Pressing Onward

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put you hand in the hand of God. That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way.” 

--M. Louise Haskins

Happy New Year!!!

 

As I reflect over 2012 and all that God has done I am made more aware of His unwavering faithfulness.  He is amazing.  This is what keeps me moving forward.  This is what keeps me pressing.  Walking with Jesus makes life worth living! 

 

All the swift turns in the road keep life from being mundane...He knows how bored I can tend to get. 

2012 sure had some twists to it.

 

The times I took my hand from His for a while, thinking I'd instead follow close behind Him....thank GOD for u-turns, cause it's at these times that I needed to make adjustments and find my way back to His hand.  He's gracious.  He allowed me the privilege.

 

The mountains on this journey, Thank God He was climbing right beside me, telling me where each cleff was so I could place my hands and feet safely during the climb. 

Every sweat drop, every tear drop.

 

The few mountain tops I reached...WOW! what a view!!  Thank you, Lord, for not letting me stay there long.  The view was beautiful, breath-taking, awesome...but You knew I needed to breathe again so you took me to...

 

The valley again.  The place where I seem to learn from You the most.  The place where every tear You do not allow to go to waste, but instead must gather in Your water pot.  Because it's in the valley where I grow and see all the beautiful flowers and streams along the way.  It's in this place that I find that You are the omni-present Jehovah!

 

Thank You for every paid bill, every answered prayer, every tank of gas, every morning, every evening, and every night.  Thank you for GAME ON.  Thank you for the strength You gave to enable me to lose weight this past year.  Thank you for shoes to keep my feet warm and clothing, food, and shelter. 

 

Thank you for my precious daughter.  Thank you for touching her life.  Thank you for keeping your hand of protection upon her...especially in those moments when my eyes could not be there.  Thank you for helping her in Algebra and for giving her an attitude of perserverance through her life struggles.  Thank you for giving her the gifts of music and a voice to sing your praise. 

 

I know there is a lot ahead.  Life has to continue.  And, with that, comes many more unknowns.  I realize that there has been much loss for a lot of people this past year.  Thankfully we know that You are the Peace-Speaker.  I know that there is a lot of turmoil in America and abroad, but looking over all that You did for us in 2012 gives me high hopes for 2013.  Thank you for continuing to guide us onward to Glory! I pray my life serves its intended purpose and brings glory to your name. Amen. 

 

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths.