Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? Isaiah 43:19

A new year. A new decade. A fresh start. A blank page just waiting for this season of my life to be written on. I’m so thankful that 2010 has arrived.

Last year was a difficult year for me. A storm was brewing, but I failed to notice the weather change until the rains began to fall. As the flood waters began to rise, I clung to the Rock with all of my strength. But the waves increased in frequency and intensity; I lost my grip and slipped into the water.

At first I attempted to fight my way to the surface. If only I could catch my breath! Soon I grew weary and started to sink into the depths where there was no light, no warmth, no hope. “I’m drowning!” I realized. My strength gone, I was suspended in the darkness for what seemed like an eternity.

Suddenly, one particularly strong wave pushed me up to the surface for a brief moment. Just long enough for me to cry out for help. Almost in an instant a life boat appeared. The responders rescued me from the depths and helped me to breath easy once again. They took me to shelter where I could rest and recover while the storm passes. Thankfully, the dark clouds are drifting away and the flood waters are subsiding.

During this time of respite I’ve discovered a renewed sense of hope. I am growing healthier, stronger, and more energetic with each new day.

I’m so thankful for those responders, my friends who love me, pray for me, and support me. My favorite definition of a friend: A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you’ve forgotten the words. I not only forgot the words, I almost forgot that there was even a song. I’m starting to hum the tune again…

2010 My year to hope, dream, and simply embrace life!!!

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” – Christopher Reeve