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Word of the Year

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? 😀
 
beconsistentrev
 
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.

 

I feel ya–I really do.

 

The step of faith is a step into the unknown. It’s a step into new, uncharted territory–into utter and complete trust in the One who has called us to take that step in the first place.

 

 

Stepping out in faith is a sign of growth, my word of the year.
  • Can I do this?
  • What if I fail?
  • Should I step back–or keep going anyway?

 

Stepping out stretches us, dear ones. We learn to trust not in ourselves and our efforts–but in God’s. He alone can do what we feel we aren’t capable of doing ourselves. We are then in a place where we continue to look to Him for guidance and wisdom and not rely on our own.

 

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?

 

I encourage you to do that which He wants you to do. Take that step of faith, my friend. Ask others to join with you in prayer. If God wants you to take that step, He trusts that you are ready–maybe even overdue–for this new part of your journey with Him.

 

It may be difficult, but remember…you have Him leading you and others beside you. Fear is natural, so don’t bury those feelings. Express them to Him. Tell Him your hesitations, but vow to keep going anyway. “Happy are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

 

Stepping out in faith…It’s all a part of growth–mine and yours.

 

 A person may plan his own journey, but the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

 

Come alongside…What is God calling you to do? Will you take that step of faith? What do you fear? How can you express those feelings to Him and obey Him in the process? How will stepping out grow you?

 

I look forward to hearing your feedback.
Big hugs,
Daphne

 

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?

 

Affiliate Disclosure

Daphne Tarango is a participant in affiliate programs with Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, DaySpring, Church Source, Hazelden, Christian Strong (via Conversant and ShareASale). These advertising services are designed to provide a means for sites like DaphneWrites.com to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to said merchants. Some images and articles may contain links to products on merchant sites. Should you choose to make purchases through those links, please understand that I will receive a small commission. Please do not feel like you need to use these links to make any purchases. The links are only for your convenience. Thank you.

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