Beginnings and Endings Friday Five

Sally says:"This Celtic Mandala represents life, noting how days and years turn from one to another. As we have stepped from 2008 into 2009 some of us look back with joy and others with sadness; probably most of us with a mixture of the two.As we look back we may come to understand how God has worked in and through us in joy and sadness. how we have grown against what may seem impossible odds. As we look forward we may do so with expectation, and we may do so with fear and trembling. As we look back and forward in New Years liminality I offer you this simple yet I hope profound Friday Five in two parts:"

First list five things that you remember/ treasure from 2008

1. The BE. I was not planning to attend. Then suddenly I knew I must. And as is the way of these things, a place had opened, the flight was in my budget and the next thing I knew, there I was, hugging a bunch of wonderful women in a hotel bar in NOLA. And the rest, as they say....is history.
2. Baptising L. It is, without a doubt, one of the best moments of my ministry.
3. The day R's e-mail appeared inviting me to coffee. I knew he was sent as the answer to prayer. I have not changed my mind.
4. Finding out that I can trust the strength of my faith bond, even through the darkness.
5. My dream come true night at the New Year's dance.

Then list five things that you are looking forward to in 2009.

1. The BE 2. This time I am even planning ahead!
2. Exploring what it is like to rest in and accept being loved and cherished (while trying not to overthink it!)
3. Giving myself the gift of time to write and paint and generally be creative.
4. On a really practical level--getting more of the projects done on my house.
5. Continuing to be more fearlessly and joyfully myself.