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Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

--Philippians 3:13-14, NKJV

Here’s hoping you’re enjoying your new year. 2009 was fine and dandy, but there’s something exciting about a fresh start and a brand spanking new year.

Okay, I know for a lot of people, thinking of 2009 doesn’t conjure up thoughts that are anywhere near fine and nothing even close to dandy. Maybe that’s why we’re encouraged in the Bible to “forget about what lies behind.” It’s easy to get caught up in everything that went wrong in ‘09. Or every failure. And then we end up thinking things like, “No way God could use me after this kind of mess up.” But that Philippians passage that tells us to forget what lies behind tells us to “press toward the goal.” And we’re told that call is the call of God. The upward call of God. Downward spiral? No thanks, not here!

Incidentally, I’ve had a majorly high-calorie holiday season. I’m all about “forgetting what lies behind.” And what lies on the thighs…and the upper arms…and…. Wait, I’m sensing a downward spiral.

A new year often makes us think of a couple of things:
1. “I’ve got a new beginning.”
And
2. “I can do better.”

It’s vital to remember that the only way to really “do better” is to understand that we can’t do better in our own strength—not with all the resolution in the world. New year, a new and better way, happens as we surrender to the One who ultimately holds all time in his hands—every minute, every hour, every week, month and, yes, every year. Surrendering life to his control. That’s the “uppest” of the upward calls.

Onward and Upward through Him!
Rhonda

Newsletter Note:  To those of you who noted that the newsletter hasn’t gone out for several months, thanks for noticing—and thank you so much for your kind emails. Joanne Sampl, web designer, newsletter source, marketing counselor and dear, dear friend, went home to be with Jesus in August ‘09. Joanne is experiencing an entirely different kind of “new,” and we’re rejoicing in that knowledge. But we’re also still missing her here. Smart, sassy—adorable. I’d like to take this little opportunity to celebrate her love for Jesus and honor her for her many ministries for him. I’m so thankful for her life and her example of selfless service. This is not one of those “forget” things. No, we definitely do not forget. We remember.

Fun News From Rhonda

Huge thanks to those of you who faithfully pray for the speaking and writing ministries. I so appreciate you! Could I ask for your prayers on a specific project? I’d appreciate your “knee support” for a fun project I’m working on with my daughter, Kaley.
We’re about to wrap up our first work of Christian fiction. What a total blast this has been! Anyone interested in a little hint? Here’s a short description of the first in the five-part inspirational suspense series:

“I need you to watch your brother, Micah, okay? Don’t take your eyes off your brother.” Seven-year-old Micah Lockhart kept his eyes on Sammy that night, even as the car careened into the river, taking his parents and changing his life forever. Now 17, Micah sees life finally coming back together. After ten years of bouncing from foster home to foster home, he’ll soon be able to get them out of the system and into a place of their own. But like a jolt, life erupts into danger and a million questions when they discover Sammy has the power to move things with his mind. Don’t take your eyes off your brother. He’s fought to fulfill that final charge from his father all his life. But suddenly Micah is not sure how to protect the only family member he has left. Evil people are after them and after the power. It’s all Micah can do to stay a step ahead. Where can they go? Who can he trust? Even as they’re contemplating the invisible Hand of God in the midst of it all, priority number one is simply staying alive.

If you’d like more hints, we’ll be including more info and a few more sneak peeks in upcoming newsletters.

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Above: Rhonda at the Chocolate Cafe Left: Rhonda reaches the women gathered to hear her at the Chocolate Cafe

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