christmas...and new year

Good morning.
i haven't blogged in a while, so i thought i would put something up about christmas.
this year christmas has been really nice for me. it has been good to just be able to relax and meet up with friends i haven't seen in ages. not having to do any work, has meant i've had time to reflect on the past term and think about the term to come.
Sadly, i have been ill for most of the christmas period :( but its better to be ill now, than when i'm back in london needing to do work.
i have thought a lot about the new year over the past few days. and reading peoples facebook status' they seem to want 2008 to finish already. it confuses me as to why, because changing the date doesn't change the circumstances they are in.
personally, i have had an amazing year overall. there have obviously been ups and downs, but to look at where i was this time last year and where i am now is amazing to see the difference within myself.
i entered into 2008 with Kerry in my arms, and i will leave 2008 without her, but this is fine. God's plan was not for me to stay with her. i spoke with her this christmas, and we will remain friends as I feel God has not finished working through me.
i am amazed to see God's work in the past year, in me as well as in the people and circumstances around me, and i look forward to seeing all that He will do in 2009.
over the past few months, whilst struggling with all that went on with Kerry, i can say for sure that God does not leave us.
when we are weak, He is strong
God carries us through the difficult times
and the one that meant the most to me... The joy of the Lord is our strength.
when we are happy with our lives, we do not question it. we do not pray for help. we do not rely on God as much as we need to. we do not grow in him, and our relationship with Him can weaken.
And so... whether you like it or not, i have a prayer for you all this new year.
i pray that you all experience difficult times this year.
so that you can cling on to God.
and rely on him more.
and grow in Him.
and strengthen your relationship with Him.
and realise yourself that...
The joy of the Lord really is our strength.
God Bless,
Happy new year x