Looking Ahead- 2009 Challenge

The year 2008 will be over in approximately 3 days and 8 1/2 hours. I could break that down into seconds if I really wanted to, but for now let's leave it at that! Looking back is what news stations, newspapers and radio programs will be doing in the next few days. In reflection, 2008 has been a bit of a rocky ride for many! Financially most people are not as secure as they were last year at this time and many jobs,homes and families have been rocked by circumstances beyond their control. Statistics show financial security is at a 30 year low and hope is at a premium as we prepare to enter a new year. We look back to learn from the past just as we look ahead to anticipate the future. Both ends of the spectrum hold food for thought..but what we really have is today. There is no guarantee of what our future holds but we do have this moment, a precious gift that is our today. It is like a gold coin in our pocket. Unspent and full of promise. Value yet untapped. That is our year ahead. 365 days of unspent and untapped promise. The world really doesn't change when the page on the calendar is turned. But, we somehow sense- a new opportunity to begin again and I am always thankful for a new opportunity- a new start- how about you? What are your plans for the new year? This year I feel impressed to choose a word for the coming year. A word that represents what I sense the Lord is placing in my heart for the next 365 days. My word for the year is strength. Strength in my physical body, my spirit, my family and my creative self. There God. My word. It's out there. Show me. Teach me.Grow me. Keep me...close to you- because I know before I even start that you have to be my source of strength... without you I am stuck... lost.... already! Strength. (I want to start out just letting you know God... if strength is my word... then it has to be your word too. I can't be strong with out you. So ...you and I we are in this together....ok?? ) So, friend,.... How about we do this together.... word for the year? What is yours? After all, a journey is almost always better together. I'll listen if you want- after all you know ,my word.... so....it's only fair I know yours...! Or....find a friend to keep you focused, and offer to so the same for them! Ask God... to show you - to give YOU a word for the next 365 days....I am believing for great things in my life- and in yours!