First Week of 2010

(These are our two "kids"...they are just too cute!!)

It's Sunday night, I'm home from church, it's -5 degrees (wind chill) outside, and I'm just hunkering down. Thought I would read back through my journal from the first ten days of 2010 and write my highlights. I've got Gaither Homecoming Radio on in the background, good music to blog to. I've got my recipe file and grocery list spread out on the kitchen table to plan my weekly menu when I get this blog entry completed.

My favorite satellite channels are HGTV/House Hunters & Property Virgins, and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Tonight I just feel a little more like blogging than watching TV. This is January...the month when I can register for the HGTV Dream Home every day until mid-February. Still trying to find a way to pay off the ILNC sewer debt. I know God has a plan, and I'm just trying the different doors to see which door might open. In His time, and in His way, He will reveal the answer to my four year long prayer.

Seems like the whole country has been in a cold snap lately. Friday it was 26 degrees and sleeting in Orlando. I am so thankful for a warm house and my two doggies and husband to snuggle up with when it's so extreme outside. I like coming home from work each day (on the days I work), fixing supper and just staying in for the evening. It's quiet, but it's comfy.

I was delighted to complete the ILNC end of the year tax papers by the 5th of January!! I tend to dread doing taxes (W-2's, 1099's, MI Sales tax, 941) the first of the new year because it is only a once a year chore. Thank goodness I have written meticulous procedures to guide me through. About the time I get comfortable with the paperwork, the government will change something! I also completed my 2009 archiving and setting up files for 2010. I'm ready!

Hubby and I had a date night last Friday night. We went out to get office supplies for the office, and then stopped at our favorite pizza joint on the way home (right in the middle of the little village of Vicksburg). Came home and played a couple of games of Sequence, and then watched a funny movie together (Pacifier). Fun evening.

Here's some journal tidbits from my devotional material:

1. To keep the tongue under control: think first (pause and preview your words to make sure they are accurate, kind, necessary, wholesome, and grateful), and talk less (choose your words and when to speak).

2. To improve your marriage: renew your commitment (an act of the will, not the emotions); start dating again; give up something for your mate; pay attention to the little things; accentuate the positive.

3. To be more clearly focused: seek God's perspective (wisdom)...as we draw closer to Him we have more balance, stability, and insight.

4. To live in harmony with other Christians: learn to accept each other and allow the Holy Spirit to do the correcting, convicting, and convincing that they/we need to change. Laugh more, and quit being so serious.

5. To live wisely: leave the past behind, humble yourself and ask for help, and be a servant...not a celebrity.

Favorite scripture of the past week: Behold, a woman...with an issue... (Matthew 9:20) I just found it sort of humorous. What woman doesn't have an "issue"...a problem to be solved. Reminds me of Mark Lowry's favorite verse: And it came to pass... (no reference). Whatever our issue is, it will pass!! Praise the Lord!

And guess what...this cold weather will some day heat up again. It's only seasonal!

And that's my thoughts from early in the year 2010!

2010 Has Arrived!

Well, here I am...first day of the new year. Wonder what God has in store for me this year? All I know is that I need to be ready...ready to move forward as He urges, and ready to wait when He puts me on hold.

I've just started reading Chuck Swindoll's Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life as my 2010 daily devotional book. I read it many years ago when it was first published, but as with all my other books, I am also going back through my devotional books one more time before I give them away (see side bar).

This book starts out in the winter season. Chuck says that winter is a season of quiet reverence, a time when the strong winds cause our roots to go deeper. That's the season of life I am in. I want to go deeper in the Lord.

Every day is started on my knees and in His Word. I ask what He wants me to know and learn in the day ahead. Then I read the Bible and the devotional book as though God Himself were talking to me. I am excited to see what He says to me this year through the writings of Chuck Swindoll.

The word for me to day (from my devotional) is "Consistent". It's defined as dependability...something (someone) you can count on, reliability. It calls for diligence and discipline. It is displayed in patience, determination, and strength.

Paul instructs Timothy to:
"Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." (I Timothy 4:16)

That's a huge responsibility! Not only does my destiny depend on staying consistently true to what is right, but also those who listen to me. In addition, I received encouragement from God's Word today. In Hebrews I was reminded:

"For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience." (Hebrews 6:10-12)

A final thought from this morning's devotional reading is that discouragement and negative thinking blinds us to opportunities. We must keep ready, use our gifts, and watch for God at work through us.

May I be ready to move forward as He urges, and to wait when He puts me on hold. I know this for sure: I am totally committed to my Lord Jesus Christ, and whatever 2010 brings my way belongs to Him. He will see me through. I can depend on Him.