HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As the last few minutes of 2007 ticked away, I started reviewing the year in my mind. I don't know how the year was for you, but I can say that for me, it was a test of my mind, body and soul. 2007 was a year of doctors and disappointment, of death and sorrow, of trials and tears. There were patches of hope, of amazing love, friendship, family, smiles and laughter. New life, new experiences, and a renewing of sorts in my own life. Among my accomplishments in 2007, I quit smoking, a feat I thought impossible for a long time. I also completed my Animal Behavior College courses, and will be "officially" graduating later this month. I learned a lot, met some new people, and started going to Focal Point Church, which is one of those great things that happened in '07. One of the biggest things that has happened this year is that I've reorganized my priorities. I have had my perception altered, and as a result, my entire worldview has changed. I feel more like the person I'm supposed to be. I've learned that it isn't about being safe, avoiding pain, being tough. Sometimes, it's about taking risks, inviting pain, breaking down the walls, doing something crazy, focusing on something other than yourself. Sometimes it's about helping someone buy a sheep or an extra fruit stand (Curious? Click Here. You know ya wanna). Sometimes it's just about holding someone's hand through the bad news. And sometimes, it's all about "Aunt Cristy, can you spend the night tonight?"

Overall, though, 2007 is not a year that I will be missing too terribly much. In fact, I'm rather glad to see it go.

So, 2007, goodbye.

Goodbye to a year of disappointment, heartbreak, hard times, anger, hopelessness, accusations, war, nightmares, resentment, doubt, financial difficulties, pain, pain, pain, nausea, death, loss, tears, and sadness.



As for you, 2008-Welcome!

Welcome to a year of hope, love, life, challenges, strength, learning, knowing, helping, losing everything I thought I knew, grace, mercy, guitars, new chances, kisses, hugs, holding on, believing, dreams, purpose, sacrifice, love. Love, life, and my God.

What's the difference? It's not as though 2008 will hold no war, no pain, no tears. The difference is the perception. Hoplessness cannot exist where there is hope. Light and dark cannot exist in the same place. So, if I may be bold:

My God is bigger, better, stronger, than any challenge or heartache I may face. My God has a purpose for me, and I'm getting out of the way.
My God knows what he's doing, and he's right, even if I don't agree.

My God
LOVES
ME. Unconditionally.

My God loves you, too. My God isn't just mine.


Happy New Year, my friends. I hope that you are able to glean some hope or thoughts from this that will help you alter your perspective, if needed. I hope that you will e-mail me if you have questions. I hope that your 2008 is great. Good Night!