reflections.

wishing happy eighteenth to qiwen struck me that i will be turning 18 this year, and man it really sounds old. well, i'm sorry to those 18 and above but it seems so strange. as it is, i struggled with 17 cos in my mind it's one huge jump from 16 and then it just leveled off as a mere transition and i'm going thru it again. the feeling's really surreal that i'm turning 18 in not too long and A's in just oh-so-few months away. scary huh? but i just wanna praise God for the productive moments these few days and i'll be going back for more learning and absorbing.
the poem speaks the truth so well and i hope it will edify others too. whatever happens this year, i will not let it be a repeat of '07 but rather be one of acceptance and glory.

Entering This New Year
(Honoria A. Groves)

I enter this year without burdens
Freed from a mountain of care
For last night I gave them to Jesus
Who promised my burdens to bear!

This year will not be without problems
There may be many to face
But I can approach them with courage
Sustained by God's marvelous grace!

I enter this New Year with gladness
For Jesus restored my joy
He filled me with peace and assurance
That satan cannot destroy!

I left the old year in repentance
For living a life of defeat
Leaving my fear and my failures
At my Heavenly Father's feet!

I enter this year with a purpose
To minister Christian love
To needy souls all around me
And lift them to God above!

Now with eager anticipation
With faith instead of fear
And the presence of Christ, my Saviour
I will enter this New Year!!!

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (Ps 62:6)

Faith that increaseth
Walking in light;
Hope that aboundeth
Happy and bright;
Love that is perfect,
Casting out fear;
These shall ensure thee
A Happy New Year!

extracted New Year's Wishes
(Frances Ridley Havergal)