BE RESOLUTE: ONE WORDS and GIVEAWAY

Our resolutions seldom work because they are based on the type of person we’re tired of being rather than who God wants us to become. - See more at: http://myoneword.org/pick-your-word/#sthash.5LkWhYop.dpuf

Mike Ashcroft and Rachel Olsen have written the release My One Word and have a corresponding website which will help you choose an area of your life to focus on. I think one of my goals for the new year will be to read this book.

I highly enjoyed the "Pick Your Word" section of the site found here.

Do you have a focus for 2014? I thought it might be fun to share some of the words we've been thinking about.

Julia: QUIET is the word that keeps coming to mind. I'm an introvert by nature so there are times when this word fits me well. But more than that, God is wanting to teach me to seek more quiet, to be more intentional in sitting at His feet. Surrendering to Him, learning from Him, listening to Him in the quiet, still moments I can find even in the chaos of life with small children.

"He says, "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)


Karen: The word I feel God is giving me for 2014 is FAITHFUL. His FAITHFULNESS to me is so incredible and enduring. I'm challenged to be "FAITHFUL in the little things," particularly the blogging that I feel He is calling me to in an increasing way this year. My verse for the year is:

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones." (Luke 16:10)


Krista: Mine is FOCUS. This last year I have been so scattered to the point of being unproductive...like everything is this blurry mess and I need to stop and refocus things and get clarity from God.


Sherrinda: I think my word is ANTICIPATION. After a difficult year, I am anticipating an AWESOME year. I await with ANTICIPATION putting pen to paper. I anticipate growth in many areas (except for physically!) and I anticipate great joy in life, love, and my Lord.


Angie: My word is ABUNDANCE...to live each moment with the ABUNDANCE of God's love and joy.



Amy: I'm not certain if this is my "word" for 2014 but I do feel God telling me to REST. Not that I expect much of that in the traditional sense with the pending addition of a newborn to my rowdy brood, but whether it is with my writing goals, or with the stress of health problems and a growing family, I feel like God is telling me that no matter how hectic my world may seem, I can find REST  in Him. In fact, it's right where He wants me, abandoning myself and my plans, seeking solace in Him alone and trusting Him without borders. "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." -Hillsong


Casey: My one word for 2014 is DREAM. What dreams is God calling out of me in this year? Is He asking me to think bigger than I have previously? To put my hopes and plans and dreams more squarely into the palm of His hand? I'm committed to not shying away from what goodness God has dreamed for me this year. I'm committing those dreams...and their fulfillment more fully to God.


Pepper: Yep, I have my 'word' for this year and it makes me nervous.
CHANGE
I've been praying about it all morning and asking God for a different one, but that one keeps coming to my mind with certainty. I figured after this last year I'd had my fair share of CHANGE, but I guess God has other plans in store. :-) And what kind of CHANGE. How will that CHANGE be applied to my writing, my family, or my heart?
We'll see.
But I'm certain of the word - and God's love. :-)

Mary: My word is DEVOTION.

DEVOTION to my walk with Christ, 

DEVOTION to improving my writing

DEVOTION to my taking a giant step forward in my life's journey despite any trials that come my way.

Ashley: GRACE... I really think that's going to be my word because it's what my WIP is all about (and my heroine's name), and it's also the word that came to mind when I prayed during the Live Free Write Free workshop... Allen and Jim told us to ask God for His name for us, and I immediately sensed the phrase "Grace Giver." Isn't that cool? I am such an overachiever that I'm always finding myself running round in circles, trying to achieve my way to success, while God gently nudges my direction in a different place-- a place of completion rather than achievement.

I can relate to many of these words. I certainly have dreams for the coming year. What are yours? I hope to see change in both spiritual and writing life. I want to minister grace to others and receive grace sitting at his feet.

What about you? Do you have a Scripture verse that is leading you as you head into this New Year? Is there a specific word that comes to your mind? Something specific you feel God whispering into your heart?

I have always been inspired by the words of Jonathan Edwards on resolutions: Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake. (from Desiring God website).

Will we be vessels able to be used for his sake in 2014? Will we accept his freely given gift of the grace to keep us from falling? Are we willing to put aside our dreams for His dreams for our lives?




***GIVEAWAY: Share your one word or a goal for the New Year in the comments and include your email address to be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card. **

Julia Reffner is a lover of Christ, cats, and all things chocolate. She lives with her husband and two young children in upstate New York and is a writer and reviewer for Library Journal and several other publications.