And just like that we are done 2013 and are now in 2014!
Over the past few years I've liked to 'assign' a word to each year that represented that year or that I strive to learn or achieve in the year to come.
2010 was commitment
2011 was change (see the blog post here)
2012 was roots (see the blog post here)
2013 was grace
2014 will be contentment
A couple of years ago I found a beautiful antique barnwood chalkboard that I put by the door in our house. I added a funny quote sticker to the bottom and on the top I have written the word and scripture passage that reminds me of what I want God to help me learn in my life. Here is the photo I put up on Instagram of last year's word and this year's word on the board.
In 2013 the word that God impressed upon me was the word 'grace'. I want to be a person who shows others grace. I want my speech, my actions, my attitude to reflect grace.
Colossians 4:6 says: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
This is what I want to be like. It is a life long goal, for sure! Kevin told me about a pastor he knew who always reminded him to give people the grace they need. It is a good reminder. People need grace. I need grace. Life is tough and we all need grace to get through! If I can be a grace giver that encourages someone else, then that is what I want to be. Having that word by my door as I left home each day was a daily reminder in 2013. I thank God for the grace that He daily gives me.
The word that God has impressed upon my heart and mind for 2014 is 'contentment'. Oftentimes, especially when I'm not busy, I get very restless. I miss my friends, my family, my home country. I long to be out doing something, going somewhere. I'm definitely an active relaxer. I also have 'FOMO' - fear of missing out. I don't want to miss anything that may be happening or that is out there to be experienced! Sitting at home is the worse possible thing for me! haha. I know many people will think I am crazy! I have to really, really tell myself to relax! (getting into a good book sometimes works.....)
So in 2014 I want to remember to be content. Content with my circumstances. Content with my relationships. Content with my life. In the Bible it says that we 'learn' to be content and that we can 'learn the secret' of being content. It is my goal this year to remind myself and choose to be content, and in so doing, hopefully learn the secret of being content in any and every situation.
Philippians 4:4-13 says: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Happy 2014!!!!
It is going to be an awesome year!
(and I finally get a son this year too! woo hoo!!!)
Over the past few years I've liked to 'assign' a word to each year that represented that year or that I strive to learn or achieve in the year to come.
2010 was commitment
2011 was change (see the blog post here)
2012 was roots (see the blog post here)
2013 was grace
2014 will be contentment
A couple of years ago I found a beautiful antique barnwood chalkboard that I put by the door in our house. I added a funny quote sticker to the bottom and on the top I have written the word and scripture passage that reminds me of what I want God to help me learn in my life. Here is the photo I put up on Instagram of last year's word and this year's word on the board.In 2013 the word that God impressed upon me was the word 'grace'. I want to be a person who shows others grace. I want my speech, my actions, my attitude to reflect grace.
Colossians 4:6 says: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
This is what I want to be like. It is a life long goal, for sure! Kevin told me about a pastor he knew who always reminded him to give people the grace they need. It is a good reminder. People need grace. I need grace. Life is tough and we all need grace to get through! If I can be a grace giver that encourages someone else, then that is what I want to be. Having that word by my door as I left home each day was a daily reminder in 2013. I thank God for the grace that He daily gives me.
The word that God has impressed upon my heart and mind for 2014 is 'contentment'. Oftentimes, especially when I'm not busy, I get very restless. I miss my friends, my family, my home country. I long to be out doing something, going somewhere. I'm definitely an active relaxer. I also have 'FOMO' - fear of missing out. I don't want to miss anything that may be happening or that is out there to be experienced! Sitting at home is the worse possible thing for me! haha. I know many people will think I am crazy! I have to really, really tell myself to relax! (getting into a good book sometimes works.....)
So in 2014 I want to remember to be content. Content with my circumstances. Content with my relationships. Content with my life. In the Bible it says that we 'learn' to be content and that we can 'learn the secret' of being content. It is my goal this year to remind myself and choose to be content, and in so doing, hopefully learn the secret of being content in any and every situation.
Philippians 4:4-13 says: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Happy 2014!!!!
It is going to be an awesome year!
(and I finally get a son this year too! woo hoo!!!)
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