But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26 (ESV)

A brand new year…new goals, dreams, hopes for a year ahead. As Lori mentioned on her blog, she does not like to make new years ‘Resolutions’ — I don’t either. I break them within the first week. But I do have goals, dreams, and hopes for 2009…Allow me to share them with you:

• Spiritual Growth: Realizing in 2008 how much I like to be in control of things, having pride-issues (still), self doubt, feeling worthless…I believe that the study of Esther by Beth Moore is just perfect for me. Reading through Esther is the last part of 2008, I realized how much Esther relied on God’s timing. She didn’t rush anything but waited on His ‘green light’. I also plan on attending the Phoenix “Women of Faith Conference” in October 2009
• Marriage: With God’s help taking the focus off of my own needs. Continue to pray for our marriage. We have been married for almost 26 years, waves hit our marriage, but I trust God to continue to protect it.
• Motherhood: Keeping out of the affairs of our son. He is grown up — I need to acknowledge that (hard one for me – )
• Work: Let God handle the details. Keep my eyes focused on my own tasks to complete. Don’t worry about the work ethics of my co-workers.
• Writing/blogging: Take one day/blog at a time. Continue hosting Thankful Thursdays — as long as the interest is there. Sharing His Word, grace, love with a world to read/see/respond. With His help, I will find the time to do so. As I have mentioned often (but can’t say it enough), God truly has blessed me with a wonderful writing team at Laced with Grace. I hope to deepen the friendships I have made through the team blog this year. These women are an incredible encouragement to me personally.
• Photography/Scrapping: My dream for photography — get published or sell a photo or two (I know dreaming here ). One thing that I want to finish though this year is my Faithbook to have it printed. I hope that God uses my scrapping to make Him known through a different medium – digital layouts.

Maybe some of my goals, dreams and hopes for 2009 are a little lofty…but you know – all things a possible with God (thus Matthew 19:26 as my verse for the year )

If you would like to read more bloggers sharing their goals for 2009, stop by Lori’s blog “New Year’s Meditations”…

Be blessed today and as always…

Current Mood: Okay

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules.
~ Psalm 119:102-108 (emphasis mine) (ESV)

First, I would like to thank all of you who have been very patient with me over the last couple of months regarding my lack of visits to your sites…it is a long story and maybe I will blog about it some day…

I am so thrilled to see what the Lord is doing with Thankful Thursdays…it is so cool. Just think of it as a testimony to the world that even in the storms of life, He is the one Who holds us together. He gives us the ability to praise Him in the storm and through tears.

So, this week, I will give you a short list of Scripture passages (ESV version) that I am thankful for – all listed and more have held me together…

• Strength – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13
• Peace – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
• Grace – “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me..” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Hope – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
• Mercy – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
  and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” – Psalm 23:6
• Rest – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
• Forgiveness – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” – Ephesians 1:7

As I had mentioned last week, I am doing a Bible study by Beth Moore. The study is called “Stepping Up”. The study is based on Psalms 120 through 134. If you are looking to do a study, I highly recommend this one. I am awaiting the member-book shipped by a dear friend (thank you Angie) since we don’t have a Lifeway store where I live.

So, what are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by linking your post below…I am looking forward reading yours over the next couple of days…

Thank you for stopping by this week. Always remember – strength, peace, grace, hope, mercy, rest and forgiveness are at your fingertips…

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Current Mood: Thankful & Blessed †