Saturday, December 28, 2013

One Word for 2014

I recently came across a new idea about New Years resolutions that I wanted to share:

"Resolutions are rarely kept, and goals are easily forgotten; but, ONE WORD sticks!"

This quote came from the ONE WORD video (see below). Take a couple minutes to watch it. Then, you can also check out the ONE WORD website to learn more about this new idea. On the website, you can also get a FREE Action Plan that will give you guidance in discovering what YOUR word is for the new year. (There is a book available for purchase, but you don't need to buy the book in order to get the Action Plan.)

If I had done this last year, my one word would have been easy to decide:  PERSEVERANCE. This past year (2013) has probably been the most difficult year of my life. Not just because of my cancer (although that played a BIG part), but from various other reasons as well. Yet, I held the Lord's hand through it all and persevered under trial.

To find my word for 2014, I took a little time to reflect on the past year and then pray about what my word should be for this year. It finally came to me. My one word is PURPOSE.

There is a reason why I survived cancer; but, more than that, there is a purpose for my life here on earth. So, when I feel discouraged, or disappointed, or inadequate, or am simply trying to make a tough decision, I need to remember what my purpose is:

  • My purpose is to love and support my husband (Genesis 2:18; Titus 2:3-5 See verses below)
  • My purpose is to be a teacher and caretaker to my children (Deut. 6:7; Titus 2:3-5)
  • My purpose is to serve the Lord diligently, and with gladness (Psalm 100:2)
  • My purpose is to try my best to be an encouragement to others (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13) 
  • My purpose is to glorify God in all I do (1 Cor. 10:31)



ONE WORD can create "clarity, power, passion and life-change." It can also takes the stress out of trying to live up to a New Year's resolution. Yes, goals are good, and should be considered. But, with just one word to remember, I can think about it through-out the year to help bring me back into focus when its needed.

Give it a try! And, if you decide to do it, I'd love to hear what YOUR one word is for the new year, too!





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Genesis 2:18 - Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Deuteronomy 6:7 - and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Psalm 100:2 - Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.

Titus 2:3-5 - Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [to be] sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is [still] called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Knowing God By Name

GIRLFRIENDS IN GOD is a non-denominational ministry that uses women to encourage and equip other women in their spiritual journey.

Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland are the co-authors of a "girlfriends in God" devotional called KNOWING GOD BY NAME.

I thought this was a unique devotional that is a product of some good, Biblical research. The authors take 8 weeks to introduce us to 40 different names for God, and what they each mean.

FOR EXAMPLE:
  • ELOHIM means "the Creator"
  • EL ROI means "the God who sees"
  • EL ELYON means "the most high God"
For 5 days of each of the eight weeks, there is a Scripture reference, a short devotional, and a prayer. Then, on day 6 of each week, there is a time for reflection and going deeper with God.

I haven't finished reading the entire book but, what I have read so far has been interesting and thought-provoking. I look forward to reading more.

To get a sneak peek, you can download Chapter 1 HERE. Check it out!

I received this book free of charge from BLOGGING FOR BOOKS for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.




Tuesday, December 10, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: "Women Living Well" by Courtney Joseph

Courtney Joseph has a BLOG I have been following for maybe a year or more. She is a dedicated wife to her husband, and a mother of two children. I enjoy reading what she shares on her blog. So, I jumped at the chance to review her new book (which is the same title as her blog),  "Women Living Well." The book focuses on 4 areas that Christian women can find joy in - God, husband, children, and home.

The first part of the book - "Your Walk with the King"- has great examples and suggestions on how to improve your quiet times with the Lord, your prayer life, and your overall relationship with the One who loves you most. I especially liked her idea of using a "prayer walk" throughout my home to help me focus on what is most important. For example, when making the bed in the morning, whisper a prayer for my husband as I straighten his side. Then, do the same for the kids as I wipe crumbs off the table, and so on... The idea is to turn chores into short bursts of prayer for the ones we love.

Part 2 focuses on our marriages. The author uses Biblical references and personal experiences to share about what makes a marriage work. Then, she also explains how us women can easily think the "grass is greener" in another marriage. But, the truth is that ALL marriages have flaws, and ALL marriages take work! At the end of this section, Courtney includes a 2-week marriage challenge to follow if you choose to do so.

Part 3 is about parenting. It includes topics like the influence of a mother, the choices we make, anger management, and dealing with bad attitudes. This section made me realize I’m not alone in NOT being a perfect mother and in NOT having perfect kids. We ALL struggle with parenting, and that's a fact. But, isn't it great that we have someone who is perfect that we can turn to when we need wisdom and strength?! Thank you, Lord, for always being there to help us!

The last section is about homemaking. It has thoughts and ideas regarding schedules, routines, and most of all, PRIORITIES. This was a good reminder to me to keep working towards pleasing the Lord as I care for my family and home.

Ladies, if you are looking for inspiration, encouragement, and sincere suggestions for growing in your walk with the Lord and being the kind of wife and mother that is pleasing it God’s eyes, I recommend this book to you. I am glad I was given the chance to read it.

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Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.