1 January 2010 : The Beginning of the New...

The 1st of January, 2010 has been an enjoyable day. My girlie and I went to the cinema to see "The Princess and the Frog". While not a fan of any type of love story (much), I did enjoy this one for it's real characters (as real as one can get in cartoon, that is!). Then it was home for lunch and a rest, and then into the city to visit with friends who are holidaying in Brisbane for a couple of days. Jasmine is now with her dad and grandma, and I am enjoying the solitude but missing my girl already.

As it's a new day, month and year, I have felt very excited about the possibilities for change and for pursuing the vision that God has for my life. With my word for the month being forgiveness, I will be doing some study and meditation on this and posting soon. Another delight from God that I will be studying, meditating on AND memorising is verse number one out of 24 for the year, which is:

"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." - Psalm 119:50 (NIV)

There were SOOO many times during the latter half of 2009 that His promise did literally preserve my life! While I don't think I would have, or could have, done anything fatal to prematurely cease my existence here on earth, there were a few occasions where I wish it was just over. Finished. Kaput! I had had enough and I just didn't, point blank did not, or should that be DID. NOT., want to be here.

I did really know otherwise though. I knew the truth. My 'sane' self kept telling my 'insane' self that I was meant to be here. Praise God for the Holy Spirit sticking so closely by me during those very low patches.

So, what is God's promise? It is His peace, love, grace, mercy, compassion, and also His vision for me. As that is my theme for 2010, I feel that I must look into every circumstance and find what His vision was and is for me. Last year it was to become stronger in myself through Him, and to draw closer to Him. This year...I don't know as yet, but I do feel that my 2010 Word List will help me see what it is.

I love Psalm 119:50 from the King James Version -

"This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me."

The Hebrew word 'chayah' (2421)...'quickened' means to save, revive...basically it means to live. Without Him, without His comfort, which is His hope as noted in verse 49, I would not be where I am today. I would still be, but I would still be struggling.

2010 is going to be an awesome year. I will not have it otherwise and I know that God will not either.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping me nestled safely under your wings in 2009. Thank you for leading me out of the dark depths that tried to envelope me. Thank you for your peace, love, grace, mercy and compassion. I pray for a fruitful 2010 seeking after your vision for my life. In Jesus' wonderful name, Amen.



PS: Join me, and others, over at Extravagant Grace for the 24 Verses in 2010.