Hope for 2009...

Dan had the opportunity to preach at the New Years Eve worship service tonight... the text he discussed was John 3:22-30. My verse, my hope for this new year, echoes John's (talk about a guy who really "knew-his-role") sentiment in verse 30..."He must become greater, I must become less"...

I've decided to write down this verse, post it in our bathroom, and every day think, have I intentionally put my selfish desires aside to allow Jesus to stand out? It's hard not to be this self-serving, look-at-me, fame seeking person...because frankly, I get easily sidetrracked and lose focus on eternal matters, so caught up in the temporary here-on-earth. Oh Lord, please help me to become less...and even in this hope, I'm reminded that "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." Can't do it for myself. Gotta rely on God alone...

Ended the year feeling so grateful to be sandwiched between two precious ladies. One dear friend, Marian, witnessed her husbands death just months ago when he was struck by a truck as they were traveling by motorcycle together...the other a precious 82 years-young woman, Carol...who is alone and losing her home because a mortgage broker mislead her to purchase an interest-only home loan....we worshipped, wept, and sang these words together...

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name when I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk in the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will CHOOSE to say
Lord blessed be your name

Whether you're in a valley of grief, a peak of plenty, or somewhere in the middle...may the hope and encouragement we find in a living savior...who understands our weakness and loves us dearly....gently lead and guide you as you seek Him in the coming year!