This post is a little late coming, since it's already the end of January!! But hey, better late than never, right?
Well, this year we (well, mostly Marc but I am up for the challenge!) are choosing the word LOVE. I see it as a challenge because to me really loving others is not easy. It's more natural for a person to love themselves than to think of others. And even when I think I am doing something for someone else, if I really test my heart motives and intent, I can usually find an ulterior motive. Not something to be proud of, but I am ready to dive in and practice checking myself in this area and GROWING by God's grace. It's funny because as I write this, I am realizing that our church small groups is studying what it means to live in true community and the first chapters have so much to do about really LOVING others just as they are. I actually am also trying to choose a personal word as well because I feel like I have some growing to do in many areas. So for me the word GROW will be highlighted in 2014. I want to grow as a wife, a mother, a friend, in my talents or interests, and as a believer in Christ. I know it is a never-ending process, but I little growth in the right direction is a start. It's better than just staying stagnant!
Do you choose a word for the year? And what helps you stay focused on that word for the year?
Do you choose a word for the year? And what helps you stay focused on that word for the year?
hello dear friend.
ReplyDeletei don't choose a word a year, but i choose a theme for a season. i choose it by listening for a theme in what the Lord is teaching me in my quiet times, and then i write it down in my journal... when i see myself writing the same thing a lot, and others mentioning the same thing to me a lot... i grasp it as a Word from the Lord for me for that season. usually it comes from Scripture but not always. if it didn't come from Scripture, i find some Scripture that illustrates it. then to keep me on tabs - focused - on that theme, i memorize that Scripture. in order to do that, i make copies of it (first read diff translations and choose the one that helps me most and that if i repeat it, it won't sound religious to others*) and put a copy in all the places where i might have a few seconds/minutes to review - my bedside, by Cody's leash to take on walks with him, my purse, my car, my fanny pack, address book/calendar, my quiet time couch, the tv couch, the kitchen sink, the bathroom mirror, etc. i keep meditating on it and the Lord brings up all sorts of occasions for me to apply it (or to remember that i didn't apply it when i could have) and i talk to Him about it and i grow.
i love your words and your words ideas. you will grow too. love you <3
* the reason i choose a version that sounds like "normal spoken language" is because i find that as i meditate on it, i want to share it. it is exciting to be able to share spiritual themes and growth with anyone in my life. if i share something that sounds religious or too academic, unnatural in spoken language, it can be a turn-off to some people because it might sound preachy or too far away from where they are at. instead, by using words that they might use themselves, the Scripture forms a bridge between them and the spiritual concepts and makes it accessible to their hearts/minds and as you know, (using religious language here for now:) "His word will not return void".
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Lisa! :) I love the idea of having a theme for a season! We may have to try that, too!
ReplyDeleteCOME BACK!
ReplyDeleteLove is a beautiful word to focus on. How did it go?
ReplyDelete