A NEW YEAR...
~author Joy Knight, January 2004~

At the close of the year 2003
I look back on how it affected me

And as I look ahead to 2004
How will I be changed even more?

In light of it all, the year was a good one
I laughed and cried, I worked and had fun

I'm healthy, I breathe, I walk, I can see
Basic things that mean so much to me

God provided my needs great and small
My life is a gift, I'm thankful for it all

Sure there were struggles day by day
And I had some "curve balls" come my way

Sometimes I swung hard and still missed...
So, I'd swing again - using a different twist

And their were "FOUL" balls too...
Days I didn't know how or what to do

Times of searching and learning - others of anger and doubt
But remember, a "foul" ball is NOT a "strike out"

So, I'm still in this -running bases - headed for home
And I will not wander, nor will I roam

Because who knows what lies ahead or might be in store
If this is the year he calls me across home plate...to SCORE

On days when I was low, I so climbed for higher ground
But to appreciate the valley, had only to look around

There is beauty in a valley, not seen up on a hill
Fertile ground that produces the fruit of His will

In the valley, I look up - and He is ever near
I can depend on Him - What have I to fear?

Every path I take, he has already walked before
So with my shepherd - the enemy can only roar

As I look back at two thousand and three
I see areas of battle - others of victory

The battles not yet won, I plan to fight
Not alone, but with the power of HIS might

I'll look behind me just enough to see
Things I need to change and do differently

Some goals I have set for two thousand and four
To KNOW Him, LOVE Him, and PLEASE Him more

As I leave the year two thousand three
I am thankful for all He has done for me

For the days of sunshine and for the rain
Life with Him is but constant gain

He will be my life, my hope, my all in two thousand four
Because in His presence, like an eagle, I will soar