First Post of 2008!

A New Year! I love looking at a fresh, clean calendar and imagining how the days and months will unfold. Slowly, the little boxes will become full of plans and possibilities. With anticipation, I wait for specific days- a celebration, an adventure, reconnecting with friends, the comfort that on certain days I have a standing date (the youth....don't get your hopes up!). Isn't it fun to look back at a filled-in calendar (or better yet a journal) and see how the events unfolded and turned out.

For a few years now, I've made a point to set goals for the coming year. Not one for resolutions, setting goals seem more attainable and I'm motivated to work toward them. Some of my goals are broad (discipleship ministry, marriage/motherhood) while others are quite specific (write a book for preacher's kids, take a photography course, travel to Colombia). Each New Year's, I take some time to sit and reflect on each goal- what I've done to work toward that goal or to revamp the goal as God directs me. Early this morning- around 2am I guess- I sat on my bed and did just that. It was exciting to record progress in certain areas and to be challenged to regain the momentum in other areas. This accountability is good for me- it keeps me purposeful and heading in a good direction.

Below is a familiar passage about God's plan for us- but catch it these two versions. Doesn't that just excite you! In talking with my friend Carrie on Sunday- how cool was it to be reminded that our God desires good things for us- and has amazing plans in store for us. For me. He has amazing plans in store for me. When I reflect on some of the amazing people He has brought into my life and the incredible opportunities I have- and the tremendous ministry that I get to be involved in- HOW MUCH MORE is to come! How humbling- that He would choose me.

Jeremiah 29: 10-14 The Message
This is God's Word on the subject: "... and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. God's Decree. I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you—God's Decree—bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it."

New Living Translation
"This is what the Lord says: ... For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the Lord."

More to See- Hillsong

Well I know that I may have had
My share of failing and falling
But I have come to understand
One thing remains

By all He’s done
I have been made holy
Worthy of serving the One
The One who wrote eternity
So deep in my heart

Open your eyes and see
The wonder of a life
So wonderfully free
Lift up your head believe
There is more
There’s so much more to see

You remind me still
Of the hope and promise
Daring my heart to be brave
And all the while You strengthen me
So deep in my heart

His mercies are new every morning
His mercies are new every day
His mercies are new every morning
Beautifully new every day

His mercies are new every year!
Have a Joyous New Year!

Always~
Elisabeth