Internet Cafe

Sunday, December 30, 2007

New Beginnings

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)


Do you made/make resolutions for the new year? I don't this year. You know why? Because I break them within the first week of the new year. I know it sounds bad, but it is the truth.

Last year I set out to read the Bible in a year; like I had so many years before. I was doing very well for over 6 months. I don't know what happened; I just stopped following the printed plan I got from a website. I don't think I do very well with long-term laid out plans. I guess I am just to hyper to stay on track.

One thing I did do though. I stayed in His Word; just not by a designed plan. I know that some of you (probably most of you) do well with structured plans and stay on track (any hints for me you might want to share?). I guess it is just not for me.

Like I said, I don't do well with new year's resolutions, so this year I am not making any. Do I have plans, goals or dreams for 2008? Oh yes, I do! Some of my dreams are huge and I am not sure if they will become reality. Will I fret at the end of 2008 when some of my dreams or plans have not become reality? Nope! I just trust His Spirit to guide me to walk the path He wants me to walk.

Although the above passage was directed to God's people in exile, I make the passage mine to guide me through 2008. I will 'breath' the passage in the new year. You see, God's Word is just as fresh today as it was over 2,500 years ago. I will stick to His promise that His plans are for my welfare – that He is giving me a future and a hope that never disappoints.

“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for Your promise to have only our welfare on Your mind. Thank You for giving us a future and a hope. Lord, I humbly ask You today that You will bless the efforts of Your children and servants in 2008. Lord, keep us close to You and Your Word, no matter what happens. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.”

This will be my last post on the Internet Cafe. I want to thank the Lord for His grace when He supplied the words to share with you. I want to thank Darlene for the opportunity to share my faith with a larger readership. And I especially want to thank the readers for your kind comments over the past months.

Lisa and Linda - I pray that God will guide you through 2008; that He will bless you, the entire Internet Cafe blogging team beyond your expectations and dreams.

IN HIM,

Iris

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10 Comments:

Blogger -tnchick- said...

I do not make resolutions either - never have. I don't know why - not because I will break them but because I strive to be better, do better, everyday. Sometimes I do well, sometimes I don't.

December 30, 2007 at 12:19 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Iris,

God's blessings to you. I know the Lord has made fabulous plans for your 2008. I can't wait to see what is in store.

Love you my firend. Lynn

December 30, 2007 at 10:41 AM  
Blogger Praise and Coffee said...

Thanks so much Iris for all your encouraging words, you will be missed.

God bless and AMEN to not fretting!!
Happy New Year,
Sue

December 30, 2007 at 1:47 PM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

You've blessed me so much this year, and I know that you will continue to do so because you are you! Enjoy your year. This is not goodbye!

December 30, 2007 at 2:05 PM  
Blogger Christi S said...

Truer words have not been spoken! Thank you for sharing!

December 30, 2007 at 3:36 PM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Iris,

There are no words for what your encouragement has meant to me over the past year. I pray your 2008 is filled with nothing but a heaping portion of God's favor on your life and ministry...

Much love,

Lisa

December 30, 2007 at 3:54 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

May you be sweetly blessed in 2008, love you my friend.

December 30, 2007 at 6:07 PM  
Blogger Crystal said...

You have blessed me so much Iris! You will be missed around here but I know that God has great things planned for you! I usually make some kind of resolutions but I don't know what to do this year cause how can you top making a cd?
Blessings

December 31, 2007 at 9:46 AM  
Blogger Sharon Brumfield said...

It took me a long time to really get that His plans for me were good.
That He was not out to squash me when I did something wrong.
And there are still times that I have to remind myself that He is not like the people I meet.
He is not out for His own good over mine.
He is a loving God.
Thank you for the reminder.
I just want this new year to be a success in His eyes.
Praying the same for you.

December 31, 2007 at 1:51 PM  
Blogger Susan said...

Dear Iris,

You will be missed. I have really enjoyed your posts.

Thanks for being such a blessing to so many, I've been so encouraged by you!

I pray 2008 will be a great new year for you.

PS Thanks for being the bearer of such GOOD NEWS! I'm thrilled about winning today, YES!!!

January 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM  

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