Good Morning!

It was a fruitful exercise for me to spend some time thinking about 2008--and all that it held; similarly, I have found it valuable to look forward, and set some goals for 2009. 'Curious? Well, some of my thoughts included memorizing Scripture. I've recently mentioned the book The Heavenly Man to you--that singular Chinese man is responsible for thousands of people coming to know Christ, many that he met while serving time in China's harsh prisons. What carried "Yun" through all of the torture and isolation was the Scripture he had memorized--it reminded him of God's promises; they were his lifeline. Secondly, I want to continue pursuing the implications of keeping the sabbath~ I'm so often carried away by the activities of the culture, that I do not STOP--which is the first principle of observing the Sabbath. Third, I need to set apart more time for prayer; while I spend goodly amounts of time studying Scripture, I find myself short-changing my prayer time. Hence, I lack.

As for other goals, they are the same as many of yours--practice good nutrition, spend meaningful (fully present) time with my loved ones. . .

Now, here's a thought--maybe one you hadn't considered--what would Jesus say He would want for you in 2009? (I will list all Scripture references at the end)

So, I asked Him-------

"Speak to me, Lord, for your child is listening"

What would your thoughts toward me look like, Father? Then, I was quiet. . .

I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Wait. . . you have plans for ME, Lord? You have individual thoughts toward me? Amazing. . . plans that I will prosper?

well, thank you for those--and no harm? What about the trials I will face?

Nothing comes to you, but what I have sifted it first, but I do not send trials or temptations your way, though you will know both in this

world. Remember, each man is tempted through his own evil desire, for God tempts no one.

plans to give you a hope and a future.

not just in this life, but forever~

Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

When I turn to you, call out to you, pray to you, you actually listen to me? Oh, sure, I know this stuff, but reading

it as you spoke it through your prophet, Jeremiah, makes it seem so real, so personal. I remember reading this

little book years ago that talked about how every time your people literally cried out to you, you heard their

spoken words, you acted.

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.

Oh, Lord, thank you. Thank you, that when I cry out to you, seeking you will all my heart, I will find you--

that when any of us really wants to know you, we can--You will make yourself known to us.

"So, Child, what do I want for you in 2009? The same thing I have wanted since the beginning of time--

a close relationship with you, my creation." Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart.

Trust in Me with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Me,

and I will make your paths straight.

"That is what I want for you, dear Child."

So that we might grow in 2009,

Christine

1 Samuel 3.10; Jeremiah 29.11-13; James 1.13-14;The Power of Crying Out Bill Gothard; Psalm 37.4; Proverbs 3.5-6