For those of you who are blog-lovers... you'll probably see a lot of people blogging about their "word" for the year to come -- something to symbolize their vision, goals and aspirations for the year. I've been thinking about what my 'word' would be... and then I came across this:
“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”- Isaiah 43:16, 18-19
2009 was an eventful year, to put it nicely. (If you want to, you can read a little about it on my post HERE.) When I look back on it, I know that I was given the opportunity to learn some important life lessons. --- Not that I've got it all figured out (I've got a LONG way to go), but I've taken some big steps. I saw how God amazingly brought us through some tough situations... and I saw miracles happen right before my eyes. 'He made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters'.
There have been so many things I've had to go through over the years... and when hard times come, my thoughts seem to run right back to those tough memories --- making me replay them over and over again in my mind... feeling those hurts rush back when I thought I'd covered them up. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" I am SO ready to step into a fresh beginning.... and I can't wait to see what plans await me for the new year to come.
Yesterday, I was stressing out... worrying about how we were going to make it from step A to step Z.... my face breaking out in a teenage-like frenzy... knowing that we had change in our pockets that needed to last us a week ---- and then I came across THIS post by Melody Ross. If you've never been to Melody's blog, you really need to take some time and read her life story. This post is titled, "Just Exactly Enough"... and it was just exactly what I needed to hear at just exactly the right time. I hope your heart is touched by her words.... and I hope that this next year brings you so many of life's blessings, in just the form that you need them. I find myself still worrying and trying to do everything on my own strength. You'd think that I would have learned this lesson by now... but obviously I am very hard headed and STILL struggle with trying to figure out everything on my own. ;)
May 2010 be the starting point for a new way of looking at life.
Happy NEW Year!
Julie, What a ride you and God have been on this year. Sometimes all we can do is hold on tight and trust. Thank you for sharing your testimony. I know it couldn't have been easy. Your post today is the perfect beginning to the New Year. I pray you and your family find peace and joy in 2010.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts and post, Julie! This HAS been an "interesting" year, hasn't it?! I think we've all been through the grinder in 2009 in one way or another--lots of things learned! Relying on the Lord is the only way to get through it--how wonderful to know this--I'm very grateful!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy, healthy and MUCH more peaceful 2010!
Julie, not to pry into your personal life, but I am strongly encouraging your husband to file for Unemployment Insurance benefits if he has not done so. I work for the Dept of Labor and know he should be eligible based upon his separation. He did not resign voluntarily, and certainly not the date his employment ended. The UI benefits are designed to keep money in the economy so other people do not lose their jobs. If he has not done so, please inquire right away within your state, preferably online. The money is there to help and God has blessed me with my job as a QC rep for the DOL and I encourage him to look into it.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, you bless me over and over both creatively and spiritually. Thank you!! big hug!
Hope that the new year is filled with blessings for you, sweet friend. Hugs!
ReplyDeletei would have to agree- i am so OVER 2009... It was not my favorite year! However, new start, new beginnings, new year- bring it on! I am ready! oh- and my word is Simplify!
ReplyDeleteTrying to get caught up with all of my girlfriends -- and can I tell you once more how glad I am that you're one of them? Seriously. This post? MADE. MY. DAY! I know we have different variety of struggles, but watching the grace with which you tackle yours gives me hope that I can do likewise. You're a PEACH and I love you! Happy New Year, Julie!
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