In the stages of after...

I'm feeling currently in a mode of 'after'. After Christmas & fun family time with our kids... after beginning another new year... after returning from Detroit to see my mom... after BreakForth reflecting a full weekend of teaching & worship shared with Edmonton kids, Marcy & Kelly... after... And now, I'm settling in, sleeping in, cleaning up, & finding my way back to 'normal'. My favourite Breakforth worship bands were: Casting Crowns & Bluetree & Paul Baloche & Pocket Full of Rocks & Leeland & Brian Doerksen... I'm sure Downhere would have been in my list too, I just didn't make it to their concert. Speakers that impressed & challenged me most were: John Eldredge, Franklin Graham, Dr. Gary Chapman, Donald Miller, Philip Yancy.

Now to process & re-think messages... not continuing to look back, but to discover how God might use all that info & happening to better equip me to serve Him? And so my looking forward journey begins, moving into 2011 with anticipation of all God has in store. My prayer will be... Lord, help me to celebrate YOU, to recognize Your leading & direction, to see You in all circumstances & know that You can bring it to good; as I keep my eyes on You. May I not box You into my thinking, but allow you to be God of all; as You truly are. The God who created the universe & me. The God who recreated me as I came to know You & put my trust in You. The God who delights in surprises large & small... is anything large or small to You, God? The God who through my obedience, I can make smile. The God who delights in relationship & waits for me to join Him all too often.

May I anticipate Your work in me & all those around me with fresh wonder. May I not settle for anything less than Your best. May I be a reflector of Your glory. May I learn the lessons & do the good works You are preparing for me 2011 with confidence, boldness & a humble heart. May I never forget how much You love me & the price You paid to save me. May I look back a year from now & say, yes... this was the best year yet. Thank you Jesus... amen.