I like the idea of a "new" year.
It gives the impression that we can start a fresh and do bigger and more exciting things in this year, than we did in the last.
Realistically, this only lasts for the first few weeks, if not days. Well, for me anyway. As quickly as I make my resolution, I tend to forget about it!
I've been reflecting on my 2008 and have noticed it was one of the most difficult years I can remember thus far. Especially toward the end of the year.
I've had to come to terms with the fact that I've basically lost three friendships of three people who I've basically grown up with. It's unfortunate that misunderstandings and difference of opinion can do this to what, I thought, were solid friendships. Everyday I hope and pray that somehow things can work out but I think, for now, God is telling me to "let go and let God". (that phrase has come to me so many times in my life, I think I better start listening =P) It's probably one of the hardest things I've had to go through but I know God will provide other friendships in replace or maybe just time apart.
I have gained a lot of important people in my life this year, which makes me so happy.
God has led a wonderfully weird (=P) young man into my life who has made these last ten months full of so many laughs, hugs, chick flicks, advice, tears and awesome memories which I think, will continue for a looong time yet! (I hope anyways =) )
Through doing the internship this year, I was able to get so much closer to Steph, which is what we needed more than anything. She's always there for me with chocolate and Gilmore Girls but most importantly, love and support. Without Steph this year, I never would have attempted to dream, because I thought I was inadequate but Steph gave me so much encouragement and inspiration and I love her so much for that. She is truly my best friend and without a doubt, she'll be my bridesmaid and the babysitter for my kids hahaha =P I know we'll be close till we're old and in rocking chairs...still eating chocolate and watching Gilmore Girls! (Okay, it'll be smaller pieces of soft chocolate and the volume will be up to an ear-piercing level but hey, through thick and thin we'll be together!!)
I've also been able to get closer to some girls younger than me who are truly special and I appreciate all of their friendship!
Something so special to me, however, is that I've grown so much closer to all my family in England, which I love! We chat on Facebook heaps and my cousin came over for a month over Christmas which was awesome, as none of them had ever been over here. We've grown so close, we're more like brother and sister! And I'm so happy because I've recently found out, he's coming here for a year long working holiday in three months!! It'll be awesome to have him here again!
Just as I "attempt" to finish, I would like to ask for prayer as I fell out of sync as soon as December hit, it felt like. Going to church felt like a chore, going to the last few weeks of youth group felt like I was going to baby-sit again and opening my Bible was not on the agenda at all. This happens to too many people over the holiday period where it's actually the most important time to focus on God. I know God's still leading me to where He wants me to be, but I feel really distant from Him right now and would love some prayer and encouragement to get back on track. I've decided to put youth off for the first term, one reason being I want to see if God is giving me the passion back for youth and the second because I think I need to focus on my discipleship programs (being both the discpler and discplee, if they're correct wording??) and deciding which home group I'm being led to.
I trust this year, God will show me the great things He Has planned for me and I hope that I can serve Him even more this year!
Wishing you all a great 2009!!
Love Lisa,
xo
