"Behold, I am doing a new thing..."
Isaiah 43:19
(Little did I know in this photo that God was going to do a lot of new things in my life during 2009!)
A new year has begun, we are already 7 days into 2010 and I can hardly believe it! I have been thinking about the new year and reflecting upon the one that has just passed since before Christmas and it has taken me a long time (not even sure if I'm there yet) to figure out what this new year means to me. So my thoughts drifted back to things God has done in my life in 2009, and in order for the beginning of my 2010 to make sense thats where I want to return.
2009.
Little did I know this time last year that 2009 would be such a huge year for me! 2009 was a year of huge growth for me, which ultimately was challenging.
2009 was a year of deeper and meaningful relationships a year filled with surprises, joy, sorrow, adventure, humbling trials, a relationship with God rather than religion, trusting God more and continuing the journey of believing the love that God has for me.
There are constant battles that still reign within myself over issues of the past that I know I am carrying into 2010 but I also know that allowing and trusting God on these issues together we have started to win these battles. Undoubtedly I have been amazed at how God has worked in my life this past year, when I have let go and let Him take control amazing things have happened!
There have been several highlights for me in 2009:
*Visiting Colorado Springs to see Becca and Lauren in their hometown!
*Passing my driving test (seems small but it unlocked freedom for me to be a part of Saintfield ministry)
*Completing first year of my degree
*The birth of my nephew Corey John Samuel Jackson
*Sharing life with all the interns: Petra, Becca, Josh, Lauren and Addison
*Getting to be part of the ministry in Saintfield and learning SO much from Paul and Val
*Making fruit dumplings with Petra
*Relationship with Matthew (little brother) growing deeper and seeing him start High School and discipleship
*Mission Czech 2009: this alone has several highlights and memories that will last a lifetime!
*U2 360° tour in Glasgow
*Time of peace, rest, reflection and restoration in the North Coast
*Mission Czech report back service
*Geniune encouragement and words of truth from precious people when I've needed it most
*Sharing the story of God at Elevate (I really didn't want to do this but in the end God reminded me exactly of that...its nothing to do with me!)
*Leading worship at Saintfield
*MAD weekend
*Visiting Czech Republic in October to see Anezka, Maja and Petra in Ostrava
*Watching young girls in discipleship grow in their faith
*Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with many special people in my life!
All of these moments are just mere glimpses of the incredible year God has given me! This year has also been a year where I have found myself thinking a lot about the promises God makes to me. And it has forced me to realise that I know many of these promises in my head but they have not yet taken root in my heart. I know I have only begun to open up my heart to Him but as I begin 2010 I want to join hands with Him and BE with Him on this journey. My desire is that our relationship will be horizontal not vertical. What do I mean by that? Well instead of me looking up to Him from earth to heaven, I would see Him being a part of me and being with me always and truly close to me.
Close enough to hold my hand.
Close enough to hear my whisper.
Close enough to hold my heart.
In 2010 I want to continue the journey of letting God love me.
My desire is to be a woman of my word and a prayer warrior.
My desire is that I will not just believe things in my head but know it deep down in my heart.
My desire is that He will increase and I will decrease.
I pray 2010 will be a year centered around God and what He has done and what He is doing. I pray that everyday I will take time to BE with Him and not just serve Him. I pray that in my darkness I will continue to see Him as my ever lasting light.
A song that has been close to my heart this year is one by Third Day (by no means my favourite artist of 2009 but the lyrics have been perfect for me)
Ever since the world around you shattered
You’ve been looking everywhere for something more
Sometimes you feel like your life doesn’t matter
I tell you it does
Come on let me love you now
Come on let me love you
And hold you through the storms
I will keep you safe and warm
Come on let me love you now
Come on let me love you and kiss away your tears
IYesterday you found your heart was broken
Tomorrow doesn’t leave much room for hope
Today you’ll find that my arms are wide open
And my heart, my heart is full of love
Give up all other things
‘Cause my love can bring you more
And if you take a chance on me
I’ll give you what you’re looking for
So, as the new year begins I will continue on this journey of mystery and discovery of His love for me, praying that He will remind me to let Him love me!
