…And I have the bruises to prove it!
Woosh! And the new year is here. 4 days in already. Have you made a list of all the things you want to do? Kept your resolutions so far? Last year, I did not make any official resolutions except for one. I wanted to know Jesus better by the end of the year than I did at the beginning. I left the results of what that would look like up to Him. My M.O. was to engage in more activities that would put me in a position to hear from Him – then see what would happen. Here are some ways He let that happen:
At the beginning of 2009, Donna and I began planning a women’s retreat. The hours and hours of work were rich in prayer and learning. Later in the year, we took the results of that endeavor and wrote a 75,000 word manuscript that we are seeking to have published. WOW!
In February, I was given the gift of a trip to my Alma mater for a reunion. There were a few fences that needed mending there and through that experience I received and got to give forgiveness where it was greatly needed.
I listened to the urging of my son and as a result took a 8,000 kilometer road trip that blessed me greatly by allowing me to reconnect with many friends that I hadn’t seen in 20+ years. We also got to spend tons of great family time.
A friend inspired Donna & I to embark on a lengthy Biblical fast. I learned in a new and intimate way what fasting was really about and through it received new eyes to see God at work around me. I realized how I was missing out on a crucial spiritual discipline.
Obeying a nudge to serve my church, I got involved with the Christmas production. I got to hang high above the stage on a wire hoop as the angel. Through discussions with other show members and new connections made, I received wisdom and encouragement from others.
Red Giraffe (our sales & marketing business) completed yet another full year of successful operation. Successful in the sense that we have been blessed to serve so many great people and enjoy the work we do.
Donna and I heard continually from God through our individual bible studying and through wisdom from Holy Spirit as to direction for our ministry. For the Sake of ONE continues to bless us as we seek ways to teach and connect women. Our podcast messages have had over 15,000 listens. AMAZING and unbelievable to us.
There was so much more. Has it been easy? Of course not. We’ve had bumps and bruises along the way. (Some of which are still healing!) Setting goals are terrific to help manage how you spend your time and in prioritizing things that really matter. I have realized however that unless I seek a primary goal of abiding more in Christ – the other things are like dust. They’ll have no lasting value. As the next new day of 2010 approaches, I continue that pursuit. The upward call of God through Christ. Press on, brother & sister! Doing it God’s way will always be sweet. Perhaps not always easy, but it will always bring peace.
