Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Looking toward the new year...

It was this time last year when I decided that rather than making resolutions, I wanted to have a theme for 2008. That theme came from the desire for 2008 to be a year filled with the "Fruit of Thankfulness." As I look toward 2009, I want to again allow the Lord to lead me. I want to seek to follow Him in every area of my life. I am thinking now of Proverbs 3:5-6 which says I should trust in Him with all my heart, that I should not trust in or lean on my own wisdom or understanding, that I should think of or acknowledge Him in all my ways... and that if I do these things, He promises to direct my path or make my path straight. A straight path is so much easier to navigate and so much less hazardous than one with twists, turns, and nuances that are unexpected. I don't know about you, but I like the thought of walking on the straight path with level ground around my feet at all times. He can even make the hills and valleys seem level if I am walking closely with Him.

This past year has been one of rediscovering my love for artwork and just the creative process in general. I am so thankful for what the Lord has done in my life over this past year. And while rediscovering my artwork was exciting, it means nothing apart from Him. So I am looking forward to this year with great anticipation that whatever it might hold, the joy is not in what happens but in the One with whom I am walking through it. I pray the same for you... may you discover that the joy is not in the circumstances or in the "doing"... but the real joy comes from knowing the One who has created you, gifted you, and brought you to the place in which you find yourself.

May God bless you in 2009 as never before,
From Charm & Grace Cottage

14 comments:

  1. Wishing you all the best in the New Year! May it be Happy, Healthy and Filled With Joy!!

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  2. May the Lord bless you in this coming year. I love Proverbs3:5-6 it is the life verse chosen by one of my children for herself.

    xo Lidy

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  3. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I am just discovering your blog, and it is lovely. I look forward to poking around and learning more about you, your life serving the Lord, and your artwork! Happy NEW Year!
    Suzanne

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  4. A wonderful new year to you, Christi! Well, isn't this odd, I've never read that verse that way before at all and it's really giving me something to ponder. Thank you for always doing that!

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  5. May you have a wonderful new year full of possibilites, prayer and peace!

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  6. I was going to comment on your interpretation of Proverbs 3 until I read the last sentence of that paragraph...."He can even make the hills and valleys seem level if I am walking closely with Him." All I can say is Amen.....you got it. Isn't it interesting that what we think is level and straight doesn't necessarily line up with what The Master thinks, but, regardless, the path is straight and seemingly level, when we keep in step with Him. Great post my friend.

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  7. Hello Charm, Forgiving me for being so bold, but I am giving away a free cartoon caricature drawn by me on my blog. No gimmicks - just my way of celebrating two years of blogging. Please click over and sign up for a chance to win. I'd be honored if you did.

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  8. Happy New Year, Christi, and may you have a wonderful prosperous new year.
    Blessings,
    Cheryl

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  9. Christi, thank you for your comment. It was very much appreciated. Wish you a great 2009 to and your family.

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  10. Thank you for your lovely comments Christi.
    I do not make resolutions as I know there is a life inside of me who knows far better than I do the next step I should take.

    Blessings abundant to you and your family t his coming year.

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  11. Interesting about this scripture you brought up. I was walking just yesterday in the desert and saw a rather large hill coming up. And I thought don't look up, just look at the next step you need to take and you won't notice the hill so much. It is funny how that works, and I think it is similar to our walk with God, just focus on the next step He requires and all those hills and valleys will straighten out.

    My prayers are with you and your good friends.

    Have a very Blessed and Happy New Year!

    Looking forward to more of your creativity.

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  12. The happiest of new years to you Christi....I hope you find everything you are looking for. Keep up the beautiful artwork.

    Ruth

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  13. A very Happy New year...I wish you Joy!
    Blessings:)

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  14. I hope this year brings you happiness... health... prosperity...

    I treasure the friends I made through blogging... you being one of them...

    You have been given a gift .... your gift if a pleasure for us...

    LOTS OF HUGS

    JO

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