“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.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Yes, I am glad that 2008 is behind us; I am looking forward to 2009. I would love all of you to join us at Laurel Wreath’s Reflection over the next week to share your hopes, dreams, or goals for 2009. To find out more about our ‘New Year’s Meditation’, please read Laurel’s post here…
Last week I had asked you to look back on 2008 to share what or who had the most impact on you in 2008? I know, looking back is sometimes painful, but you know what; even in painful times there is always something on the horizon that we can be thankful for…
I have shared with you the passage of Jeremiah because it was ‘my’ verse for 2008. Believe me, the verse has been very vital to me in 2008 — I have clung to it like nothing else. I know that I needed to grow; I just didn’t like painful part.
- Lord, I am thankful for your pruning in 2008. I didn’t like it, but I know that I needed to get rid of some stuff. Why, Lord, does the issue of pride always rears its ugly head? Will this be my thorn until I enter eternity? I sure hope not. Please help me in 2009 to be more aware of it; help me to nip it when it starts…
- Lord, I am thankful for our marriage. Although we had some waves hitting our marriage, I thank You for keeping a hedge around it to protect it from evil forces…
- Lord, I am thankful for our son’s growth this year. Lord, this was the most painful experience for me this past year; to let go and let You handle the rest. I know I should be glad to have our son all grown-up, but it is hard to let go. Lord, I thank You for the strength You gave me to keep going…
- Lord, I am thankful for friends that speak the truth. Yes, it sure is not easy to admit failures, but I rather have truthful friends than someone who is just saying nice things…
- Lord, most of all, I am thankful for Your faithfulness. The days I didn’t feel like doing much, You reminded me that I needed to let Your light shine. For when I was weak, Your Word gave me the strength. When I felt low, You reminded me of the sacrifice You made sending Your son to rescue me…
- Lord, last but not least, I am thankful for the book “3:16”. I believe ‘picking apart’ the passage of John 3:16 has made it clear to me that You do not wish that anyone perishes, but that all who believe can be saved. Yes, I have read the passage more than once, but the impact it had on me in 2008 is indescribable…
What are you thankful for this week? I hope you share with us by leaving your link below. Remember: God has a plan for you – to prosper you and not to harm you – believe my sweet friend!!!!
Blessings to you today and always…
What a lovely list. Yes, God is faithful!
Oh Iris! Thank you so much for sharing that verse! HE is so good. I have really enjoyed doing the Thankful Thursday with you this past year and look forward to doing many more! Thanks for hosting! Happy New Year!
Pruning is never easy but it’s always worth it in the end. I’m so grateful that God loves me and He has His hands on my life.
Iris, I love the verse you chose today! It’s so timely. Thank you for a beautiful post and for sharing your heart with us. Also, thank you so much for hosting this meme. I look so forward to it each week!
Laurie Ann’s last blog post..
Iris, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you! TT is my absolute favorite time of the week for blogging. I am so thankful that God crossed our paths in 2008 and I am so excited for the wonderful opportunities of ministry that He has in store for us in the new year. A year of prosperity! -love, Laurie
Laurie Adams’s last blog post..THANKFUL THURSDAY…finding balance
I can only imagine the depth of your emotions and prayers to the Lord on these things. I will be praying for and with you. Blessings to you! Amanda
Amanda’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday New Year
Thank God for His goodness and mercies to us. Thanks for your labours of love. May God continue to bless you and family in the New Year. Blessed New Year!
Nancie’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday : We will be glad and rejoice in Thee
Iris,
Thanks you so much for your site this past year. My post today is a continuation from yesterday and it is intended to share my thankfulness for what the Lord taught me this year about having a closer walk with Him and an exhortation to everyone to seek Him more in 2009.
God bless you as you continue to seek Him for revelation about His plans for your future.
Amanda B.
Great list my friend. Happy New Year, love you.
Denise’s last blog post..What Are You Learning
He is so faithful if we just let Him take control of our life’s wheel.
Hugs.
Kim
Kim’s last blog post..Looking forward to a New Year!
Iris, thank you for being so faithful in hosting TT that past year. I am so blessed! And I love that verse. God ALWAYS has good plans for us as we walk in obedience to Him. Happy New Year dear sister. Mary
Mary’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday
What a fitting list for today! God has been so faithful this past year. I am glad to wave goodbye to 2008 and excited to see what HE has in store for 2009. Have a blessed year!
Ginger’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday – a nice ending to the year
I am thankful the Lord has a plan and we don’t have to worry about it. We just need to follow and trust – not always easy to do. Thank you Iris for hosting TT! Blessings, Tammy
Tammy’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday
Happy New Year Iris! I added my thankful Thursday post on this special day. I look forward to reading other’s thankful lists too.
Debbie’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday ~ Christmas Past
I didn’t know about the book “3:16”. I agree with you 100% that all who believe can be saved. Many people don’t understand one of the most quoted Bible verses. Thanks for hosting!
Rita’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday – Jan. 1
Hi Iris. I haven’t participated in a few weeks, but I thought today was appropriate as the new year begins. I used the same verse, in Jeremiah, for my post. Thank you for your faithfulness to this community and helping us all remember why we should be thankful. Happy New Year!
Lisa@blessedwithgrace’s last blog post..A new year is coming…. and a new look for Blessed With Grace
I wish you all the best in the coming year.
Grammy’s last blog post..Happy New year to all
Happy New Year to you! I hope you have many new blessings from God in 2009.
BP’s last blog post..As long as it is called Today