See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. (Isaiah 42:9)

Happy, happy New Year! I pray that 2008 would bring new beginnings, reveal new dreams, and offer fresh hope. May the Lord bless you with great courage and strength to overcome. With love, Ruth.

Welcome to Comfort Cafe, an ezine and resource center offering hope, help and healing for women.

WIN A DOOR PRIZE THIS MONTH!!!

Subscribe to our monthly ezine and automatically qualify for our weekly drawings. This month’s door prize is a delightful book—I’m Too Young To Be This Old, by Poppy Smith

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST MONTH’S DOOR PRIZE WINNERS:
Ruth Burgess, Oregon; Jan Cline, Washington; Ann Michels, California; Nancy Kay Grace, Arkansas; Katrina Byrd, Mississippi

Ruth’s Blog

Comfort Cafe’s editor, Ruth Wood, brings a personal connection to the site through her blog.

Photography Blog

Deb Allen is the author of Creation Speaks—short devotionals illustrated by beautiful photos she’s taken of nature. Enjoy her latest posts at www.heartscribeforhim.com/CreationSpeaks1.htm.

Coffee Shop Concert

Della is a gifted artist whose beautiful instrumental music will soothe your soul. A great way to start out the year. Visit our Coffee Shop Concert.

LIFE STORIES

“Please pray for Philip Shaw as he was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Monday.” That email sliced my life right in half… See Faith Through Philip, by Pamela Van Atta.

The menacing topic came up in college. I arrived late to class and spotted the bright red letters penned on the dry erase board: ABORTION. Great, just great, I thought, taking my seat… See Silent Storm, by Julie A. Devine.

On October 23, 2002, I voluntarily admitted myself into a psychiatric center… See Heart Cleansing, by Cheri Dedman.

I was told that his plane would be delayed and a few minutes later learned that it had crashed upon landing in another airport and that over 100 people, including my husband, had been killed on impact… See God’s Pre-Provisions, Cheryl Riggs.

DEVOTIONALS

The dawn of any New Year brings reflection, introspection and perhaps a bit of fear. What must I do differently this year to be a better person? Will this year bring world peace or war? Will it bring me wealth? Happiness? Tragedy? See New Year’s Grace, by Louise Bergmann DuMont (Espresso for the Heart).

I used to sit in church and pray that God would just “zap” me and make me the person I really wanted to be. But after thirty plus years I’m learning that God doesn’t work that way—for most of us. See Renewing My Mind, by Gina Conroy.

Nothing wounds parental joy more than the pangs of remorse over what was done wrong this morning, last year or that summer day in 1978… See A Balm For Regret, by Phyllis M. Nissila.

ARTICLES

“Happy New Year!” I said to a British friend as we were leaving church today. She shuddered and said, “I’m always fearful of the New Year.” “Really?” I said with my eyes wide in disbelief. “Why is that?” “I just think of all the horrible things could happen and hate to face them.” Her fear reminded me of a time I also shuddered over the prospects of “what ifs…” See New Every Morning, by Marianne Miles (Miles to Go).

The last week of an old year is always a time of reflection for me. I leaf through the calendar and recall the events of past months… See Saying Goodbye to an Old Year, by Sue Winchester.

Happy New Year! Or will it be? What is your perspective as you face a brand new year? See A Plan to Revitalize, by Sue Winchester.

THE HEALING HEARTH

As a young believer in the 1980’s I set out with great enthusiasm for Jesus, agreeing with the Scriptures and doing my best to live for Him. I really loved God but misunderstood the Christian life. Disappointment soon followed…See Confronting the Lie That Fuels Our Misery, by Victoria Gaines.

Looking for Writers

Our Help for the Hurting page lists all the topics we hope to address in the future. If you have a story or article that relates to one of these areas, I’d love to hear from you. Review our writer’s guidelines, then send your material to submissions@comfort-cafe.net.