2010.

I can not even begin to describe how thankful I am for what the Lord has done in my life in 2010. If I had to represent 2010 in one word, it would be {{new}}.

:: I relocated to a {{new}} town.
:: I moved into a {{new}} house.
:: I began a {{new}} job.
:: I became a member at a {{new}} church.
:: I had to make {{new}} friends.
:: I found a {{new}} roommate.
:: BUT one of the best {{new}} things in 2010 was that the Lord freed me from an old persistent stronghold that haunted me for many years and a {{new}} passion to follow the Lord arose in my heart.

I say {{new}} because it's not the same old way I used to view my relationship with the Lord. The way where I needed to be good enough or do good enough for the Lord to love me. OR the way where I needed to put on a facade with others people that I was good enough or did good enough. It's just me, y'all. I'm a messy human being. I've messed up in the past and I surely will again.. but there is GRACE! This doesn't mean that I don't care when I sin or that I can just go out and do whatever I want because there is grace. It's the opposite! I want to be obedient to what the Lord wants because I love him. My obedience overflows from my LOVE for God not from my desire to be loved. God already loves me. He already chose me and still chooses me. I found rest in that in 2010. Oh, I forgot a few times this year but the Lord was right there.. affirming his truth of love and grace to my heart. Instead of turning to my usual devices to bring that significance... I found it in Christ.

"Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a {{new}} heart and a {{new}} spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" - Ezekiel 18:30-32