Traveling has become such a chore!  Gone are the days of rolling up to the door, leisurely checking in your luggage and walking to the gate with friends or family while we wait for our flight.

Early today I flew to Atlanta for a women’s conference.   I have the privilege of speaking on the panel and I expect some great and wonderful things. 

Tonight’s event included dinner with Angie Hillman, who with her husband Os, has lead Workplace Ministry workshops over the past 10 years.  This year’s event has over 500 registrants and some of the world’s leading voices in ministry in the marketplace.  We spent the evening getting acquainted and sharing “our stories”.  What awesome personal histories were shared around the table.

Nothing happens by accident or coincidence.  As we shared, we all agreed there is something very significant about 2008!  We all felt it, but couldn’t put our finger on it.  Instead we noted that the Biblical number ‘8′ means “new beginnings”. 

But what beginnings?  What will come in this year that will catapult us onto a new plane with a greater sphere of influence and much more success than we could hope for or imagine?

Sometimes we don’t have a clue.  New beginnings are often the culmination of a process that began years ago and the changes are subtle and almost undetectible as we move from year to year.  A good metaphor is an underground stream that rumbles just beneath the surface only to emerge from the ground as a mighty waterfall!

It must be true!  True that this is a special year for which many of us are predisposed to have great things occur.  

My question is - as much for me as for all of you - are we ready?  If we’ve been expecting some miracle or the emergence of some wonderful breakthrough; will we know it when we see or - or experience it?  And will it live up to our expectations?

We humans are funny creatures!  We long for distinction, recognition, more and greater achievement and then when we’re on the brink. . .we hardly know what we’ll do or how we’ll handle it.

Well I’m wondering what’s in store for me because I invested time and money into a trip to Atlanta; a few words shared and materials put into women’s hands.  I may not know when I board my return flight - but I’m going to pay close attention as the days pass because it’s 2008 and I’m expecting new and grand things in this year of new beginnings.

 I’m expecting new and grand things for each of you as well.  In fact, I can almost guarantee breakthroughs; advancements; promotions and awesome opportunities for the year of new beginnings.

And just think, it’s only January! 

Be on alert and watch for the trickle to begin.

You probably won’t find this until the a.m., so have an awesome day.  Stay connected and enjoy much love and rich blessings.

Linda