December 31, 2008. . .

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven~

. . .a time to plant

and a time to uproot

. . .a time to tear down

and a time to build

. . .a time to scatter stones

and a time to gather them

. . .a time to keep

and a time to throw away

. . .a time to be silent

and a time to speak. from Ecclesiastes 3

How eloquent are the words of the philosophical writer of Ecclesiastes.

Today, the last day of this year, brings an opportunity for each of us--

"a season to", "a time to" consider--

Before the ball drops tonight, could we take a few minutes to consider 2008? Before thinking of where you would like to go in 2009,

where have you been in 0-8?

What were the highlights, the joys for you?______________________________________________________________________________

Count your blessings, dear one~______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Look around you even now--what are your blessings?______________________________________________________________________________

How about the struggles, the trials?______________________________________________________________________________

'that which caused great pain or loss?______________________________________________________________________________

How did you grow in 2008, what new things did you learn? (might be related to the struggles you faced)_____________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

'Opportunities you missed, wish you had back?______________________________________________________________________________

'New relationships?______________________________________________________________________________

Now, look back to the verses above--are there things you need to 'uproot'? things you need to "throw away"?

Are there things you would like to build on?

Tomorrow, we look forward. . .

There is so much value in considering where we've been, what we have experienced, before forging into a new season. Most years, I have just let the ball drop, without any looking back at all--oh, sure, I've thought, 'phew, 'glad this year is over!' but never took stock as to highs AND lows, trials AND blessings, thanking God for how He sustained me, in spite of it all. So, I'm going to print this out for myself, and take a little time to reflect.

May God bless you, my dear friends--

Christine