Looking back and looking ahead

Is it just me or has 2009 came and gone in the blink of an eye? For some reason its hard to believe that soon we will be moving into another year.

So much to look back on and reflect on. Some happy some sad...either way it now transitions into what was with the hope of what will be.

I look back on this year and consider myself blessed. I have smiled, laughed, cried and spurted tears of joy. I have held onto old friends and made some new. I have learned much even though I wish I would have learned some more. I have let go of some things and held onto others. I have wrestled with fears of the unknown but also in the end I have learned to give things over to God.

When I was growing up it would have been hard for me to imagine that I would have the opportunity to have an online journal of sorts. A place where I could go and pound out my feelings, my fears , my joys and my wishes. I would have thought you were crazy if you would have told me that I would have the opportunity to meet some really amazing and supportive people. People who let you vent and then offer their two cents and words of encouragement to help you work out what you are working through. When you think about it its amazing. God can even use the internet to bring people together and help them on this journey we call life.

I feel honored to be able to visit their blogs and see the world through their eyes. To be able to look at things from a fresh new perspective but most of all to make me think and grow. To be able to pray for them when they are going through troubled times and to know that if I asked them..they would do the same for me. God is good.

Normally when the New Year approaches, I make a few resolutions that I know in the end I will not have the will power to complete. The one thing I really wish I would have stuck to was reading the Bible through this year. I did great until about March and then time and other things got in the way. Not something I am proud of at all. I am happy that I have the opportunity to try again in 2010 and look forward to sticking with it and letting God show me some amazing things as I travel through His Word. Prayers would be much appreciated!

As 2010 approaches Ann suggests naming the year. After much pondering I have decided that 2010 will be "The Year of Renewal" for me. Renewing my mind with His Word and soaking as much of Him in as I can so that it changes me from the inside out. I want this next year to be less of me and more of Him. Honestly, I can't wait to get started!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2