The Jump into 2009

Its funny to me how much we all reflect around New Years. Invariably between Christmas and New Years peoples conversations turn to reflections, pondering and dreams/goals for the new year. 

If you have been around me this past few weeks you probably have heard me expressing my deep belief that God is working in my life and those around me in ways which I believe will result in an amazing/exciting 2009. I am really excited about this next year and could probably write for hours about how I feel like a child on christmas morning about this next year. 

In all of my excitement and anticipation  I do not want to forget to stop and reflect on my past year and praise God for the discomfort which has shaped me in ways I never guessed possible. 

January 2008- Evaluating life and praying God will show me where to move to. Lonely, unhappy, and looking for a new city/ a new place in life.  

March 2008- Give up facebook/Im for lent when I realize I use facebook for false friendships. Assume that God is going to bless me for my sacrifice with tons of friends and resulting anger when God does not reward me with 25 new friends. hehe funny how we give things up so we get things sometimes. 

April 2008- Lonely , feel that God is telling me that I am going to stay in L.A for awhile. 

May 2008- Go to church retreat..... Start to remember to see life as a story...... looking at my life in relation to character/ plot development. Meet some quality friends and start to feel ok with staying in L.A for awhile. 

July 2008-October 2008. No Job=No home= QUESTIONS= soul searching= getting ok with a lot of Me time and learning to enjoy me. Character building up the wazoooo! Hardest 4 months , but months that I would never want to give back. Fell in love with just talking with God throughout my day and being ok with having an occasional yelling match with Him. Learning to live simply. 

November 2008-December 2008- Realize that God has placed me in an awesome job, community of friends who stretch me, starting to realize my heart for building community and looking for ways to encourage true open community with others. Joy. Life is not perfect, but found contentment and joy. 

2009- More growth, more community, more passion, more joy, less me, more silliness, dream, travel, try new things, love more, love brilliantly....... I can't wait to live this year!