Happy New Year.... although it's a little belated.

Last year; 2009, was quite a year for me personally. There were a lot of changes and momentus 0ccasions.

• I performed for the last time in my school drama studio which was a big deal for me. I have many fond memories of past rehearsals and performances that I will hold dear to me forever. I owe my drama department for playing a part in who I am today.

• I turned 18! I think it's funny the way some ages are deemed more important than others. What is it about 18 that makes it special? You can vote? You can drink (legally)? You can buy cigarettes? The latter aren't really anything to get excited about I wouldn't say. Neither is voting, come to think of it. Although of course I recognise its significance.
  

• I finished college and came out with results that I was really happy with.

• I had one of the best summers ever with some fantastic trips and holidays which made memories that will last a lieftime.

• I started university at UCLan which was scary but very exciting. Thus, I have met some great friends and people who have encouraged me daily for which I am very thankful.

However, despite all of this, I have found it to be a year of comfort. I asked God for strength in the challenges, and He gave it to me. I thanked Him in the good times and He blessed me. Yet still, I have remained quite comfortable.

I think 2010 is going to be a year where I will be stretched. Stepping out in faith is difficult because we feel like we have no control. We are all control freaks, thinking sometimes that we can handle our own lives best. We know ourselves better than anyone else can. We can only rely on oneself. We try that approach time and again and we come out defeated. It is only when we ask for strength and provision when we need it that we will see results. If we have everything before we need it, we won't rely on God, our faith won't be tested and we won't grow. God gives as and when so we learn to trust in Him, have faith in Him and surrender to His ways because HE knows us best. He is the Creator, He is the Father and He is our Provider, our Judge and our Advisor. My prayer and desire for this year is that He will reveal a little bit of His plan for my life and show me and that I will believe and trust in that, because He knows best. He knows everything.

Even though we are tested at times, when we need something and we don't seem to be able to see the actions, doesn't mean we won't be able to see the reactions. We don't realise that it was God's plan until after we see the results, and then we realise that it was God.

I hope you understand that jumble ^ and maybe take something away from it. Have a blessed 2010! :)