HAPPY NEW YEAR
It's 2009. Wow last year went so fast. Its amazing to look back the year and take time to remember what God has done in our lives. I had a very full year in 08. I travelled more than I ever have in my life. I took more plane flights that i expected I would, and I'm thankful for that. Other wise I would have been doing ALOT of driving. 2008 for me was also a year of seeing some of my DREAMS start to be SET in motion. I'm hoping that 2009 I will continue to be bold in seeing these fulfilled. I hope that if you haven't already got a dream that maybe this year would be the year taht you get one... for GOD can do MORE than we could ASK - DREAM or IMAGINE.
I hope that you have had some time to stop and reflect on your year in 08, and have had time to set some goals for 09. I have been enjoying some time time to rest. Its been nice to be at home with my parents and not do much.
I was praying yesterday and I felt got speak to me from the book of Hosea Chatper 2. I have read this chapter a number of times... the bit that I felt stuck out to me yesterday was the part where its says "I will make the valley of Achor a door of hope". I didn't know what this meant so I hit the internet up.. (yay for online bibles). It said that achor means 'trouble'. It actually really encouraged me. It was as if God was specifically saying to me that the troubles I've been facing, and maybe you to.. that he was going to use them to open up a door of HOPE. I don't know about you but I've been facing a number of challenges, and this word really did bring life to me, and encouragement that there was HOPE coming from the trouble.
I'm reminded in the book of James where it says "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work in us so that we may become mature and complete- not lacking anything".
Thats a pretty straight up word from God, and I guess its one I need to remember right now - and maybe you do to.
As you continue into 2009 I hope and pray that you will have HOPE... and be encouraged daily as you choose to consider all the things you face with JOY..
If you are facing troubles, take God at His word and believe that God will open up a door of HOPE for you to walk through.
Many blessings
katie
