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. 🙂

 

 
 
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.
 

 
 
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:
 
 

 
 
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.
 
 

 
 
Come alongside….Would you say you are consistent? If not, what areas do you need to work on? What is your word for 2014?