and we want to keep the old and the familiar.

link Joan Clayton

But God uses change in our lives to help us grow and mature and to be able to adapt and to learn life lessons that he reveals to us through change.

Our attitude toward change makes all the difference. If we embrace change and recognize that God will be with us through those changes, we can be full of joy and happiness even though we may not want or like the change that is occurring.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 — KJV)

Dear friends, such a time and such a purpose has come to me as I have reached the very difficult decision that it is time for me to retire from writing these weekly articles.

I know in my heart that the time is right. I feel very much at peace about this decision, but I will miss it very, very much.

I want you, dear readers, to know how very special you all are to me and that you have given me such joy and happiness over these last 20-plus years.

You have encouraged me and loved me throughout this whole time. Hardly a day passes that I don’t get a hug and a greeting from someone around town or a phone call, email, a card or letter expressing how much my articles have meant to you.

I can honestly tell you that I have gotten more joy and blessing from writing them than I can imagine you have from reading them. I will treasure these memories in my heart forever.

I owe so much to the wonderful editors and staff of the Portales News-Tribune and Clovis Media Inc. They have given me their full support and encouragement throughout all of these years, without which, none of this would have been possible.

I thank God for this amazing opportunity to speak his words from my heart all these years and I hope and pray that it has been a blessing to all who have read them.

I want to leave you with these last remaining thoughts: in all things, be happy and be joyful! Look for the good in all people. Love each other, but most of all, love God.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

“The Lord make his face shine upon you,

“And be gracious to you;

“The Lord lift up his countenance upon you,

“And give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)

I truly love each and every one of you.

Your friend forever, Joan.

Joan Clayton began writing this column in 1993. She welcomes reader feedback at:

[email protected]