Here We Go Again

I absolutely love fresh starts. It's why, despite my best efforts, I can't hate Mondays. It's why I love brand new journals. I keep two or three blank journals on my shelf at a time, and I've been known to drop one and start fresh when the need arises. And, every January 1st, I get a great, big fresh start with a brand new year. It's as though a giant calendar lies before me waiting to schedule memorable moments, and a giant journal lies open before me waiting to record them.

I've been thinking a lot about writing a 2008 Reflection post before I plunge headlong into 2009. I've toyed with a "Top 10" idea, listing the things that will always draw my mind back to the last 12 months. I've thought about a list of songs or verses or books that have heavily influenced me in the last 12 months. I'm still thinking about it. But, in the meantime, it's January 2nd and 2009 is moving ahead at full speed.

This morning, I was waking up rather slowly, contemplating today's post, and two things kept coming to mind. First, I had to write about fresh starts. I couldn't describe my state of mind without telling you how much I love them and encouraging you to grab hold of this one. Second, as I contemplated whether or not to write the 2008 reflection post, the theme verse I've adopted for Mariposa Ministries kept popping up in my thoughts. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up, will you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert, a stream in the wilderness." Isaiah 43:18-19 Perhaps, I dare not spend so much time revelling in the things of 2008 that I fail to eagerly anticipate the joys of 2009.

How can I be so sure that 2009 will be a year of blessing? (pause while the song "Every Day With Jesus is Sweeter Than the Day Before" finishes playing through my head) Psalm 16:11 says, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." I can be sure because joy is found in Jesus, and I am planning to fill this year with as much of Him as I can possibly get!