The beginning is the most important part of the work.  ~ Plato

“But the Lord said to her,“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 38:41-42, New Living Translation)

I love New Year’s Day because, like each new morning, it gives us a brand-new, fresh start. Like the white snow here in Missouri covering the ground, that seems to wash everything clean. Like Jesus’ blood that sanctifies us and makes us new creatures in Him, forgiven, redeemed, a new person with a new name that the mouth of God designates.

This coming year I have hopes and dreams in my heart. To do things I’ve never done before. To have new exciting adventures in Christ.  To be stretched beyond my comfort zone. To die more to self and to become more like Jesus.  To climb higher to new heights with hinds’ feet. To accomplish more for God, to begin to walk in a greater level of His Love, power, anointing and authority. Most of all, to draw closer to Him. Because Jesus is all that really matters! He is my EVERYTHING!

What about you? What do you desire for 2010?  What dreams are in your heart?  What goals have you set?  What do you need to begin to do – and finish – this year?

 Write these things down. Pray about them.  PASSIONATELY pursue them this coming year, and don’t stop until they are done!  Press in to God! Believe!  Step out!  This is the year for great things for you and for me! Can’t you feel it in your spirit?

Most of all, ask God what He wants for your life in 2010. What changes need to be made in your life and your family’s? What things need to be pruned to make more room for what God wants of you? 

What things do you need to let go of so you’ll have room for more growth in Christ and  to allow greater blessings to flow into your life?

Step up to all God has for you in 2010.  It’s the year for new beginnings, new hopes, new dreams, new accomplishments!

Outside the window here in Florida, it is raining softly now. The words to the oldies song by Johnny Nash, I can see clearly now, are echoing in my head. I believe these words are a great prediction for the year 2010.

I am determined to remove all obstacles (the dark clouds) from my path, and to go for the dreams deep in my heart. Walking in the light of God’s will and His word (the sunshine).  Doing what God has called me to do for His glory. 

What about you? Are you excited about 2010? Do you see things clearly now? Are you ready for the promise(s) God has given you to be fulfilled this year (the rainbow)? Looking straight ahead, there’s nothing but blue skies for you and for me!

Lyrics:

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothin’ but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin’ but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

What are the desires of your heart? What dreams are there, that have been laying dormant for years?  Have they been there so long that you’ve just forgotten about them or lost hope?  Well, don’t give up!  We serve a BIG God!  And He wants to give you the desires of your heart, as you walk in obedience to Him, have faith, and trust in Him!

Here is my 3rd vlog. Our daughter Leah is videoing me on the beach in Florida. I am babysitting for our friends Pat and Kim at their house in Florida, while they are in China to pick up their newly adopted, special-needs baby girl, Hadassah Joy.  After the kids finished their chores today, we headed off for the beach – yes, the beach in December!  (Back home in Kansas City, MO, it’s still in the 40′s. There was a blizzard warning the day I flew out of there!)

After about five days of nonstop rain since Leah and I arrived here, yesterday I prayed for God to please give us some sun.  Today was 70 degrees and the sun came out! 

I LOVE the ocean, and today filled me with so much peace and happiness -just watching and hearing the ocean waves, smelling the salt in the air, looking at the blue sky with white clouds and the seagulls, and collecting pretty sea shells. Oh, it can’t get any better than this! God is so awesome!  All I could do today was stand on the beach, with my toes in the cool water, looking at the beautiful ocean, and just thanking Him with all my heart for His goodness to me!

Whatever your desires are, know that God hears your prayers and He is quick to answer them.