Hi there! As my Christmas entry is a bit dated it’s time to bring in the new year. Like many of you I have lots ahead, lots to do and plenty of challenges for 2006. I guess the most important thing is to make this year count, not just for me but in the light of eternity.

Having very recently turned 34 (Jan 2nd) I’m only too aware that time is precious, every day counts and that the way I use my time is key. As you know there is a big move ahead for the Douglas clan and on March 1st Johnny officially commences life as the lead pastor of Sawyers Church in Brentwood. Obviously this means I will be a pastor’s wife so I’m quite excited (as well as slightly nervous) about what that will involve. It also means big changes for Noah & Esther but we are prayerful for their adjustment to it all.

Noah has already started packing for the new house (which we have yet to acquire) and has been giving me some of his stuff ‘to give to babies’ because he’s big now. He was ready to throw out his trainset but Esther decided she wanted it and happily set it out in her room this morning (who says life for a little girl is all dollies and pink stuff?!)

I think something we’re all excited about is settling into a new community and making some new friends and I know relationship-building will be key in our new location. I still maintain my ‘created to relate’ motto and I’ve decided to make 1 Thess 2:8 my verse for 2006:
‘We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.’

One of my new year’s resolutions is to join/start a bookclub, and I’m prayerful that this will give me opportunities to befriend and connect with the unchurched. I didn’t read as many books as I had hoped in 2005 so I’m determined to improve my numbers for this year (my brother Paul is going for a 40 book challenge!)

Sadly Johnny will have to reduce his vast book collection in order to relocate, and pruing and culling is definitely a theme in our lives at present. January 21st marks the day of our house sale (contents not property)and the start of a simpler life.

My challenge at the end of this post is to go after your dreams in 2006; don’t waste this year - make every second count (and if you have a spare evening watch ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ - J & I loved it!)

Bye for now. xx