Who Stole 2007

Is it just me or did 2007 fly by? I don't know about you, but for me 2007 was a whole lot of ups, downs, celebrations, sorrows, and challenges. As I look back over the year I have to ask myself whether I am where I had hoped and prepared to be? Was I able to reach all of the goals that I set for myself professionally, personally and spiritually. Now I wish I could tell you that I hit every one of my goals and I am right on track going int? 2008. But the fact of the matter is I can not say that. There have been several areas that I was able to hit with God's help. For one, I have been able to make progress on this road of healing and useful service. I continue to find trusted people in my life (Mike, Galen, Brad, Timmy, all my BT friends) and groups like DC and OLF to keep me challenged for God and continuing to explore His unconditional love. Another great target hit in 2007 was my job situation. I started a great new job in September that I completely love. If you would have asked me to paint a picture of the perfect job for me this would be it. I love working at Tallgrass Creek, it is one of the best things I have ever been a part of. It was truly a gift from God. Of course I have also been serving at Olathe Life Fellowship since October. What a great place! I love Timmy's heart and his message of radical love for the people of Olathe. It is an extreme challenge and reward to work with a church that is expressing God's love in some non-traditional ways. It has both stretched and challenged me in great ways. On the down side, I am still wrestling with some hard personal issues in my life. It has been a great challenge for me to try to stand back and let God make the changes for me. I am still trying to fix everything and let God know about it. However, at this point in my life there are things that I have no control over and there is nothing I can do to fix it. This has made for a very difficult year for me in so many ways. However I know that God is still on the throne and he has surrounded me with trusted advisers that I can lean on. I have no idea what God has in store for 2008 but I know that with His wisdom and direction we will continue the journey together. I want to thank all of you who have been an encouragement to me in 2007. Words can never express my gratitude toward you. There have been times that I needed your arms to hold me up and you were faithful to do so. You have cried with me, laughed with me, listened to me but never once did you judge me. Your unconditional love and support is what makes being part of this community all worth it. I look forward to the coming year.

Peace
Ralph