[Note from the Proprietor: In case you're wondering what it's all about, well, we're smack in the middle of BLOGAPALOOZA! Hey, you're welcome to join in the fun if you like! All ya gotta do is click that cute little link and read all about it!]

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Guest post by Jennifer Linkous who writes over at 12 Steps Closer

Turns out, God did a lot more work on me in 2008 than I realized!  It was really hard to choose just one post per month, so I cheated a bit to include links to a few of the poetry offerings I made this year. I consider them icing on the sweet cake of my spiritual journey.

January Daily Word

In which I learn why and how to hand over the Ugly and the noise in my spirit, thereby unleashing a worshipful heart.

Also, I started to embrace my creativity with “Haiku for Jesus”

Feb What’s In A Change (Redux)

I realized that before God moved to change a situation and bring about His will for me, He declared it beforehand. My job, then, was to catch the vision of it and trust Him to manifest it in my life.

March More Than A Bunny

I learned that I can have a meaningful holy-day experience without all the trinkets, pressure, and polyester.

April Commitment In Real Life

He’s taught me to love until I am withered from the giving of it. He’s taught me to be patient with those who think in ways I cannot even grasp. He’s taught me that being needy is not a weakness unless one’s pride tells one it is so.”

May It’s Not A Tumor

“I told them about the biopsies. I told them about the impending surgery. I told them that I had no idea what would come of any of it…whether I would be diagnosed with cancer, or it was all a big exercise in preventing a malpractice suit. But I also remember saying…something along the lines of… I know that I know that I will come through this (whatever it is). I know that God has brought me this far, He has definitely given me purpose, and that He will see me to His end.

And I never meant anything more seriously in my life. Finally I understood what Jesus meant when he said “Be of good cheer.” It’s not: put on your happy mask. It’s not: pretend that you are all right when in fact you are mildly freaking out. It’s being undaunted. Unwavering.”

June Today’s Post: Vetoed

I learned that no matter how pure the intention, blogging about personal stuff can sometimes hurt others.

July Blogger Small Group: Personal Application Style

“So sometimes, God’s power doesn’t necessarily rush in like a mighty wave. Sometimes it creeps in and covers you like a blanket tucked over you when you sleep. Sometimes it falls gently like summer rain and you have to run around in it and rub it into your head to help you grow.”

August Haiku For Jesus:VBS

I learned that I could compact the entire Vacation Bible School experience into 5 stanzas of poetry. I also participated in Celebrate the Call and created my first series of posts based on the message I delivered:

• Who is the Leper?
• More Than Skin Deep
• Light A Fire
• Gut Wrenching Willingness

September Open the Floodgates

“What if your current struggle, the one that truly breaks your heart, is the very one that ushers in your breakthroughs?”

October Goodbye Thomas, Hello Eirene

“I’m tired of living the Thomas life. Aren’t you? Wanna hear something cool? Christ greeted the group that included Thomas (the second appearance) with the exact same phrase. His offer of peace is the same for all types. Believers and strugglers, doubters and faith-filled. Wherever you land on the spectrum of faith, Christ still offers His peace.”

November

I was made aware, in a powerful way, that my little blog has had a positive impact on someone I do not know.

• Recovery = Relationships
• Haiku for Jesus: Hatemail

And that was the best blog-birthday present…EVER!

December What I’m Doing Instead of Blogging

“Whether trying to have a Christmas full of peace and Jesus, or doing the crazy rat-race, I’m still a little rebel who needs a lot of work. Good thing He’s on the job.”

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[Further note from the Proprietor: Hey, if you're interested in having your own "best of 2008" posts highlighted right here at the Middle Zone, then by all means, click on this link: (BLOGAPALOOZA: What I Learned From 2008) and read all about it! BLOGAPALOOZA will be open for entries from now until Sunday, January 25.]

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