In a word

2009

the feeling: JOY

the lesson: trust

the gift: community

the first step: Living Waters

the verse: Romans 15:13

the book: Ephesians

the day: August 30, 2009

the promise: Mark 10:29

the friendship: Edie

the trip: Idaho

the loss: Jim

the move: Mom

the song: Sweetly Broken

the concert: Hillsong

the CD: Heaven and Earth

the first book: Strength in Weakness

the last book: Forgotten God

the twice read book: Eternity to Here

the article: Jesus Manifesto

the conference: Renovare

the retreat: Chickfest

the mission: Choctaw

the baptism: Shanna's

the service: Deepen

the turning point: Advance weekend

the question: "What's up with you and Jesus?"

the place to meet: Collier Street

the real deal: JIB

the reason: Jesus

Praising God for the joys and sorrows of 2009. For His patience, His faithfulness, and His love. For growth and opportunities. For family and a faith community. For lessons learned and relearned and the fullness of life. For the truth of His Word. For freedom in Christ. For the fruits of the Spirit. And for the gift of another year.

"May the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Rom 15:13

New Year: a Puritan prayer

O LORD,
Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory.

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Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from thee, but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak in every word, direct every step, prosper every work, build up every mote of faith.
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Give me a desire to show forth thy praise, testify thy love, advance thy kingdom.

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I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year, with
thee, O Father, as my harbor,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
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Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning, my ear open to thy calls, my heart full of love, my soul free.

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Give me thy grace to sanctify me, thy comforts to cheer, thy wisdom to teach, thy right hand to guide, thy counsel to instruct, thy law to judge, thy presence to stabilize.
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May thy fear be my awe, thy triumphs my joy.

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--Valley of Vision