Hello, Goodbye

2008 is gone and 2009 has come. Each new year is a great time to reflect on the blessings that God has granted us during the past year, and to anticipate the many ways He will manifest His love for us in the year to come. God has continually been good to me throughout my life, and He did not take a break in 2008. It would be impossible for me to number all of the many ways in which He has blessed my life. I will, however, mention a blessing He has already bestowed upon Brad and me for 2009 - Brad has gotten a new job as a Financial Advisor with First Tennessee Bank. As we step away from Edward Jones, we say goodbye to door knocking, straight commission, and cold calls, and say hello to actual business hours, a bricks-and-mortar office, and an already established clientele base. Hallelujah! He starts working on Monday. We are very excited and anxious to see what else awaits us in 2009.

I'm not generally a New Year's Resolutions type of gal. As a rule, I don't really like measurable goals. I know that sounds silly, and is the exact opposite from the majority of the human race (especially my husband), but specific obligations and demands overwhelm me. Instead, I like to adapt a sort of theme or idea. It's easier for me to grasp, somehow. This year, I'm going to focus on the following scripture to guide my thinking, actions, and attitudes:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

It is such a comfort for me to rely on the fact that God not only knows what 2009 holds, but He has even planned good for me. I am confident that He has already fulfilled His part of this bargain mentioned in these verses, and this year, I vow to better uphold my part by praying more fervently and seeking Him more diligently. I want to know Him in a way that I have never known Him before. I want to have a relationship with Him and open myself to Him, allowing Him to cultivate His will for my life and His love in my heart.

I don't know what 2009 has in store for me, but I am confident that the Will of God will never take me where the Grace of God will not protect me. I am very blessed, and very grateful.