Reflections

The beginning of a new year causes me to reflect on the past year and also look forward to what lies ahead. I am always amazed at how much can happen and how different things can be within the course of a year. This past year was no exception. If someone had told me all that would happen in our lives this past year I probably wouldn't have believed them and/or would have felt very overwhelmed and anxious. However, The Lord in His kindness doesn't give us more than we can handle and when it feels that way at times, He carries us through with His grace. As I reflect on this past year I am once again reminded of the Lord's faithfulness in my life even when I am unfaithful. I am also reminded that this life is not about my happiness or my expectations but on what brings glory to Christ. He really does have my good and His glory in mind and the two cannot be separated. 

The older I become I also am reminded of how fast time seems to go by. As I celebrated Jude's first birthday this week it felt like just yesterday that I was holding him in my arms for the first time. It's amazing to me how much he too has changed in just one year. And as we will celebrate Shepard's birthday next week it is even crazier for me to believe that he will turn eight! These past eight years have seemed like a blink. It all makes me nostalgic as I think of the past and the future. It makes me ask myself lots of questions but most importantly I wonder how well am I a reflection of Christ in my life. This life here on earth is but a speck of sand in light of eternity and our time here will always be uncertain. I only have one chance to raise my children, one chance to be Cooper's wife, one chance to be someone's friend, sister, and daughter. I know that I will make mistakes and have to seek forgiveness over and over but I pray that I would seek Christ more than all and that my life would be a testimony of Christ living in me...a sinner in need of His grace. 

As I look back over this past year I can say, "The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad". (Psalm 126:3) 

I love what Proverbs 3:1-6 says as I look to the future:

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

I so badly want to use this year in such a way that I use every moment, bringing glory to God in each day given to me. 

To that end, here is a prayer I am praying. It is drawn from The Valley of Vision.

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in Thy presence,
in Thy service, to Thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise;
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbour,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.
Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear by my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

May you know God's richest blessings this year!

Love,  

Brooke