One Little Word for 2015

Last year, I decided to stray away from making resolutions for the new year instead I decided to pick a word for the year.  My word for 2014 was "shine".  When I picked that word, I did not realize how much it would appear in my life.  It seemed like everywhere I went something reminded me of why I picked the word "shine".

In 2014, I spent a lot of time freeing up some "me time" where I could find my happiness.  I worked on becoming a better Christian, wife, mother, daughter, and so much more.  There were challenges that arose throughout the year, but I worked through them.  One of those challenges was when we sold our house unexpectedly.  If you know me, I always have a plan for everything.  Well selling our house in 2014 was not part of my plan, but it was part of God's plan.  I was very stressed with how everything was going to work out, but of course it did.

A few weeks after we moved, I realized what I would pick as my word for 2015.  This word seem to be appearing everywhere I looked.  I think it is very appropriate to have after the word "shine".  My word for 2015 is:

I have realized this past year that I can let others "steal" my joy.  I really do not think most people realize what they are doing when they do it, but they are able to just snatch my joy away in a split second.  This year I want to keep my joy and a smile on my face through all circumstances.  This is going to be hard, and I know that I will fail at times.  However with God, I know that I will be able to improve.

I know when most people hear the word, "joy", they think of the song, Joy to the World.  We typically think of this as a Christmas carol.  However, did you know that Isaac Watts wrote the song based on Psalm 98, and it was written with the theme being the second coming of the Lord?

I think this is so awesome!  None of the words associated with the Christmas story are in the song such as manger, angels, shepherds, etc.  One person wrote that "Christmas won't always be a joyful time, but when Jesus comes back, even the rocks will sing!"  What an amazing thought!  I have the joy down in my heart, and it's there to stay.  I want it to be seen through me in everything I do!

You know how I said this word, "joy", seemed to be appearing everywhere once I decided on it.  Well in December, Jordan Easley at Englewood preached a sermon on "joy".  He gave three reasons why you should have joy.

1) Joy gives you a new energy (Nehemiah 8:10)
2) Joy gives you a new perspective (Proverbs 17:22)
3) Joy gives you a new platform (Psalm 126:1-2, Isaiah 43:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31)

I choose "joy" in 2015.  Will you join me?

*I started this post last Sunday, but in the middle of writing it my computer crashed.  This wouldn't have been so bad, but all of Adelaide's pictures are on here.  What a way for the devil to try to steal my joy!  I am delighted to say that thanks to a great Dad, a praying Mom, and some awesome computer technicians I was able to get my computer back to working without losing anything.  

A Raging Battle

I am joining again on an online Bible study through Proverbs 31 Ministries.  This study is based on Lysa TerKeurst's Made to Crave book.  They are having a blog hop each week to help women join together through the process.

This week I chose to write about "A Raging Battle".  Our prompt stated, "Food isn't the only thing that tempts to destroy our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  What other things do you currently crave more than God?".

Mine may sound crazy.  I touched on it in my post titled "One Little Word".  I have been so overwhelmed with trying not to fail in everything I do that I have craved success more than God.  However in this craving success, I have let my family, friends, and mostly God down.  

Through my work, I have not allowed much time for God.  I quit going to church on Sunday and Wednesday nights, because I was overwhelmed creating these amazing lesson plans for school.  I quit using my musical talents at church, because I did not have time to practice due to long hours at work.  I quit having alone time with God in the mornings, because I would check my e-mails first thing and run out of time for Him.  The list could go on and on.

I want to let my light "SHINE" in 2014 by putting God first in every avenue of my life.  I know when I do this that everything else will fall into place.  I know it is important to be a good teacher, but my relationship with God should come first.  I want my students to be able to see the love of God through me, because I may be the only person that they see this from.

Photo credits to http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/e5/0a/27/e50a279e504088293bd12f362d3e2779.jpg

What do you currently crave more than God?

Elizabeth

Shine!

I was not planning on writing anything today, but I felt called to write this tonight.  One of my goals for 2014 was to maintain my blog with happenings in our family and things that might help others.  I definitely don't have everything together, and I fail in so many ways (my number one fear).  However, I want to learn from my mistakes, and this is a way for me to be accountable this year.

If you have read my other post, you know my One Little Word for 2014 is "shine".  I have really been praying about my word.  Today, it was like God was reassuring me of my word.  My daily devotion was titled, "Let Your Light Shine", and then on the church bulletin the verse was 2 Corinthians 4:6.

Photo credit http://www.pinterest.com/pin/563724078327563155/

This afternoon, I sat down and read blogs that I follow.  On one of the teacher blogs, the teacher wrote about seeing this music video during their church service.

This really touched home.  I would have to agree with the teacher blogger that if I was featured on the video that my mug shot word would be "worry".  I worry about everything!  Kevin always says that I am my worst enemy.  I think this all results from my fear of failure.  However, I am really giving this to the Lord, shining from day-to-day, and trusting Him to make beautiful things out of my life.

What would your mugshot say?

Know that no matter what your mugshot would say that God loves you!

Photo credit: http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/originals/37/f3/76/37f37603544cb45a39a4abc415b5a972.jpg