It's a New Year...

It is the time when people make or break New Years Resolutions. I am not huge on doing this, but one thing I always encourage myself to do is spend more time with God and in His word. I also like to look back and see how God has worked in the last year and am always excited to see what He will do in the next. I know that if I don't take time to reflect on how God is working in my life then I may miss many things He is wanting to show me, bless me, and allow for me to grow.

One thing I learned from the last year is that I need to let God be in the drivers seat. It is not always easy, but how can I do it any other way? I have learned that things fall apart when I try to guide and lead my own life. Yes, many times I have learned the hard way, so I think I better just give in this year and truly let Him. I must also mention that God has again blessed us richly and been so faithful to us in 08. I am so honored to be following and serving such an awesome God. With that said I am really excited for 2009 and what this new year is going to bring for our family. I was thinking the other day and realized it is definietly going to be a year of some big changes. Two of the biggest things will be having our 2nd child and my husband graduating with his PLP liscence and on the search for a possible new job. We are so excited to see where God takes us this year just alone with these 2 things...

I know God is already moving and providing a path for me to grow this year and I want to share a brief story. I recently surrendred an issue over to God that I have been dealing with. Even after doing this I was still struggling very badly with worry and doubt, so I did something I had never done before. I asked God to speak or show me something everyday to get me through it with peace, trust, and faith. I have never before felt the hand of God so close to me before. It has been amazing as litterally everyday He has revealed something I know is from Him to give me ultimate peace and trust! I have had to really focus on watching, but when it is revealed I know it is the "thing" for the day that He is speaking to me. It has given me such amazing peace and I am so thankful to not be in the bondage of worrying and anxiety over it anymore. I know God is with me and He is soverign through this situation.

I have asked several times why am I going through this difficult siuation? I believe the answer is simple. When we are in our valleys is when we are able to grow stronger and learn and come out on a higher mountain. I know this experience that has been so devesatating to me has also been such a growth opportunity to see God actively moving in my life. He helping me to conquer the sin of worry and anxiety. I am going to start a journal to keep track of the things He reveals to me each day. I am looking forward to going back and seeing all of the many things He has shown me. How could I worry and not trust with all of these promises He is personally giving me each day? I am excited to see what else He is going to teach me over the next year as I continue to strive to let Him be in the drivers seat.

I share this story to remind us all that we serve such an awesome and active God! I pray that each of us will be able to experience His prescence in a deeper way as we strive to grow closer to Him each day. The most important thing we can do for our family is lead them to our Father who will always welcome us with open arms.