Happy OLD year 2007!In reflection of the year past, I truly can’t begin to communicate the growth in my life on so many levels. The image I get in my head every time I think about last year is one of me sitting in front of six plates of eggs all cooked a different way. As I entered into 2007 one week I would love scrambled, one week over easy and on and on and on. Being consumed with so many lives through the years, I forgot what I like, what is important to me.
So, 2007 was a year of exploration and consideration. I spent a few moments jotting down some things that were woven into my life and forever will be a logged into my memory bank.
1. I joined a softball league. What the heck? I would drive by and see the lights and people cheering and I thought it would be cool to tell my kid some day. I survived that humiliating experience and have no regrets other then to inform you that I will never be a professional softball player. Sorry.
2. I decided after many years to go back to college and finish a few classes I “pushed aside” when I was in my degree program. They came back to haunt me in my sleep, so I decided that this was the perfect season to tackle them so I can pursue graduate work at Berkley in social work. I finished my history requirements and actually fell in love with history. I almost decided to begin pursuing graduate work in history, but was advised not to. * sigh *
3. Traveled to Portland, OR (twice), WA, PA, CO
4. Read 96 books much lower then last year due to school work * arg *
5. Moved ZERO times unlike 4 x’s last year!!! Yahoo!!
6. Took 2 raw food workshops
7. Live shows: Tainted Love, Mute Math (2 times), Chris Tomblin, Matt Redman, Phil Wickham, Switchfoot, Paseo Padre, Mauve, Drey Reeder, Everyday People, Cheeseballs, Matt Nathanson, Fiest, Delta Spirit, Ingrid Michaelson, Music in the park, Carvel, Shane and Shane and more I am probably forgetting.
8. Saw CONAN in SF!! He winked at me!
9. Went to Mac Expo in SF, pretty cool.
10. Went to 7 KFAX events and worked the world vision table by default and fell in love with the kids and Africa.
11. Spoke at 3 women’s events- awesome!
12. Gave 46 Compassion Network Presentations- I have been found giving them in my sleep.
13. Gave 1 Human Trafficking Presentation for my history class
14. Went to IJM and Not for Sale Events to research if this is something I want to advocate for.
15. Went to 9 conferences to learn everything from how to eat healthy, intimacy with God, spiritual formation, healing, intercessory prayer, missions etc.
16. Was a part of 5 major compassion projects in our city-truly amazing year.
17. Moved into my new office in the government building downtown and launched Compassion Network (soft launch, hard launch is in 2208)
This year was overall progressive. I feel it has prepared me to really embrace all 2008 has to offer.
Some things I look forward to in 2008:
1. Expanding the scope of ministry through Compassion Network. I think we made a dent in 2007, but that was just the tip of the iceberg on what our CITY CHURCH (over 70 individual congregations working together in unity) can really do to specifically address the neediest people and touch them tangibly with the love of Jesus. Other then being in an environment of prayer and worship there is NOTHING on the planet I would rather be doing at such a time as this.
2. I would like to finish my last two classes this semester and finalize if I want to pursue a graduate program.
3. Go to Zimbabwe and then come back and advocate for the people and needs here in America. (child soldiers, sex slaves, forced laborers, kids suffering with PTSD)
4. Rallying the youth in the bay area to get involved through compassion action.
5. Dust off my rock climbing gear and dance shoes.
6. Take a few cooking classes specializing in sauces.
7. Meeting a wonderful man to partner with who has similar vision, compassion and melting heart for God. I finally know what kind of eggs I like.
8. Spending more time with friends and watching some of my friend’s babies grow.
9. Getting a new car.
10. Surprises.
So that’s my annual review and forecast for 2008. I think the theme for 2008 will be: THE YEAR OF SURPRISES
Although, all those accomplishments and activities above sound great, nothing is as important to me as Jesus. Nothing I do or am involved in will ever compare to Jesus. Everything else is meaningless.
Cheers to a YEAR OF SURPRISES, I look forward to sharing next year all the creative ways these surprises were revealed!!
