Blank Pages

Brand new, crisp, untouched calendars excite me. Every year at work, just before the holiday season, our office coordinator sends out the email containing our calendar options for the upcoming year. From spiral to journal, pocket-sized to 8.5x11, I go back and forth trying to decide on the perfect planner. And then, after two months of anxiously waiting, the little book arrives at my desk. Although not to the full extent, it's almost as thrilling as cracking open the pages of a new journal. I flip through the clean, unmarked pages wondering what they will hold in the days, weeks, and months ahead. What will happen next week? What will happen in May or August or October that has not yet been written down? Only the Lord knows what will fill the that black planner tucked away in my bag. Here's to a new year and blank pages. May I trust Him daily, may I trust Him only, with both the planned and the unexpected...

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O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me

Except the days are passed in Thy presence,

In Thy service, to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,

Sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,

That I may not be one moment apart from Thee,

But may rely on Thy Spirit

To supply every thought,

Speak in every word,

Direct every step,

Prosper every work,

Build up every mote of faith,

And give me a desireto show forth Thy praise;

Testify Thy love, advance Thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,

With Thee, O Father as my harbour,

Thee, O Son, at my helm,

Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails. . . .

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,

Thy comforts to cheer,

Thy wisdom to teach,

Thy right hand to guide,

Thy counsel to instruct,

Thy law to judge,

Thy presence to stabilize.

May Thy fear be my awe,

Thy triumphs my joy.

(Valley of Vision)

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