A look back at 2008

As 2008 came to a close, I began to reflect on all the things the Lord has been teaching me this past year. I would like to share some of these things with you.

One year ago, at the dawning of 2008, I chose three areas in my life to work on specifically last year. I prayed that the Lord would help me to grow and change these things in my life that so desperately needed attention.

Here is a short excerpt from my journal on January 1, 2008:

Well, I can’t believe another year has passed! I’m excited to see what the Lord will teach me in this new year. My goals are:

1) To be more regular in setting aside time daily to spend time with the Lord.

2) To take over most of the cooking of meals for our family.

3) To continually take my thoughts captive to Christ, not allowing myself thoughts which are not pleasing to the Lord and which are not beneficial to myself.

What a blessing these resolutions have been to me this past year!

I can see now how much more meaningful my personal times of prayer and Scripture reading have become as I chose to put it above other, seemingly more “fun” activities! I have now read and studied carefully most of the New Testament. I chose not to read through the whole Bible during 2008, but to instead focus on the New Testament. I feel like I know my Lord so much better because of my commitment to regular devotional time, and I commit to trying for even more regularity during 2009.

I am overjoyed to share how much I have learned this year in the kitchen! After completing my final year at Logos Christian Academy in May, I really began to get to work on this resolution. My mother has been able focus on other things in the time she has not had spend in the kitchen. I am so grateful for the practical experience I have received in this area.

Lastly, in the area of my thought life. I practiced reciting verses of Scripture to myself when tempted to think about things which are not pure or lovely. In addition to the benefit of Scripture memorization, I know that the Lord has helped me to have better control of my thoughts because of my commitment and desire to please Him alone in this area. Praise be to my Savior!

In closing, I would like to a few verses that have been very meaningful to me this past year.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

 

2 Corinthians 9: 10-11

I have seen the Lord’s hand provide in so many miraculous ways this year! From my new harp, to orchestrating our wonderful trip out to Colorado this summer! I look forward to seeing His Hand at work in 2009!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord, great is Thy faithfulness.