My Hopes for 2012

As I sit down to write this first blog entry for 2012, I reread some of my previous posts with a few questions on my mind about last year. Did I meet my goals? Was I open to what God was doing? Do I continue to struggle in the same areas or has there been healing? and, most importantly, do I know Jesus more?

To answer some of those questions, no, yes, somewhat, yes and I think so.:)

My weight continues to be a struggle, although there has been great gain in the bigger picture of my health, understanding things better and knowing who I am and why I do what I do.
DO I trust more? Yes. I have made choices to trust, and before that could happen I had to realize that ultimately, there is nothing man (or woman) can do to me; for I am okay. Do I continue to struggle to walk upright always? Yes, but it becomes less and less of a struggle; and its funny how it all comes back to trust and walking in my TRUE identity. Knowing who I am, and being, doing for an audience of one!

A friend of mine is making 2012 the year of surrender. While I am always learning more and more about being in the state of surrender; I think for me, I am purposing that 2012 is going to be about being thankful. Finding at least one thing every day to be thankful for.

It's not about covering up difficult circumstances that are harder to be thankful for; but rather, in the midst of those circumstances choosing to be thankful anyways.

So, as I write this - it is Jan 13th. My list of being thankful begins today. Today I am thankful for ...
1. quiet Saturday mornings at home
2. truth and honesty spoken in love
3. silly laughs and conversations with my son about the differences between men and women
4. a small balance in the bank account when by my counting should be at zero
5. money to get new tires before snow hits hard
6. a son who loves Jesus more than anything
7. for forgiveness
8. for the wisdom of doctors, dentists and other medical professionals
9. for pastors and many others who wants to see people's lives change with the love and life of Jesus
10. for a church family who didnt give up and is not afraid to try something new
11. for a beautiful home and a border to help cover the rent
12. for the peace that comes with knowing whatever happens, God has what is best, planned for me
13. for knowing that I don't have to have all the answers
14. for being on staff at a ministry who supplied a new laptop for my use
15. for the gift of music
16. for family and friends who care enough to get to know the real me
17. for the ability to dream
18. for tears
19. for God's word as a guidemap to the lover of my soul
20. for being a new creation and having new beginnings