Hey, most beloved blog community! As I finished my quiet time this morning, God moved you sweet things on my heart so strongly. I felt like the Lord was impressing on me to invite you along into a time of reflection before our faithful God today. If you’re like me, you take new beginnings pretty seriously. I’ve always needed them so badly. January 1st rarely rolls around that I am not sober before God about the next year and, because of His unfathomable grace, also hopeful. But as I closed up my journal for 2011 this morning, I thought about the profound significance of the final day of any given year. I turned back to the beginning of it and read the letter I wrote Him last January 1st and reflected on my state of mind and circumstances on that day. I sat with Jesus this morning for the next little while and deliberately looked back over 2011 and recalled the ups and downs of it and, oh Lord in Heaven, the CHANGES. Saying goodbye to my church of nearly 30 years and hello to a brand new church plant. Saying goodbye to my home of 27 years and embracing a new life out on a country road 6 miles from a town (and I don’t mean a city). And those are just the big things. Those are just the things I can tell in public. Grin.
I thought about how He had led me to accept something this year that, for years, I’d just found totally unacceptable. And how some strange measure of peace had come as a result. I hate to admit that this sanguine has, in her heart of hearts, always thought earthly peace was a little overrated. I was an idiot. I sometimes get tempted to negativity over that area of acceptance again (in human terms, it is worthy of negativity) but I sense the Lord saying something like this to my heart: “Do you really want to go back there?? Do you really want to have that particular thing then all that goes with it?” And the answer is no. It’s odd to me how God can use something that is so contrary to our desires to supply a different desire of our heart that maybe – just maybe – we wanted or needed even more. His ways are so far beyond ours. He is always right, however. And always faithful.
If any of you would like to participate, spend a little while today with Jesus being very intentional about your last year. The changes. The ups. The downs. The hopes. The disappointments. The inconceivable grace of God. Something He brought you through that you were sure you couldn’t survive. Or something that has yet to come to resolution and what He has done even in the midst of the wait. Philippians 1:6 says that God will complete the work He started in us when He first saved us. That means for our whole lives long, change will be part of the agenda. Are we still changing? Are we still growing? Is there any evidence of growth over our last year? These are important questions to ask ourselves before we get up tomorrow morning, put 2011 behind us (which is appropriate!) and embrace God’s goodness and grace toward 2012.
If you’re game, after spending those moments with God in reflection, write a comment to this post today using 3 words that have characterized 2011 for you. Tell us something that happened in your heart this year. I know that some of you have had a grueling 12 months and I don’t want you to have to fake it for our sakes but please consider and express ways God has also shown His faithfulness to you. He’s good even when a season has been anything but. Let’s be honest and authentic but let’s also try not to put a pall over the comments. There is so much to be depressed about out there. Let’s not let this community become just another place to feel discouraged. Our God has blessed us all in one way or another if we were willing to receive.
SO, this is an invitation to reflection. I’m going to let you go a little longer this time around in your comments because expression can be so incredibly therapeutic but still try to limit your writing to, let’s say, a maximum of three average-length paragraphs. Since you’re choosing three words that describe your year, maybe a paragraph a word is the best way to approach it. And don’t get too distracted in offering your 3 words in order of importance. Just throw them out there. If you get too fastidious and analytical, you probably won’t end up writing it.
I’ve already expressed most of the reasons for these choices, but in summation, I’ll go ahead and give my three words:
1. CHANGE. (I’m convinced to some degree that change is necessary to keep us from growing old and brittle inside. Flexibility and adaptability are subtle elements of youthfulness – not to the body that ages day by day but – to the soul that’s being transformed from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3)
2. Acceptance. (Just in one basic area but it was a big one to me. I have a long way to go in acceptance as a general life rule!)
3. Surprise. (I just flat-out can’t figure Him out. And, most of the time, I’m glad.)
And what about you, my beloved Sister? What are three words that have characterized your year?
As we close 2011, please allow me to tell you again how deeply grateful I am for your faithful companionship. I love Jesus more as a direct result of this community. I am more in touch with people – astonishingly so! – because of this blog. And there is no doubt that I memorize Scripture more. You, ladies, are a GOOD FORCE in my pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ. You bear fruit in my personal walk with Him and that is the highest measure of an earthly relationship. Thank you.
I love you dearly.
Faith – This year has been one of walking in faith. Not “feeling” God, but knowing that he was there, because he said he was. A very hard year, oh how I miss his presence in my life.
Fear – After 22 years my husband told me that he no longer loved me. My 18 year old is graduating and living the nest, and my other 13 year old daughter is driving me nuts :). But I have heard the enemy say so many lies this year and he has put fear in my heart. But I have walked in faith that my God is with me.
Happiness – I learned this year that, God was doing a great work “in” me, and I am so happy with the way I grew and in the way, I know my savior.
Love that happiness was your last word, that God had done great work in you and that you are happy with this. No circumstance can bring us down unless we let it, and our Savior knows our trials and is waiting there to guide us and bring us through it. Stay strong and with God, you are an amazing woman and your faith will carry you.
You read my mind, Beth. I’ve posted 20 questions for reflection as my blog post today, but one of them was describe 2011 in 3 words. I had already journaled my words last night!
1. Change – death of a parent, wedding of my first born, move from city to farm (4 mi from town, and I don’t mean city!) 🙂
2. Peace (beyond understanding) – Through all the changes He is faithful to give us peace.
3. Recovery – After each life event the Father gave a time of recovery. I used to just want to “get over” whatever it was I was going through, which just often buried feelings that needed to be released. I realize that the discomfort of loss, change and discontentment teaches us even more about His faithfulness so I have decided to walk through those recovery times, experience them, live them, lean on Him and learn.
It’s been a bitter-sweet year, but I’m relecting on the sweet for He is Good always.
Your post about “recovery” spoke to me immensely. I never thought about it that way. I am a wanting to “get over” person as well because the thought of allowing myself to feel vulnerable in order to have feelings is almost more than I can handle. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this post. I needed this today.
Word 1: Disappointment. I love to be positive, but this August brought a huge shock to our family as my son lost a girlfriend and we learned that so much of what we thought we knew about her… We didn’t. We are still in shock because financially she inspired a lot of debt from three generations of generous people who should have known better. It’s hard to be taken for a fool, and I lost a little boy who was in my heart as a future and present grandson. Than my son is so devastated and lost his job through it all…. So yeah, we have been disappointed.
Word 2: Excitement. I never like excitement in the physical sense but due to the changes we have made in the family, the fact I let go of a business, and the thought this is likely my last year as a teacher after 33 years….I have to let the excitement outweigh the fear or I will be too sad.
Word 3: Challenge. I am hoping to see myself be successful next year but yet again I let several lifelong distractions get smack in the way of hot pursuit of my inheritance, my portion of joy, God, health, and living the life I hope God has for me on hold. Most of my challenges are private, but I have about five that are doozies. I am ashamed they got me down in 2011. .I am praying for more strength in 2012.
These are my three words to describe 2011
Distant: For most of the year, I haven’t felt that God was nearby. I was so into the word in past years, and I could feel his loving arms holding me. This year has been like a dense fog. I couldn’t see His face, and I didn’t think that saw my pain. I tried everything to fix what was going on in my soul. I’m a newlywed, new homeowner, I have two beautiful doggies and a loving husband. I had no reason to feel insecure or alone, but I did. You bet your bottom dollar I did. My joy was gone.
Answers-In November, I admitted myself into the hospital for depression, and these horrible flashbacks that I had been having from past childhood abuse. I spent five days inpatient, and just now finished intense outpatient therapy yesterday. My stay in the hospital was a divine experience straight from God. I was at a Christian Hospital, and I had an encounter from God at the place I least expected to find him. For the first time in my life, I have answers to why these flashbacks are so real to me. I understand that even though I have been in therapy for years, I never really felt that I was valuable enough to really deal with the issues that God wanted me to give over to him. I was diagnosed with PTSD and Major Depression. It was good to have answers because I know that I have to take care of God’s creation–ME!
Salvation- I’ve been a Christian for years. However, my husband was not a Christian when I married him. This experience with me going into the hospital has changed our marriage in so many ways. I told him that I needed to go back to church, and that my faith in Jesus is the only thing that will heal me from my past. However, my faith also says that I have to submit to my husband regardless of if he is a Christian or not. I didn’t think he was going to like church. I didn’t think that my husband would even go with me. However, he investigated churches in the area and choose the church to attend. He’s introverted, and hates large crowds of people. But, he’s still going to church with me. The other day he told me that he had prayed a prayer that was on the SBC website, and that He asked Christ into his heart. My soul rejoiced with this news! I know my husband. He is my best friend, but there is a change in him that is different than before. He’s been into the word, and bought himself a new Bible. I never thought that my husband would have the opportunity to hear about Salvation in a way that He would receive the Gift of Salvation, but God worked it all out in a way that is for His Glory!
Priscilla,
What a precious testimony! God is so good!!!
love, kimberly
Praise Him for that! How exciting!!
Priscilla, I admitted myself to the hospital for depression over five years ago. Only now am realizing God was the reason for it and it saved my life. He saved my life. I am happy for you that your husband has found the Lord!!
I completed an intensive out patient program too. Wish it was a Christian hospital. I’m seeking a Christian therapist now.
I’m proud of you for seeking help. My prayers are with you, Sister. O:-)
Priscilla, what a wonderful story of the Father’s love. A reminder that even when we can’t feel His presence, we can trust that He is faithfully “working behind the scenes” to accomplish His good and perfect will. Oh, how He loves you and me!!! He is truly our “very present Help in times of trouble.” What a wonderful promise that is to those of us who struggle with depression, to know that He is VERY PRESENT.
“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to You. The night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.” from Psalm 139
Your post made me cry with sadness and joy. Today our Pastor preached that we will take all our junk from 2011 into 2012….but we also take Jesus with us and he is Lord over it all. Despite our struggles we have so much to praise Him for and your post lifted me today. Blessings to you.
I began 2011 by memorizing Exodus 14:13-14 “…The Egyptians you see today you will never see again…”.
The Lord was promising me freedom, that was all I knew.
1. CHANGE – So much change in so many areas. Too many to list here. One of the hardest was sending my sweet boy, after 9 years in a tiny, little, private Christian school, to public high school as a freshman. It was hard. I was scared. I wasn’t sure if he would be ‘safe’. But God is so faithful. He assured me that it was in fact His will and timing, and He showed me that I was beginning to trust in a ‘safe, Christian environment’ more than I was trusting HIM for my boy’s protection. The Lord used this one experience to bring me to my knees and trust Him at a much deeper level. He used it to change me, for my freedom…
2. FREEDOM – After 30+ years of deep bondage in an area that I had given up any hope of true freedom (I had just decided to get comfortable with the chains and call Egypt home) the Lord has freed me! Radically. Finally. He exposed the lies, showed me truth, and changed my heart. He brought me out of Egypt, from the slavery to my sin, and has given me new hope. The Lord brought me out of captivity, and now He’s sending me back for others…
3. PROMISE – The Lord has spoken many promises to me over the past year. Promises that I don’t always understand. Promises that seem like they would be too hard to fulfill. Promises to take what the enemy intended for evil, and use it for good…for the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20).
And just today, He promised me that 2012 will be a year of promises fulfilled.
My last memory verse of 2011 is Ezekiel 29:16 – “Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.'”
Hallelujah, Amanda May, Hallelujah!!!
1. Growth
2. Challenge
These both go together. Memorizing Scripture has been something I just thought I couldn’t do. God certainly proved me wrong there! Thanks to Him, I have kept up and even gone beyond whatever I thought I could do through the Siestas’ Scripture challenge. Those verses have helped me to grow so much this year. It seems like the Lord has just continaully been teaching me.
3. Acceptance of change – Things have changed this year in my family’s life that I didn’t ever think would happen. Much of it has brought me to tears and always to prayer. The Lord has given me a peace about it now, and I simply have to leave it with Him. He holds my life and my family’s lives safely in His hands, no matter what.
Happy New Year to all of you! Thanks for your encouragement, both from Beth, and from each of you that post on here.
Tammy
So thankful for God’s continued grace during the year of 2011. So blessed to be His daughter! 🙂
My 3 words would have to be
1. Focus — I participated in a verse by verse study of James early on in 2011 sponsored by the Good Morning Girls blog that has really transformed by personal Bible study time. Looking at one or 2 verses a day made it very manageable, and now I am connected to a group of ladies who are committed to this form of study on Facebook. The accountability has been great.
2. Faith — We have been praying for many, many months for several requests including having a baby and seeing our dear loved ones make peace with God. We wait and persevere in prayer knowing that God’s timing is perfect, and He is able. Excited to see what He is going to do!
3. Fun — I have really enjoyed traveling and connecting with my husband this year. We are on year 3 of this adventure together — so thankful for my man.
Caring for others – Being in and out of the hospital 3 months this year with family members suffering from a major stroke, triple bypass plus 2nd surgery due to complications & a blood infection. 4 marriages (family and friends) falling apart.
Grief – 18 yr old family member committed suicide, Miscarriage of our first pregnancy after trying to conceive for 4 years, 17 yr old family member has walked away from the Lord.
Opportunity – We’ve been given multiple chances to stand firm in our faith, put our trust in the Lord and experience God’s loving & healing hand through many difficult situations this year. We are so thankful for God’s faithfulness!
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope IS the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit” {Jeremiah 17:7-8}
Erin, I am so sorry for your trials…how very sad. I will say a prayer for your comfort and pray that God will touch all your lives in an unmistakable way. I want to thank you for inspiring me to use these verses to start my 2012 Scripture Memory Verses. I was looking for just the right one and you gave it to me! God bless you and keep you safe in His arms!
Sacred vs Shamed
Secure vs Abandoned and Fearful
Loved vs Rejected
1. surprising – we spent our first full year at our new church, and where i had least expected blessing, we were blessed the most. our kids have grown by LEAPS and BOUNDS, and it is awesome. funny that i thought i could pin god down to certain blessings….
2. gratifying – i am mentoring a young woman through anorexia, and she has come so far. and our relationship is blossoming into a friendship that makes me glad.
3. exciting – i am a 7th grade teacher, and this school year has been flat out awesome. these students are the most compassionate i have ever had. they worked together to raise over $1600 for clean water in Africa and play Free Rice on their computers as much as time allows! they make me proud, and i have yet to dread a day of work this year.
Hope: It was my 2011 “word”. So many of my scriptures revolved around hope. I needed them desperatley this year.
Repentance: Im learning its a gift. Im thankful for exposed sin. Praying for turning and obdience in every area.
Milestones: This doesnt really qualify as “change”. But my children all hit a big milestone this year and thus have changed. I have moved into a new season, and Im trying to be happy about it. I am thankful, if not happy yet (grin). My youngest went to Kindergarten, my middle turned 10 (double digits) and my oldest became a teenager. I also turned 40. Dynamics in our home are much different than this time last year.
Im thankful for the gift of life one more year on earth, and the assurance of eternity. Jesus be glorified in 2012!
Changes: In this last year my husband retired due to a worsening heart condition at the young age of 55, my mother died from Alzheimer’s, my son got married and moved to the East Coast, my daughter got married and moved to the southwest, my back was severely injured so I had to quit my full time job that I loved at a church and go to working part time from home so my back can heal. My church replaced me so I can’t return to a ministry that I loved and felt like I made a difference in.
Grace: There have been times that I felt covered in grace and other times that I beg for grace.
Blessed: In spite of all the trials and changes this last year, and there were more I didn’t list, I am very much aware of how blessed I am and how God is taking care of me. I am closer to Him than ever and I am blessed by it.
WE – Plural of I (God in me)
MADE – form; build; produce; fabricate, create, fashion, mold. Make, construct, manufacture mean to produce, to put into definite form, or to put parts together to make a whole.
IT – used to represent human life or experience either in totality or in respect of the present situation
Faithful. God has proven His faithfulness to our family and taught me many lessons this year. We are walking the path with a prodigal and I know God is faithful to His Word and will bring ALL of our family to salvation. As for me and my house….
Merciful. Thankful that His mercies are new every morning, cause I am in need of new mercies.
Peace. In the midst of all circumstances this past year, He has been my perfect Peace.
I am eternally grateful…
Peace: “My peace I leave with you.” 2011 has brought an appreciation of God’s peace as I accept more of it.
Acceptance: As I walk this life out in faith, acceptance helps me see the evidence of faith in His ways, in Who He Is and His Love for me.
Truth: 2011 held opportunities for me to embrace truth in a deeply personal, freeing way. Thank you Heavenly Father for all you are. Happy New Year, Beth. Our Bible study group is finishing up Daniel (for the second time) preparing to study Revelation in February. Can’t wait!
1. Empty Nest – I know that’s 2 words, but it’s one concept. Our only child went off to college, and we miss him so. After trying for 10 years to have a child – he is our miracle. But God has been so good through this period of adjustment. He is a fine young man with a heart for God. And his mama & daddy are growing even closer together!
2. Refinement – As a family we are going through a transition with our church home. After 28 years, we are attending a different church. But with the difficulty of change, God has increased our faith and His presence in our lives.
3. Anticipation – Through the two changes above, we are in a season of anticipation. Anticipating God speaking to us in new and exciting ways. Anticipating each visit with our son and seeing the growth in his life. Anticipating this new stage of life as husband and wife.
CONVERSATIONS: I have talked to Jesus throughout this year with intensity, desperation, love, and sometimes pure frustration. I guess that’s what you do with a friend… Boy, has He had a lot to say to me!
WRESTLING: I know, but I don’t. I’m free, but I’m chained. I believe, but I doubt. I set my mind, but then I let it wander.
LEARNING: I love Him, can’t wait to see Him, thankful He’s with me, and DANG sure glad He loves me!
What I’m asking Him for this year? another year of doing life with Jesus…yep, that’s about all a girl can ask for!
Quite simply my three words are in one question:
Are you willing?
The Lord made it clear what He wanted but wouldn’t force me to do it. He assured me if I didn’t do it, He would still love me and I would still be His child. He also, lovingly, let me know that if I didn’t do it, I would plateau in my relationship with Him and not see the things in my heart come to pass. I said, “yes”. And it has not been easy but it has been rewarding and I have peace knowing I am walking in His ways!
Powerful three words, Sister!
I absolutely love this!!! “Are you wiling?” I’ve recently had a strong desire to walk closer with Him – the question seems to be from Him; “Are you willing?” Absolutely yes!!!
Change – sorry to copy you Beth but … sanguines must travel in packs. 🙂 After staying home for 7 years with my babies as a full time mommy, I started working full time as a high school World History teacher. Whew – going from 2 babies to 113 is quite a transition. 🙂
Inspired – This year I’ve been inspired to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I love to study the Word and dive into apologetics (here’s a little shout out to Ravi Zacharias)!! In 2011 though, Jesus has been teaching me to keep the oil in my lamp AT ALL TIMES and continually seek ways to expand His kingdom through serving people EVERYWHERE. What a joy serving others has been – instead of just reading about it! Matthew 25
BACK OFF – I know that’s two words, but Jesus is telling me to back off and let Him work on my husband, my children, my friends, my church, my community, my students, the world and me. I’m not in control. He is. Be still and know that I am God. Nothing more – nothing less.
I know that 2011 is bringing me closer to my dreams because I was emptied of ME more than ever. I am finally discovering that Jesus is REALLY all I want – it’s not a Christian cliche any longer – it’s truly my heartbeat. Selah.
Attacked: The enemy has come at me from every angle. I’m bruised, but not broken. He may get at me, but he can’t get in me! He is under my feet in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Can I get an AMEN?
Suspense: Wondering what I’m supposed to be doing here. Just can’t get answers to some things. Tired of living life a lot of the time waiting for the other shoe to drop. While there are so many uncertainties in this life I am tryiing to concentrate on the certainties that Christ offers.
Blessed: Life is just plain hard, but God is SO good. He is forever faithful. He has answered some prayers and made His presence known to me in great and small ways. I’ve felt the joy that comes from giving more than ever over the past year.
Thanks so much for this blog post. I’ve felt some relief, if that makes any sense, reading some of the other comments. Just knowing I’m not in all this alone seems to lighten my load a little, so thanks Beth!
Looking forward to starting the James study in a few weeks with my Bible study peeps. Got a good feeling about it!
Wow! Can I just copy and paste your post?
My three words are:
Sadness/happiness/CHANGE
All of my words are interconnected. My daughter got engaged. My son moved to Atlanta for work. My other daughter is back at college.(and back at home) My final daughter is still living a life of such low self-esteem and sin. So, with all of these things, I have had a roller coaster year of big “ups” and big “downs.” Through it all Jesus has keep me going. Sometimes He would just hold me up when I thought I couldn’t stand the sorrow. He is my rock. Siestas, will you pray for my daughter so that she can open her heart to Jesus and start to heal.
“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exhaulted be Go, the Rock, my Savior!! 2Samuel 22v47
Joan,
We will pray for you precious daughter. No one is beyond the reach of our gracious King. He can do immeasurably more than we can ask! Keep on praying!
1. Praise. The most influential part of my year was worshipping the Lord through the Psalms with my grandpa during his last week on earth. Those moments were what inspired my blog starting with a journey through the Psalms. Even if I don’t get to blogging everyday, I cannot go a day with reading a Psalm. Oh the richness of the Lord!
2. Preparation. God prepared me for a Missions trip to SE Asia. The journey of preparation had it’s bumps, and the devil tried to fight it. Nonetheless, I leave in 4 days to see my sponsor child and all the other kids in Grace Place Thailand, and Grace Place Battambang!
3. Play. I have thoroughly enjoyed the moments of play with my niece and nephews; reading to them, playing rockband and wii sports. My babies are so precious
I have been touched by the testimonies in these posts. . . and am so grateful for the many siestas who are so willing to share. I tend to not post for I feel my words often do not come out right. . . but I could not resist today. . .
Bigger–God has proven Himself as bigger than anything. . . no pit too deep, no mountain too big, no sin too huge,and no conflict too challenging, for Him and His grace. He is simply bigger!!!
Deliverer–He has done great things in setting me free of myself. I am so thankful that He frees me of sin and it is not about me living in greater shame, penance, punishment, etc. It is not about striving, it is all about what He has done. Thank you Jesus!!
Blessed–His gifts and faithfulness are amazing!! We had 2 new grandbabies, sold our home of 19 years, bought a “new”old house, settled into town-life as opposed to country-life, a lovely girlfriend for our son:) a job I absolutely love, His nearness and hand upon us as we journeyed through some very painful family situations. . . .He is soooo good I just cannot contain it!!
Have a blessed New Year!!
Thank you for the opportunity and place to reflect…tangibly!
1. Grief…this year has been FULL of grief and grieving, adjusting because of the losses, and learning a new “normal”. Through it all though I have found God to be faithful and true to His word and promises! The next year is promising to start out with more grief…the body of believers I am a part of will find out about our corporate grieving tomorrow…It will be hard and the loss will be great. But I’m trusting God to make beauty out of the ashes we will have left!
2. Change…lots of change(because of #1), and because of others choices that have greatly affected me and my family. I’m not good with change, but God is showing me that HE IS wonderful with change and is walking me through it. One thing that did come about because of some changes, was getting my “old” son back! He was never gone from my life physically, but emotionally he was distant, unresponsive and unmoved by my emotions! But after 4 long years, he is back! and he is the son I remember and ENJOY!!! And he is enjoying us 🙂 GOD IS GOOD!!!
3. Hope. In spite of ALL that has gone on this year, my husband and I are constantly reminding each other how blessed we are by God. We don’t have lots…of anything, but we are blessed and we have abiding hope!
I am a fatalist…not a pessimist…and God is working that out of me! I am hopeful for 2012 that He will be able to get me past some more aspects of it to make me an ETERNALIST!! (I know, not a word…but what I need to be!)
Happy New Year to all of you! May God bless you each richly this coming year!
Wow, this is a lot harder than I thought it would be! Thanks so much for the thought-provoking post, Beth.
My words are:
Tested – 2011 brought me through trials that I thought were going to break me, but are now starting to bear fruit.
Gratitude – In 2011, I knelt under a tree with my 9-year old daughter as she poured her heart out to God and gave her life to Christ. I have never felt my heart come to a point that it felt like it would explode with gratitude like it did under that tree.
Dependence – As each year passes, it seems like I realize more and more how much I need him each and every day.
Happy New Year! Here’s to getting to know God even more in 2012.
1. Surrender : quit my high-paying Corp Exe level stay at home job to raise my new baby daughter (sadly under duress! Looking back I cant believe I fought it)
2. Submit : “my life is not ‘my’ life”
3. Secure : peace of finances, expierenced contentment and joy being in His will, God continues to unravel the Pandora box of my past and hurt, but I’m now sure at a minimum I wont be crushed by the weight of it all while I rest in His arms.
Three words that describe my 2011:
1. Sorrow: this was the year in which I was forced to confront the clinical depression that I’ve been struggling with since I was a teen.
2. Grace: God intervened in a tremendous way to stop me from committing suicide.
3. Gratitude: I am so thankful for Him. All I can do right now is sit at His feet and that is enough.
Dear Marie,
Thank you for sharing your life and I am so very, very thankful to God that you are here with your siesta’s to celebrate God’s love and care for each of us. He kept His hand on you and promises to never leave us. Rest at the beautiful feet of the One who loves you, I will join you there and thank God for you.
I am so grateful you are alive and posted that. I will think of you and keep praying for you brave one. That took my breath away.
Bless you for sharing, Marie. You are brave and a precious child of God!
“All I can do right now is sit at His feet and that is enough.”
Marie, that is so beautiful! Thank you for your transparency and honesty. The beauty of Christ in you shines through your post! May the Lord be a Shield around you as you continually fix your eyes on Jesus and wait on Him.
Regretful: My Daddy was killed a few days before Christmas and we left unfinished business. I loved him so, and hope somehow he knows that.
Awareness: I have been more aware of God’s love, grace, life, beauty, even the sunshine and wind blowing. I’m taking nothing for granted in 2012.
Forgiveness: God has granted me the strength to forgive the most hurtful people and realities of my life. I have forgiven freely and unconditionally through the power of Jesus that I could have never been capable of on my own. You see, I’m not that strong.
Before this Christmas, Jennifer?? Oh my gracious. I’m so sorry. In the presence of Jesus, your father has come into full knowledge. Yes, he does know, sweet thing.
Confidence: after a difficult 2010, I learned to believe and trust God more than I had been.
Hope: looking forward!
Joy: even though I thought it was hard, I look back and see I have joy.
Thank God! Happy and blessed New Year, Siesta’s!
EXHAUSTED – *Caring for my husband with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease and Dystonia. This is our 8th year on this journey.
* Caring for my 82 year old mother with many health issues including dementia. After 5 trip to the ER this year I finally had to put her in assisted living.
THANKFUL – *Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
*Almost 35 years of marriage
*An amazing son and daughter and their wonderful spouses.
*Friends that walk the lake with me.
*My fabulous Bible study group. We’re starting JAMES on Jan. 12th!!! 🙂
* My 24 memory verses. When I can’t sleep I recite as many as I can remember, instead of counting sheep.
* Beth Moore and the many, many things I learn doing her studies.
BLESSED – The birth of our 1st grandchild October 11, 2011.
Deanne, I fall asleep reciting my memory verses, too! 🙂
May the Lord be your Strength and your Shield as you are the hands and feet of Christ, ministering to your husband and mother. God bless your servant’s heart!
My 3 words for 2011:
Celebration: We celebrated this past year my son turning 21 years old and finishing up college. My daughter turning 18 and graduating from high school. My husband turning 50 and finally our 25th wedding anniversary.
Empty-Nester: This year has finally showing my husband want it means to be an empty nest with our son finishing college and our daughter (youngest child) going off to college.
Grateful: Thankful all the provisions God has given us this year with friends who keep us accountable with our walk with God, jobs that provide not only for our needs but even some wants at times, good health and blessings.
God reminded me during my quiet time today of this verse in Isaiah 52:12 as 2011 ends and 2012 begins. It states “For you shall not go out with haste,nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you. And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
thank you for this verse rhonda. love its application to the new year <3
1.Love…I was assured even more that there is no one who loves me or knows me more than my Lord and Savior.
2.Promise…After some tough trials and the Lord carrying my family through, he has made me some specific promises that I can hold on to and have even begun to blossom.
3. Decision…The Lord showed me one important decision that I made as a young girl this year that helped me to pray for my boys in a very specific way this year and the year to come and even put me in a position that was VERY uncomfortable to show me the position I could have been in to help in my prayer life.
Trust: Trusting in God to bring us through the hard times. Trusting in His promises. Trusting in His Word. The year started off with some personal hardships for me and then carried into my husbands health. He needs a heart transplant and is on the transplant list in Boston currently.
Faithfulness: Seeing how faithful our heavenly father is. His mercy for us, His love for us and all that He has sacrificed for us. This has made my desire to serve Him grow by leaps and bounds this year. My prayer is that others can see Jesus shine through me by my faithfulness.
Blessings: The blessings this year have been bountiful. I guess that is where the first scripture I memorized for January 2011 comes in: For I know what I have planned for you says the Lord. I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11. He knew what I had coming for this year and has been preparing me. Thank you Lord for all the blessings mixed within the trials.
May God’s blessings be upon each and every one of you in 2012. Lori
For the past few years, instead of a new year’s resolution, God has given me a particular Name of His that He has been specifically to me that year. Last year was: Life! Here are my 3 things that revolve around that…
1.) I experienced much healing & freedom after a 40 day fast with Jesus.
2.) I got married to His choice, my love, Steven, in March.
3.) We found out we were pregnant and moving in July! My baby girl (Lillie Joy) will be born right around our year anniversary!
Happy New Year’s! Uncertainities lay ahead but He will be faithful yet again! 🙂 Love yall!
Acceptance–My last remaining paternal family member died after a long battle with esophageal cancer–without Jesus, in spite of many witnessing to him by word or deed. I grieve over his choice but accept that not all will be saved. I also have to accept that some relationships are not what I want them to be, no matter how hard I try.
Answers– For years I have prayed for my alcoholic, agnostic son to be healed and to return to God. Finly, God is answering my prayer: my son entered treatment voluntarily, goes to AA regularly, works on the 12 steps, and now has nearly 90 days sober. Consequently, we are seeing relationships healed, and He even changed his Facebook religious preference to “undecided.” I am still praying because God still ANSWERS.
Appreciation–for God’s grace, for His continued perseverence and patience in working in my life, for His Presence, for His faithfulness even when I grow weary, and for His blessings–among which I count YOU, Beth, and Siestas!!
Acceptance. Healing. Hope.
Wow, this is hard.
1. Thankful. Through outrageous warfare God has consistently been faithful in both protection and provision. This specifically includes the wonderful young college women He has so generously provided to be my (our) spiritual children (many of whom will be at Passion 🙂 and were scholarshiped through LPM.
2. Trust. While all things work FOR God’s good, all things are not good. After 13 years of planting and watering seeds in our adopted son, now at 18, he has embraced the darkness (following in the steps of his adopted sister). God has given us great peace in the midst of great warfare (we don’t even smell like fajitas-Daniel(?) study).
3. Hunger. God has drawn me closer and closer, shown me so much, and developed a hunger to know more of Him (Eph 1:17-19). After memorizing our 24 scriptures (which I have told people for years I just was not good at…anyone else?) I find He uses them over and over in being a vessel for Him.
More of you Lord!!!
Together on the journey home.
Peace,
Cynthia
First of all Happy New Year to you all
3 words
1. Blessed because my Jesus has made sure I have had everything I needed to get by these last 3 months of the year just enough He provided the job after being unemployed for 2 yrs.
2. Hopeful- He has given me hope to go on and that there is hope for a relationship in my life that is falling apart as I type this and that He will help me thru it and is saving me from self destruction He is helping me to hold on to Him in this ruff time right now.
3. Perserverance- To keep going and keep His word hid in my heart and not to give up stay in there no matter how hard it is to go on Lord help me to perserver keep me srong and in your word.
Thanks Beth for all you do love you and Happy New Year
Carol
Answers–after 2 years of daily prayers, my Mom finally entered treatment for her alocholism.
Faithfulness even in pain–2 months after that, my Dad died unexpectedly. This was by far the hardest year of my life! And I’m only 28. I still felt Gods presence.. and to be honest, that’s the only thing that got me through.
Blessings–11 days after my Dad died I got engaged. Fiance had it planned for months… Even though I buried the most important man in my life during my childhood, I also gained a Godly husband.
This morning during my quiet time with God I reflected and for the first time felt thankful for all that I’ve experienced. Its given me a world of empathy and I’m far stronger than I’ve ever imagined. Death is a part of life as much as it hurts. I look forward to 2012 and learning more from God… He is with me always.
Katy–just had to tell you how much I related to your post! Many years ago, my mother-in-law died suddenly two days after my husband and I got married. It was truly a year of bitter and sweet. Sometimes, the best of times and the worst of times walk side by side. I’m praying for you!!
katy- i am so sorry for the loss of your father. thank you for sharing this. and congratulations on your engagement. it sounds like your fiancé is getting a pretty godly wife also 😉 so much love to you
2011 will be one of the years that goes down in my lifeline walk with Jesus as a very big deal…
My first word for this season is “Knowing.” It was really Oct. of 2010 that I arrived at the place where everything began anew, but I must count it as the beginning of this time because it is. After a happenstance Kairos experience at Gateway Church in Dallas where I was visiting my sister, I heard (so clearly) and understood (so certainly) the voice of my Father in heaven that I had to pull off the highway because of my tears.
My second word for 2011 is “Obedience.” At the end of 2009, God asked me to give up something. It was a passion in my life, and next to my husband and children, it is what I loved the most. After wrestling around with God about it for days, I finally laid it down. Then this year, he began to speak to me about something new. This new thing required big faith on my part, but in my obedience, God literally pulled it out of me and left me in awe.
My third word for the year is “Believe.” In the midst of a most difficult year, (my 23-yr-old daughter was diagnosed with a very rare and challenging medical condition, I arrived in an ER far away from home with a heart rate of 240 and have been diagnosed with a heart condition that requires surgery, and more often than not feel unequipped to finish the task God called me to), I must believe and trust my faithful God. I believe Jesus and will keep my eyes on Him. I will remember the things he placed in my heart and I will walk with my head held high on the, “Glory road,” because He placed me here. He is worthy!
STUBBORN – I was, in a couple of areas that God was dealing with me on. Truly ugly.
PERSISTENT – God was, and I am very thankful. He is faithful and good to me.
CHANGED – Yes I am; to God be the glory! I love His way; it is a beautiful thing.
I am looking so forward to 2012; I can just tell in my bones that it is going to be an incredible year!
Happy New Year to you Beth and to everyone at LPM and to all the Siestas!!!
BLESSED-that I have a roof over my head that my children can sleep under. (its a rental) as we are dealing with foreclosure of home we spent our lifesavings on. Blessed to have friends pray for my marriage, Blessed to have a Father who is my Savior who has helped me through child abuse issues. Blessed that He loves me.
CHALLENGED- with change, His plans, not mine.
THANKFUL-Thankful for what we have, Husband went on a mission trip to Haiti this summer. The little children were sponges to His Word. They were so thankful for a mere bowl of rice. We need to have that kind of heart towards Jesus! I am also thankful I have a voice to tell others about Jesus and how He loves them so!
I, too, am blessed and encouraged by reading all the posts so far. I’ll drop in tomorrow and catch up on ones to come.
I’ll be brief b/c there’s so very much on my heart that I’d blab for too long. My three words:
1) Loss……. but fighting like crazy (and winning!) to take God at His word!!
2) Assured……. seeing distinct, quick and personal answers to prayer.
3) Stretched……. having to acknowledge impending changes 2012 holds. I’m single and hate changes that seem to magnify the fact I make decisions without anyone beside or behind me. Trying SO hard to not “shake in my boots”.
Beth and all you siestas….. you impact my life and faith. Happy New Year to you all. We KNOW we’ll see God’s working in us all because, as many of you have said, He is FAITHFUL!
Blessings~
Margie
Cradled yet not aware, broken, Cradled totally knowing….and REDEEMED (all along….)
One year ago, I was spending holidays with a guy and his family. I was 31 years old and fo sure assumed that we were headed towards…. well, I am a girl… marriage of course! He and I were in the same small group and through a series of discussions, I was faced with the reality that what I had understandably seen as a relationship heading in one direction was actually a relationship headed towards nothing more than friendship. I was devastated. But more significantly, I was devastated by God. Not only did I feel rejected by this guy, and my small group (thankful for HIS healing), but I felt rejected by God at the deepest level. And So, the first word that I think of after spending time with Jesus… is “Cradled, yet not aware “. This was a sad season for me that lasted probably 4-5 months. I was in an all out temper tantrum trying to afticulate emotions I did not understand. Broken. It was as if this devastation brought out ugliness that I didn’t even know was there. Relationships were wounded and yet God was relentless. He wanted me to see what I needed to see. I needed to see Him cradling me and to KNOW it. to KNOW it with capital and BOLD letters. I dont’ know if I would have known with such assurance that HE’S got me cradled close if I hadn’t walked through this year. I am Cradled with a SWEET awareness. There is so much from this past year Jesus, i would have loved to take back… my sinful heart, the days I allowed to be dark, and the days I allowed arrows to penetrate. But I do NOT want to take back the sweetness of knowing that you are holding me. Thank You Jesus. I am so thankful and look forward to ALL that you have planned for this lady who is NOT broken, but is REDEEMED and so pursued by her Heavenly Daddy.
I thought 2011 would be a year much like the past few years. God had other plans.
Release -of the house we had built and attempted to keep despite drastic change in income. We had made it an idol. God literally sold our house just a few weeks after we put it on the market. It is amazing to look back at my journal during the first part of 2011 it is like tracing His handiwork. He is so amazing.
Direction- we experienced the favor of God as He directed our steps to our new home and then knocked our socks off with it.
Spaciousness- the house journey was so symbolic of our spiritual journey. He has, as His word says, brought us to a spacious place. As much as I loved that old house, this is so much better because it is the home God picked for us. His ways really are better!!
My heart is so full and I am anticipating Him in 2012!!!
Blessings and love,
Stephanie
HEALING- God has drawn out past issues that I did not mourn so that I could mourn and heal(even moving me back to my home town).
SEPARATING- God has been separating me from the people/things that bring down my walk with him, and has been teaching me to be the uplifter in relationships.
MINISTRY- I have longed for a ministry and have difficulty being involved since my husband doesn’t know God. Through these two previous “words” God has been giving me a ministry of encouraging. He is restoring my joy. Little by little….
reliance- beth, you quoted what was (hands down) my verse of the year – philippians 1:6. this was the year God taught me that HE began the work so i have to ENTIRELY rely on HIM to complete the work He’s started. my job is just to stay in the vine and rest in His grace.
service- “anyone can be great because anyone can serve” (martin luther king jr). this was the year i stopped going to church in order to be served. God has radically changed my heart on this issue.
stamina- a newborn baby this year + a mother of a three year old. need i say more?
i love you beth moore. i can’t wait to have coffee one day. happy new year <3
1. Transitions- driving across the country to move, different job, new friends, different church, new city, new living situations, different car, new streets, differnet weather, new bedroom window view, different health, new goals, different people, different, new, different, new…
2. Normalcy (is that a word??)-learning “normal”
3. Authenticity- learning I dont have to hide anymore
Coping – My dad has Parkinson’s disease and now my mom is experiencing her own health issues. My siblings and I are coping with this new way of life as best we can, trusting that God is accomplishing his purposes.
Good – For so many years I believed I had to earn God’s love, all the while knowing better. This year I have chosen to believe his intentions toward me are good and I have seen his loving hand at work in so many ways.
Everlasting – Thanks to Lindsee for putting Jer. 31:3 on the blog a few weeks ago – “The LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” I have thought about this verse constantly since reading it and felt it was meant just for me. I am ending 2011 meditating on his everlasting love and feeling secure in that.
Change: My husband lost his job like many others Dec 2010 unemployed for many months. Took a job with Salvation Army as a Summer Temp job we lived apart the entire summer so that he could work almost 3 h ours away at a youth camp. It was difficult on me being alone by myself for the first time in my life always had my kids living at home when he traveled for work.
Thankful: God provided my husband a job working M-F days in a school district four miles from home. Our income has dropped to half of what it was a year earlier. But rejoice that he is at least employed 9months out of the year. First time in our 17 yrs of marriage he has had a job working days no nights or weekends. Bringing my half brother Mike to AZ in October so I can get to know he and his family better. God may have taken Sharon home but he has given me Mike 🙂
Faithful: God has been faithful to us through a lot of change this year, my parents moving overseas, the one year anniversary of my sisters death, allowing us to be faithful with the money he has provided us from our jobs to be able to continue to tithe and that we put him first before we pay our bills.
Thanks Beth for your studies I just finished your Insecurity book on my ereader a month ago- it has helped me greatly- suffering from panic attacks touched many areas of my life where I needed healing! Heres to 2012