This past week as I reflected over 2014, I was amazed at where this year has taken me. When I took on the word “LAUNCH” as my one-word for 2014, I couldn’t have imagined just what I was launching into. Never dreamed I’d start a blog. Couldn’t imagine the ways I’d begin to rewrite my life story.
Last December, I didn’t want LAUNCH as my word, but I couldn’t seem to shake it. It was scary, filled with action and sure to take me away from the familiar and into the unknown. Even so, I began to embrace it throughout the year and said “yes” to a number of new things all in the attempt to LAUNCH into something new.
Most significantly, I LAUNCHED this blog. Sharing my writing with others, building this community, meeting so many others online. This LAUNCH has changed me in ways I’m still uncovering.
I thought maybe this year I’d get an easier word. Maybe take a year off from such action-filled words. Maybe something like PEACE or REST or JOY. But, that probably wouldn’t be fitting after a year of LAUNCH, would it?
So, what is the word I can’t seem to shake this year? The word God is placing on my heart?
My one-word for 2015 is STEP.
I can only imagine it will be a year filled with STEPS, taking one STEP at a time in faith. STEPPING into something new.
To that end, I’m taking my first STEP today. I’m committing to dig deeper in my writing and take on important questions about “Why Does Faith Matter?” As a former skeptic and, at times, non-believer, I’ve discovered a level of faith that’s both essential and life-changing. But, what is it about faith in Jesus that’s so life-altering? Why does it make a difference? Why should we whole-heartedly embrace Jesus and the Christian faith?
I don’t know exactly how this will play out over the year, but I do know I want to tackle topics such as…
- Why does taking Sabbath rest matter and how is it more than just “me time”?
- How can prayer become more than just an item on your to-do list? More than just a “hail Mary pass” when you’re desperate and nothing else seems to be working?
- How can faith bring hope and joy into your life, even when your life’s circumstances are anything but hopeful or joy-filled?
- How is life-altering faith more than just believing in God and going to church on Sunday mornings? What does it mean to truly follow Jesus?
I will be taking another big STEP in a few weeks to speak at a women’s conference. It’s one thing to pour out my heart here where I can edit and get the words just the way I want them, but another thing entirely to speak to a group. I’m really excited about the opportunity, but would appreciate your prayers for a steady voice and a clear message.
As I look out on 2015, I’m both reluctant to begin writing again – unsure if I’m really cut out for this – yet also excited to come off this writing break and share what’s been stirring in my heart.
In any case, I look forward to see what STEPS God has in store for me this year. I’m sure they won’t all be easy ones, but I am sure they’ll take me closer to God’s better future for me.
What about you? What is your one word? Will you allow God to place a word in your heart to guide you in this next year? This will be my third year to choose one word, instead of setting goals or resolutions – and it’s been transformative each year. For more information on My One Word, click HERE.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Sharing with: Testimony Tuesday, Coffee For Your Heart, Saturday Blog Soiree,
Stepping into 2015 – Prayer & Possibilities
This past week as I reflected over 2014, I was amazed at where this year has taken me. When I took on the word “LAUNCH” as my one-word for 2014, I couldn’t have imagined just what I was launching into. Never dreamed I’d start a blog. Couldn’t imagine the ways I’d begin to rewrite my life story.
Last December, I didn’t want LAUNCH as my word, but I couldn’t seem to shake it. It was scary, filled with action and sure to take me away from the familiar and into the unknown. Even so, I began to embrace it throughout the year and said “yes” to a number of new things all in the attempt to LAUNCH into something new.
Most significantly, I LAUNCHED this blog. Sharing my writing with others, building this community, meeting so many others online. This LAUNCH has changed me in ways I’m still uncovering.
I thought maybe this year I’d get an easier word. Maybe take a year off from such action-filled words. Maybe something like PEACE or REST or JOY. But, that probably wouldn’t be fitting after a year of LAUNCH, would it?
So, what is the word I can’t seem to shake this year? The word God is placing on my heart?
My one-word for 2015 is STEP.
I can only imagine it will be a year filled with STEPS, taking one STEP at a time in faith. STEPPING into something new.
To that end, I’m taking my first STEP today. I’m committing to dig deeper in my writing and take on important questions about “Why Does Faith Matter?” As a former skeptic and, at times, non-believer, I’ve discovered a level of faith that’s both essential and life-changing. But, what is it about faith in Jesus that’s so life-altering? Why does it make a difference? Why should we whole-heartedly embrace Jesus and the Christian faith?
I don’t know exactly how this will play out over the year, but I do know I want to tackle topics such as…
I will be taking another big STEP in a few weeks to speak at a women’s conference. It’s one thing to pour out my heart here where I can edit and get the words just the way I want them, but another thing entirely to speak to a group. I’m really excited about the opportunity, but would appreciate your prayers for a steady voice and a clear message.
As I look out on 2015, I’m both reluctant to begin writing again – unsure if I’m really cut out for this – yet also excited to come off this writing break and share what’s been stirring in my heart.
In any case, I look forward to see what STEPS God has in store for me this year. I’m sure they won’t all be easy ones, but I am sure they’ll take me closer to God’s better future for me.
What about you? What is your one word? Will you allow God to place a word in your heart to guide you in this next year? This will be my third year to choose one word, instead of setting goals or resolutions – and it’s been transformative each year. For more information on My One Word, click HERE.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Sharing with: Testimony Tuesday, Coffee For Your Heart, Saturday Blog Soiree,