Happy 2013! I'm one of those people who likes to sit down and write out my goals for the new year. In the past, I've found that when I do this it helps to focus me. You see, my popular sanguine personality needs focus or else I become easily distracted.
But for the past three years, I've also chosen one word for each year.
Gary Morland is the father of The Nester and Emily of Chatting at the Sky. He wrote the following about choosing that one word:
"That word becomes your goal for your attitude or behavior. Your word reminds you and motivates you. Then the resulting attitude or behavior impacts a whole bunch of areas where you would normally have goals.Your word might apply in some narrow but important area of your life. Or it might apply broadly at work or home, with family and friends, and in your own heart and soul, too."
Two years ago I chose ...TRUST.
For 2012 I chose ...ADVENTURE.
For 2013 I choose ...SURRENDER.
This graphic was created by Melanie of Only a Breath. Thank you Melanie!
I prayed about my one word for some time. At first, I thought I needed a word like self-control or holiness. You see I want to get myself together in 2013 (body, mind and spirit). But I kept feeling like the emphasis was too much on me. And I tend to let myself down!
That's when I felt the Lord impressing on my heart: SURRENDER.
Now I often think I've surrendered everything to Him only to realize I've taken it back again. Can you identify with me here?
If I surrender it all, I am trusting God. Hmm ...TRUST was my word two years ago.
And when I TRUST Him, it is definitely an ADVENTURE. Hmm ...that was my word for 2012.
In church last Sunday, my pastor asked us to hold our hands out in front of us facing down. He spoke about giving it all to the Lord. All of the burdens, our loved ones, our challenges.
He then asked us to keep our hands out but turn them palm side up. He asked us to be open for God's leading and to receive His love, mercy and guidance.
We often sing the song "I Surrender All" in my church. But I want to share a different version of that song by CeCe Winans. I love this one. And I encourage you to surrender all to Him in 2013.
Blessings and love,
photo credit: HikingArtist.com via photopin cc
Great choice my friend. No matter what word we choose, it all comes down to surrender! Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteLove that choice. Mine is overflow, which I have not written about yet, but will soon!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, just like you. May you be blest for your choice and actions, but most of all, heart. Love and prayers, David
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteFor the past two weeks, I've been pondering the ONE WORD "challenge". Today, I'm writing about it over on my blog and as only HE would have it, through facebook, emails, texts, etc. I've been meandering across other people sharing the very same idea. I'm so thankful for your inspiration, and will be linking over to your blog from mine.
When I ever get this post finished!!
Praying you have a wonderful year!
Much love,
Susan
Love it!! I didn't do a word, though I would like to next year. I did a verse. I will share some about it this week. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts with us as always, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteI too have been praying about One Word and over and over again my thoughts and prayers all boil down to this one word "BELIEVE". I will believe in the promises of God, I will believe in all things good, I will believe HE hears and answers my prayers, I will believe that with God, "I CAN", I believe that in heaven there will be no more tears.
ReplyDeleteGreat word, Deb! Look forward to another year of friendship and fellowship and who knows maybe we will meet this year! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSurrender encompasses everything in our Christian walk. Without surrender we aren't even able to be saved. I don't seek a word each year, but a scripture verse.
ReplyDeleteHope you and Greg experience God to the fullest measure in this new and wonderful year!
Love,
Sandy
Good thinking and good word, surrender.
ReplyDeleteI cannot claim I'm totally there. I like to have a word, a comment to what's going on in my life and with the ones I love.
For the time being I feel the need of help and guidance both for me and my family.
There are so many issues.
Well, I got a word. Isaiah 45:2. It feels safe and reassuring to walk behind God and let him open the doors the need to be unlocked.
Come to think of it; it is kind of surrendering. Walking behind the Lord.
What a wonderful word! I've never done a word for the year but have thought very strongly about it for this year. But, guess if I'm going to that I'd better do it quick. I can certainly see where it would give me a focus and perhaps serve as a real inspiration to me in my daily walk with Him. Wishing you blessings galore!
ReplyDeleteDon't we all need that word written across our wrist to remind us daily? I sure do. I loved the song, "I Surrender All" by Clay Cross..I still stop and sing it at times as a reminder...and of course, the hymn "I Surrender All"
ReplyDeleteBlessings on this year...I will enjoy your journey...since I always glean from your walk with the Lord
A very powerful post, Debbie. Surrendering to YHWH is one of the absolute hardest things outside of obedience, because... surrendering is being obedient to the call of YHWH.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to what's ahead in 2013! Praise HIM!
What a beautiful picture of surrender...to lift our hands palms up. We have to do that in all things...the lifting to Him in surrender. Can't wait to hear all God has for you in this word friend. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSo far, surrender is my favorite word that I have seen in different blog posts--I am still searching--think I got it just now as I wrote that--will let you know--great post!
ReplyDeleteLove this post Debbie, and your heart! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post Debbie, and your heart! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for directing me over to Melanie; I send her a request for a button design. :)
Wonderful word my friend; surrendering all means putting our faith in God, trusting him to carry the load of our burdens, and giving us solutions to our problems. Not always easy to do, but what relief and joy to give it all to him! :)
Blessings dear one, for a joy-filled 2013!!
Denise
I usually have a word for the year
ReplyDelete2012 it was GIVE
2011 it was SEEK
The Lord hasn't prompted a word to me yet for this year, I am still waiting!
Happy New Year Debbie and May God bless you more & More.
Great post, Debbie, and I love that your word is Surrender. He will surely honor that goal :)
ReplyDeleteAnd oh how I love me some CeCe Winans. LOVE her version of that classic!
Wow! What a beautiful song. The Lord is showing me that that is what I need to do this year also. It is so easy to rush ahead of Him and try to do our own thing. I realize that only what He does through us is really important, as we surrender our hearts to Him moment by moment.
ReplyDeleteSue
Listening to the song and thinking about what a hard but rewarding word "surrender" can bring. I'll look forward to how God will use it and you in 2013.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Lisa
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