Happy New Year!

For many, the new year represents an opportunity to start fresh. With an open door and a clean slate we step forward in hopes of fullfilling our dreams and leaving the past behind us. I did just that on New Year's Eve, 1976 when I asked the Father to cleanse me from all unrighteouness and to make me a new creature in Christ. I am that new person today because God bestowed grace upon me. And because of that grace I was washed of my sin and given the Spirit of adoption into the family of God.

Just like the many diet plans that have failed me, and the many resolutions I've broken, I've found myself failing and broken and returning to God. Without His unfailing grace I'd be lost because this life has shown me over and over again again that I can't do it without His help.

Few author's have written as much about grace as Liz Curtis Higgs who says, "I'm on a mission to help women see that God's unconditional love expressed through his mercy is not based on our performance, on our goodness, on our worthiness, but on HIS atoning sacrifice, on HIS goodness, on HIS worthiness. Grace is simply a gift. We can't add to it or subtract from it, and we dare not refuse it when we need it so desperately."

Liz is at CWO this month to talk about her newest book, Embrace Grace, her recent trip to Scotland, and some of those Bad Girls of the Bible, as she chats with Heather Ivester in the "Book Buzz." She's an amazing woman who's smile lights up a room, and who's words shine light on hope.

In looking back, you'll find human frailty, in looking forward you'll find hope. This year embrace His grace, and let your hope be found in faith.

Check out CWO this month to read Heather's interview with Liz and all of the regular columns including a new one for Baby Boomer women by Allison Bottke.