Looking back and looking forward....

At the start of a new year people like to evaluate the past and dream for the future. Well, I'm not a big New Year's fan, but I am excited about 2009. God did some amazing things for Sarah and I in 2008, and I'm looking forward to seeing what He's got planned for us next year. I know this sounds cliche, but I really just want to continue to grow closer to Him in 2009. At the end of 2008 God showed me twice that He cares even about little things in my life.

Right about the end of November/first of December the dreaded "Check Engine" light came on in my Explorer. I worried about this for a couple of weeks, I even asked a couple of people where they thought I should take the car in. The thing I didn't do was ask God for help, until one morning during my devotional time. I literally just prayed that God would help me decide what to do with my truck. That very night on my way home from work the light went off, and it's been off ever since. I was so excited I begin saying Thank You out loud, which was interesting because I was on the phone with my cousin.

The same week that the Check Engine light went off I also prayed to God for a Christmas present. Now before you start thinking I was sitting here rattling off my wish list to God let me explain a bit. Sarah and I had already agreed that she was getting me an Iphone and I was getting her an elliptical machine and that was going to be all we would get each other. Sarah had already mentioned wanting to borrow my ipod so she could listen to some tunes while working out. Well, at that point I knew I was also going to get her an ipod for Christmas also. Fresh off of God fixing my car I thought I would take this to Him. I asked Him where would be the cheapest place I could get an ipod for Sarah. Wouldn't you know that very next Friday at my company Christmas party I won a brand, new 8gb ipod nano, which is exactly what I was going to get for Sarah.

So, back to my original point which is that my goal for 2009 is to grow closer to God. Not only in typical "churchy" (is that a word?) ways, but in everyday life. He's already showing me He cares about little things and that He definitely can be trusted to provide for all my needs. Now, it also appears that He is bringing me some new opportunities and challenges for 2009. However, more than anything I want to please Him. He's done so much for me in my life (that I do and don't know about), I just want to give Him everything I have, and to daily grow closer to Him. I pray that God blesses each of you and shows you personally how much He loves you and He wants to be in your life. Happy New Year!

Barry