Word of the Year: 2014
Happy new year, friends!
For the past several years, I’ve meditated on a word for that specific year.
- Freedom
- Grace
- Trust
- Growth
Last year, my word was fearless. I mentioned specific fears I wanted to release:
- Not measuring up as a newbie parent.
- Declining physical and mental illness.
- Dying and leaving my husband and family behind.
- Being good enough to write my own book.
Big things! But…thanks be to God: He has helped me not to be consumed with these things.
- I’ve lowered my high expectations of being the perfect parent and allowed myself to make mistakes and not feel like a failure.
- God has helped me to manage my physical and mental illnesses. I can honestly say I’m doing well.
- Of course, no one likes to think about dying and leaving their family behind, but I don’t let that overwhelm me like it did before last year. I’m still a little fearful, though.
- And as you already know, I did write my book. 🙂
Isn’t God good?
If you’re struggling with fear, please remember this great verse from 2 Timothy 1:7:
God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love.
Fear not!
This year, I’ve been a little back and forth on my word for the year. But after much thought, my word for 2014 is:
CONSISTENCY
That’s a heavy one for me because sometimes–well, a lot of times, I’m all over the place and I overlook stuff–important stuff. So… here are the areas I want to focus on:
- Prayer and Bible reading
- Hubby and me time
- Me time
- Family time
- Writing and blogging
- Encouraging
- Praising
That might seem like a lot–and it is, but I think I need to follow through with my good intentions. Hey, there’s no sense in scheduling stuff on my electronic calendar if I’m going to ignore the alerts, right? 😀
This is my verse for the year, from 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.
All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
So, by God’s strength alone, I will not be led astray by distractions.
I will be consistent!
Come alongside….Would you say you are consistent? If not, what areas do you need to work on? What is your word for 2014?
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Word of the Year: 2013
For the past several years, I’ve meditated on a word for that specific year.
- One year, it was freedom.
- Another year, it was grace.
- And another year, it was trust.
For 2012, my word was GROWTH. That’s what I felt God was speaking into my spirit last year. And boy, was I ever stretched! I believe I made some progress and I have grown in many ways:
- Emotionally.
- Mentally.
- Spiritually.
- Relationally.
Thank goodness, not so much physically. 🙂 I gained a few pounds, but nothing to be overly concerned about. 😉
This year, it took me a little longer to understand what God wanted for me. After praying and reading my Bible–and talking to my husband–I believe that God wants me to be FEARLESS in 2013. So, that’s my word for this year.
I don’t know what that entails. But I look forward to releasing even some of the fears that currently have a hold in my life:
- Not measuring up as a newbie parent.
- Declining physical and mental illness.
- Dying and leaving my husband and family behind.
- Being good enough to write my own book.
I know that “God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves” (2 Timothy 1:7). For me, one of the ways I can shatter my fears is by controlling my thought-life.
The weapons I fight with are not the weapons the world uses. In fact, it is just the opposite. My weapons have the power of God to destroy the camps of the enemy…. I keep every thought under control in order to make it obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
And so… This year, by God’s love and power alone, I will control my thoughts. I will be fearless.
Come alongside….What is your word for 2013?
Steps of Faith and Growth
Thank you to everyone who replied to my poll on stepping out in faith. We had a lot of discussion and great comments. Several of you mentioned that you experience self-doubt once you take a step of faith.
- Second-guessing.
- Cold feet.
- Mixed feelings.
- Can I do this?
- What if I fail?
- Should I step back–or keep going anyway?
What is He calling you to do? What step does He want you to take?
- To start a new career?
- To seek help for your addictions?
- To move on from an unhealthy relationship?
- To help someone in need?
- To adopt?
A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Word of the Year: 2012
For the past several years, I’ve meditated on a word for that specific year.
- One year, it was freedom.
- Another year, it was grace.
- And another year, it was trust.
For 2012, my word is GROWTH. Yep, that’s what I feel God is speaking into my spirit. The year 2012 will be a year of growth for me, my family, our business, my life. I am excited!
“Grow and experience the joy of your faith…” (Philippians 1:25).
Come alongside….What is your word for 2012?
