I'm awake bright and early this morning. I can never sleep in late on New Year's Day. I'm always excited to get to my bible and journal and write down my prayers for the year. I've had a neat time this morning looking back over my journal for 2008 and seeing God's hand. This year has been full of valleys and mountaintops. I feel like I have been on the wildest ride of my life. Without God, I KNOW I would have buckled under pressure. But, He has sustained me and blessed me. He is the GLORY and the LIFTER OF MY HEAD! (Psalm 3:3-5).
I cannot wait to see what 2009 brings. I'm praying to face it full force and not fear anything the year might hold. One thing is for certain - without Jesus, I won't be able to survive a thing (or truly see the blessings, either). I need Him!
I've chosen my verse for the memorization challenge. I admit I had a difficult time choosing. One reason I believe God layed this passage on my heart is because I quote it often, but never get it right. I love what it has meant for Eric and me over the past few years, but mostly it explains what my prayer is for a new year - for God to do a NEW THING in my life. I love to look back and see what He has done, but I am ready for what is ahead - NEW. So, I chose....
Isaiah 43: 18-19
"Remember not the former things,
neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do A NEW THING,
now it shall spring forth;
shall ye not know it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert."
Exciting things are ahead for my family and me. Eric begins a new job in a little over a week. I haven't said anything about it here, but watching God pull that off over the past few months has been amazing. I'm not exactly sure what all this new job will mean for our family, but Eric will be surrounded by strong, Christian men and that alone is a blessing.
We are still deep in the study of Ruth in Sunday School. I am enjoying it so much and am tempted to drag it out just so we can continue to stay in this book (just kidding). The book of Ruth has been a perfect picture of Christ and His redeeming love for us. It has been water for my soul!
We begin the study of Esther on Monday. Would you commit to praying for this study and the women in it? Talk about a new thing! ... I believe God is going to change lives with this study in the coming weeks. I'm asking Him to.
Lastly, I want you to know how much I appreciate you! This blog has been a blessing in my life. It's a silly way to dump my thoughts, brag on my sweet girls and record a portion of what God is doing in my life. Thank you for taking the time to read it (and sometimes comment). I love how God uses the unusual things to bring people together.
Happy New Year! I pray 2009 is a blessed year for all of you!
9 comments:
Will definitely be praying for the Bible study.... sounds exciting! Love your first verse too!!!
Excited to see how God works in yours & your families life in this new year.
That's a decidedly excellent verse with which to begin a new year.
Ruth rocks! Loved every study I've done on that book.
Supposed to start Esther in a couple of weeks, but I'm really trying to get out of it. Love the book. Loved the one study I did on it before. Just not excited about this one. I know, "Pray about it."
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Hi Deidre. Happy New Year to you too!
Also - I just got back from Chattanooga today.... I think you all were there earlier in the week and probably traveled over the same day we did....sorry to hear about the death in your family!
Can't wait to hear about Esther. Will be praying for the start of your new study!
in HIM -
Mindy
"I'm praying to face it full force and not fear anything the year might hold." Amen and amen!!
I just said a prayer for your Bible study. I am beginning the "Stepping Up" study in January, looking forward to (and a little intimidated by the thought of) writing some of my own Psalms. I can't wait to see how God will use His Word to speak to us in 2009!
Your blog is such a blessing. Happy, happy new year.
I love the verse that you selected for your first memory verse. That is one that we ALL need to commit to memory! I have also decided to participate and have posted my first verse, as well.
I am so excited to hear about the Esther study. I know it is going to be amazing!
I have so enjoyed getting to know you and your family this past year. I am so thankful that my daughter encouraged me to start a blog because it has been such a blessing.
Praying God's richest blessings on you and Eric as HE does a "new thing" in 2009!
I will be in prayer for your bible study beginning Monday. I'm sad I can not join you ladies, but I will have class on Monday nights this semester. I am looking forward to reading about the amazing things God is doing in the group!
I want sooooo badly to be where you are with the Lord. I know I asked Jesus into my heart when I was a little girl, and there have been a lot of ups and downs in my life and I know he was right there helping me through it all, but I so desire to have that relationship with HIM, to be that close to HIM! Sometimes it is so hard to believe that someone could love me that much - so I pull away!
Please pray that I will get that close to HIM this year!
Happy New Year!
Yay for the new job!! God is good. I love the verses you chose and was just recently pondering those as well. Can't wait to see what all God has in store this year!
Happy, Happy New Year!!
'dump my thoughts, brag on my girls, and share what God is doing' - perfect description of just about any blog - yours is a blessing to me! Happy New Year.
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