Glancing Back Before We Gaze Forward

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.

 

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364 Responses to “Glancing Back Before We Gaze Forward”

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Comments:

  1. 251
    Evangeline says:

    Exhausted…Stubborn…Humbled…ready to renew my faith in God, instead of leaning on my own understanding.

  2. 252
    Pam says:

    Three words: Hard to narrow it down, but yet, the first three to come to mind:

    Confidence: Finding my faith, keeping my faith, and not just KNOWING but BELIEVING that God really does love me!

    Love: Loving myself enough to put myself first in regards to taking care of myself so I can care for others

    Rest: Figuring out how important it is to have “rest” so that I can be renewed physically, spiritually, and mentally….Honoring the Sabbath and keeping it Holy..

  3. 253
    Donna says:

    1). Change. My parents are aging (it seems rapidly suddenly) and things are changing. Traditions that have been the same for my entire life were different this year. Some extended family members have chosen to walk away from our family, and new babies are coming in.

    2). Revelation. This revelation is direct fruit of the book, “So Long Insecurity”. God used that book to change my life Miss Beth. I had no idea insecurity was at the root of so many things in me. That revelation has resulted in such a growth of confidence in me.

    3). Fun. 2011 was fun. I got to go on a mission trip with a bunch of Middle Schoolers and it was a blast. My family got to visit Disney World for the very first time. We don’t take vacations hardly at all and it was so fun that thinking about it makes me want to cry!

  4. 254
    Fran McCurry Plott says:

    amazed, grateful, bittersweet

    2011 has been a year of answered prayers and God’s blessings. All in this year, I have found and married the love of my life, said goodbye to my precious Daddy as he joined Mama in Heaven,and I have retired from 36 years of teaching. Talk about changes… I have seen God’s loving Hand in each and every change. My husband and I received my Daddy’s blessing before he died. Daddy also bless my sister, brother, and me by saying he was “ready to go Home”. How precious to know where he was going, especially since we had to let go of his earthly home that had been in our family for 70 years. Hard.

    2011 also brought the opportunity for my husband and me to attend your December Pensacola LPL event, and what’s more, I got to meet you, Beth, and some of our other Siestas at the conclusion!

    God is ever Faithful.
    Love,
    Fran
    Gulf Shores, AL

  5. 255
    Lynn T. says:

    I’m only listing one thing, since it is a bit long.

    OBEDIENCE. About two years ago, during a painful time of self-examination, I sensed that God wanted me to contact a former colleague and apologize for my actions during the years we worked together.

    “No, Lord! He started all the trouble between us, You know he did. Why should I have to grovel and say I’m sorry?”

    The answer was clear as a bell. What mattered was not how this man had treated me, but how I chose to respond. My behavior was anything but Christ-like and very unprofessional.

    I chose to ignore what God wanted me to do, although the idea persisted for some time. Eventually I made myself forget about it.

    Last summer, I opened the newspaper and saw my former colleague’s obituary. It was too late to let him know how sorry I was for the way I had acted. If I had obeyed God earlier, things might have been set right between us. I have learned a very hard lesson about not putting off obeying God.

  6. 256
    Barb says:

    1. Change ~ A daughter and her family moved to TX…1078.64 miles away. I had spent a minimum of 2 days a week caring for her 3 children for 6 years. I am waiting on God to show me the next steps in my life.

    2. Loss ~ See #1

    3. Peace ~ God is in control and the more I rest in that the more peace he leaves in my life.

  7. 257
    Sue Lenoir City, Tn. says:

    Freedom: To change choices that where wrong for me in 2011.

    Acceptance: HEY.. I AM A CHILD OF THE KING. AMAZING !!

    Stop: Stop trying to make everything better in everyone’s life and letting mine go down the drain !!!!

  8. 258
    Margot Martinez says:

    Waiting – 2011 was another year of waiting to find out if that would be the year God would bless my husband and me with a baby.

    Peace – Even through the heartbreak, disappointment, and feeling of being so lost I have had peace.

    Thankful – I can not express how thankful I am. Through this storm of waiting I have learned so much about God’s mercy and grace and how to trust Him every day. I love Jesus more then I ever have and He is more real to me then ever. I am also so thankful that through SSMT I have learned the power of God’s word.

  9. 259
    Cindy Rader says:

    My 3 words for 2011…..

    Keep your focus.

    When I look back on all the circumstances of 2011…miscarriage, 2 moves, husband out of a job for a while and going back to school (and with 5 kids already, that equals financial isues), extended family strife…I don’t have many positive words to say about 2011. However, God has required me to lean solely on HIM. And to keep my focus solely on HIM throughout all the up and down circumstances. The scripture memory and soaking in of His Word is what has pulled me through. Praying this next year is full of great blessing for all my siesta friends!

  10. 260
    Tammy Carr says:

    Sorrow- We mourned the death of my 19 year old nephew in a tragic accident. His life was cut short at the beginning of his college years. He was a wonderful young man with a heart for God. His death has brought life to 6 other people through organ donation. And life to many others through his walk with the Lord. He has changed our family for the good through his death. We appreciate each other and the time we have together.
    Hope- That our family will not take anything for granted. Even a simple supper out will be a celebration.
    Live – that I will live every day to the fullest! That the Lord can use me in my job to reach out to others!

  11. 261
    Naomi says:

    “Let go” has been God’s message/theme to me this year. Psalm 46:10 Cease striving/be still/let go-and know that I Am God. I love that! The journey has been a long one through domestic violence (yes, we are safe now) and then disability of lupus further complicated with chronic lyme disease. But my God knows it all. Okay, that was two words, my third word is “Trust”. My life verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He is with us.

  12. 262
    Joy says:

    1. GRATEFUL – After a three year absence our prodigal daughter returns to the family (with our two grandchildren) with a new appreciation for her parents and family members. We give GOD all the credit of this miracle and are so grateful to HIM.

    2. CONTROL – Realization that GOD is in control of EVERYTHING! Actually embracing and living this is easier said than done but it is essential to avoiding the sin of worry.

    3. SURRENDER – We have surrendered our lives to GOD and will follow his plan for our lives. We do not know what to expect but it will mean new adventures, challenges and experiences are ahead.

    In Him,
    Joy

  13. 263
    liz says:

    Love the unlovely.
    This has been the year of Wally my brother in law. Who I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t loved. He moved in with us last Nov 2010 after suffering an extreme heart emergency. He should have died from anyone of the three heart problems. He died 2 separate times. God spared him. I’m not sure why. (he’s not a believer which is probably why) Anyway having in the house for 6 months wasn’t fun. He today is fine, back to work in his own place…
    The Lord heal him!

  14. 264
    Sandee says:

    1. GRACE – Through God’s grace and a program called Celebrate Recovery I reached one year of sobriety 12-15-11. Through this I am learning who God created me to be, and not wanting to be someone else.
    2. FAITHFULLNESS – Through a recession of being self-employed, God has opened doors that we never dreamed of.
    3. RELATIONSHIPS – Over and over God has revealed His desire for an true and meaningful relationship with Him. I crave it and am beginning to understand what that looks like for others.
    HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone and praying that I adore to be in HIS presence more and more.

  15. 265
    Lisa says:

    mmmmhhh….just three words.

    1. Hard….this past year was just plain hard…this is the third year in a row that’s been rather grueling. Difficult divorce, incomplete still….sons’ dad back on supervised visitation only….hard to watch my boys go through it…hard to be their momma going through it. Low on hope and resources…

    2. Trust. I’ve been surrounded by such wonderful, faithful, loving people. I didn’t realize I didn’t trust anyone, especially God, until I started to trust my pastor. So THAT’s what trust is! Working on trusting God more, trusting more people, and discerning between who is trustworthy and who is not.

    3. Perseverance. The whole year has not been like this, but the last 2 months have completely drained me….I am struggling with trusting a God in a situation that He has allowed in the first place. At the same time, I am now able to step outside my struggle and see that this is another step in conforming me to Christ, as well as showing His glory (“it ain’t all about me” is another lesson I’m still learning). Apparently I am very stubborn, and need a LOT of work! 🙂 While I’m struggling in my faith, I’ve never had the bedrock of it still beneath me as I do now. I question and rail, and the whole time I’m sort of secretly waiting to see how God really is going to get us through it all. I know He will, and I didn’t KNOW that before.

    Beth, thank you for all you do. I’ve been re-reading Breaking Free the last few weeks…it’s convicting and encouraging…it’s also been so encouraging and eye-opening to read all the struggles and triumphs in these comments…will be praying for all.

  16. 266
    Jennifer says:

    Enduring–It is not the most difficult of circumstances that He asked me to enduring this year (and there have been years that has been the case.) It was those mid-level, on the consistently frustrating side of daily occurrences. A history of more significant struggles honed reliance in Him at those times. These lower-level frustrations were an opportunity to hone those skills in lesser issues.

    Faithful–Do the right thing, all the time, with all people, no excuses. This is what it means to be faithful to God’s commandments. Love God. Love others.

    Foundations–The foundation of faith been there since before I could read. This year was the time to build foundations for the rest of my life. Discipline honed, or beginning to be honed, in areas I had allowed to slack. For example, actually doing the work to create the home and environment that I always said I wanted, but seemed to set aside as less important. And He has shown how accomplishing these things creates an environment more conducive to the more important things.

  17. 267
    K says:

    dementia caring for my mother diagnosed with a rare
    form of dementia which is genetic-her rages
    toward me and demented mood swings/my niece’s
    unexpected criticism – grateful for God’s
    assistance in helping me put together a
    care giving team for now

    shattering a deception and the devastating exposure of
    my husband’s business situation leaving us
    with no income- blessed to have counselors
    and a man of God to walk him and me through
    the devastation- the strength to face that I
    have wasted a life time and perhaps needing
    to leave with no sure direction

    bewildered preparing to shut down my life as it has been
    for the past 40 years and all that has been
    removed in a day- grateful to have a
    parent who provided funds for a brief period-
    the Lord’s intervention is my only hope

  18. 268
    Kelli says:

    Filling- the filling if my body with my firstborn and the filling of my heart with love for him and of the knowledge of how to do this thing we call MOTHERING.

    Emptying- the emptying of my body for this beautiful child both physically and emotionally and the emptying of generational sin that I want nowhere near his precious life.

    Loving- the loving of my Lord, my husband, my son and my people.

  19. 269
    Diane says:

    Beauty for ashes — (Not exactly what you asked for, but these are the three words that come to my mind.)

    In taking time to reflect today, I have revisited the spiritual markers over my lifetime and see how truly miraculous and faithful God’s hand has been. Each marker has taken me to a new side of faith. These three little words are profound and true in my life. I love Him and praise Him!
    “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Is. 61:3) KJV

    Diane

  20. 270
    Becky says:

    3 Words:
    1. Moving-this year we moved my Father in law out of his home as he moved to another state(mother in law died 4 years ago and we were packing up MANY memories!) We also moved my oldest daughter into her first apt as she started her career as a teacher, and moved our youngest daughter back home as she completed her college career. We also moved into a vacation lakefront home in the hills of TN-BLESSING!

    2. Moving-I have experienced God moving my heart in a direction that is indescribable. My journey with Him is coming together in ways that I cannot put into a coherent sentence. He is amazing and His ways are perfect.

    3. Moving- There are times in my journey that I have been trying to get ahead of what God has for me, and times when I feel stuck in the mud of pain and grief. This year has been a year of moving forward in a pace that is designed for me by God. Accepting things that I would have rejected, loving people that are unlovable, forgiving the unforgivable because God is moving me in His direction, His will, for His Glory.

    Thankful for the ability to know and serve the King of Kings!

  21. 271
    Sharon says:

    Joyfulness in everything every situation every bad memory. So far God is helpig me with that and I am not going against Him by trying to be the judge.

    A year of learning – your studies have helped alot too Beth. This is my first year of them and I am 55!

    Fun – I have taken life so seriously for so long I now know how to have fun! God gave me that too of course. I prayed to help me up and he gave me a sense of humor when He gave me His hand.

  22. 272
    Katie says:

    1. WORK – Gave birth to my 4th child this year (the oldest is 5 yrs. old). 4 kiddos age 5 and under require a lot of work and the majority of my time.

    2. GROWTH – God used all that work to give me more of a servant’s heart and to realize what a privilege it is to serve each of these little ones.

    3. PEACE – As I’ve cooperated with the work of Him making me a servant I have found great peace in knowing I am right where God wants me.

    Have a blessed New Year!

  23. 273
    Kathy B says:

    I hope this post didn’t close at 12 midnight last night. I needed that time to ponder quietly with the Lord before I could make this coherent. Still may not be, but:

    1. Healing
    I actually started to write “illness” but was shocked to realize I was completely overlooking the fact that, although three immediate or close family members have had life-threatening illnesses this year, all three are now at some place of healing. Follow-up visits and scans due in Feb and Mar. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord!

    2. Prayer
    Partly,because I believe God asked me to intercede for others this particular year as never before. And partly, because I’ve had to ask or rather plead for other’s prayers this year as never before. Why? See # 1. I’m not a fan of crisis mode and truly hate being needy. But somehow I keep landing smack in the middle of Needyville. Lord, please forgive me for all the times I looked suspiciously at those that seemed to jump from one crisis to another, wondering if they weren’t exaggerating things a bit or perhaps out looking for mishaps to share as prayers requests like “show-n-tell”. Sorry about that.

    3. Weird
    Now, not the eerie kind of weird or the “I-think-I’ll-change-my-haircolor-to-look-like-a-box-of-crayons” type of weird. My husband’s job has reached a place that allows him more time off, so we’ve been spending it in a lovely location that would make most people delighted. I’m just not most people. Okay, so perhaps I’m the one that’s weird. I just feel out of place here. Somewhat out of sorts. Not good, not bad…just…weird. My hubby’s trying hard to help me like the location. So for now, I think I’ll keep trying to stomach some weird.

    I couldn’t think of a clever way to work this into my other three paragraphs so may I also say that, thanks to you, Beth, and my fellow siestas, God allowed this past year to be one of unprecedented scripture memory. Many, many thanks to each and every one of you!!

  24. 274
    Giselle says:

    Change-moved to a very different State
    Faithfulness-He was faithful during a very difficult trial in our lives! What the enemy meant for evil God made it for our good!
    God’s Provision-He provided for ALL our needs and MORE! When we saw no way, He made a way!
    God IS GOOD and worthy of ALL the Glory, Honor and Praise!!!

    Thank you Beth for your faithfulness and commitment to serving Him. When I had no godly woman to model me what it means to be a woman of God, He placed your study into my life. You have been that model in my life 🙂 May He continue to use you greatly in this new year to come. Happy New Year!

  25. 275
    Jean says:

    1. CHANGE – was laid off from my job of 23+ years that started when I was a co-op in college. Had to give up leading my beloved Bible study group (for a season). Had to give up teaching my aerobics class due to church changes.

    2. BLESSING – had a job offer 4.5 weeks after my layoff date! God is good.

    3. ADJUSTMENT – had to adjust to new job, new family routine, new work culture, new people, new…new…new. But God is changing me along the way for the better. So grateful to my family who has been an amazing support through it all.

    Looking forward to what 2012 has in store!

  26. 276
    Rachel T says:

    1. Disappointment: The year started off with a bang when someone who claimed to love me (and still does claim it) let me down and broke my heart and hurt my daughter in a big way. I decided that day to forgive, but the healing has come much slower. That is probably partially my fault.

    2. Change: I left my job of 18 years as a high level administrator to stay home with my two youngest, ages 2 and 5. There was a lot of uncertainty, both financially and whether I could be a good SAHM, but we felt this was the right thing to do.

    3. Provision: Every time we needed extra money, God had someone fulfill that need. From a “discount” on a monthly service that can only be God-given, to a little part-time work I could do from the comfort of my home with my kids nearby. My oldest daughter also needed $3100 for a mission trip to SE Asia with her college and 3 weeks before the deadline she only had half of it. In the last three weeks, more than what was needed came flooding in. God is so good.

    In 2012, I need to be held more accountable to getting in his word. I do it for a few months, then one day sleep in that leads to many days sleeping in. I become grouchy when I haven’t had my morning Jesus and need someone to make me do it. I stumbled across this blog a month or so ago and it made me smile. Every study and lesson from Beth has been a blessing to me over the years, and now I can get it more frequently. Thank you God for helping me find it.

  27. 277
    arlet bahr says:

    3 words: choosing to TRUST

  28. 278
    Robin says:

    Depression, growing, thankful

    After a year of unexplained depression that I’ve never dealt with before, I continued to try to grow in Christ and stay near to Him. He has brought me out of that pit and I am looking forward to 2012. I NEVER thought I could fall in to depression, I have had no reason to. And once I was there, I honestly thought I would NEVER get out of it … couldn’t see past it. I am thankful for where I am now, on the road to being healthy and more in love with Jesus everyday. He is everything to me. One day at a time sweet Jesus.

  29. 279
    Kathy says:

    Kathy, Easley:

    1. Change – I became a mother this year and my world will never be the same.

    2. Sacrifice – I can see my selfishness in a whole new light as I now give my life away for my family every day.

    3. Joy – That God would be so good as to give me the things that I’ve wanted my whole life, at a time and in a way where I am most able to enjoy them and handle them with His help.

  30. 280
    Pat says:

    Tumultuous-from an ice storm that lasted days in February 2011, requiring days to chip out vehicles and roads, to the Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair where the stage rigging collapsed (we were not hurt) to a daughter’s broken arm, and a husband’s infected root canal site, to replacing a septic system, I don’t know that we’ve ever had a year like this one.

    Humbled-a work injury involving ongoing back pain all year, including re-injuring my back December 30th; coming to grips with some ugly manifestations of my sinful heart; joining Weight Watchers to finally attack my obesity. In being humbled, I have learned to be dependent on the Lord.

    Faithful-God is faithful! Through it all! Through it all, the LORD has been there and been by my side. He has held my hand, as one of my memory verses this year attests: “For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

  31. 281
    Leslie Giddens says:

    What a neat way to reflect. Our family spent New Years together which is why I’m posting today. Did give me some time to think about 2011 and actually talk to them about our year over a couple of meals and time in the car.

    Change- Our family is definitely in a new season of life. Todd and I are officially “empty nesters” as our youngest went to college this fall. Our daughter also spent the majority of this past summer working a camp in Texas which was the farthest she had been for that long and where our communication with her was very limited. Our routine is different but we’ve enjoyed reacquainting with each other.

    Contentment- I’ve had the opportunity this fall to do something now that our nest is empty that I’ve always wanted to do. God truly led me tp it and has brought contentment that only He can give through serving others in this new “outlet!

    Relationships- I have been reminded this year how important it is to invest ourselves in others. Jesus’ earthly ministry was primarily focused upon pouring himself into His 12 disciples so they could do the same. Which is what I believe He desires for us as well.

  32. 282
    Sue says:

    Hopeful-for a future that will include wisdom, peace, protection, and joy
    Thankful-for GOD’s healing touch, GOD’s blessings, GOD’s patience, GOD’s HUGE HANDS that have held me together through a difficult season and allowed me to squirm and GOD still held tight
    Forgiven-for all my many mistakes and assumptions and unintentional and yes maybe some intentional hurts I have inflicted and GOD nudged (led,showed, encouraged) me into forgiving those who also hurt me

  33. 283
    Karen K says:

    Dear Siestas and Beth,
    Stature- I started with this because it is one of the ways Jesus grew. I have pondered this meaning in my mind as exercise. Yes the good ole fashioned kind with sweat and tears. I started doing a Zumba class a few months ago. I am not the type that really stays with a exercise routine but I am finding I can not wait for my Tuesday Thursdays. I have formed much needed new friendships with these women. The class is offered at a church that is not my church home, but I really will stick with this because of my excitement for it. It helps I have lost 30 lb, 70 more to goal.
    Power- Seeking that power from Gods word. He is a consuming fire and it will be nice when upon His return if that fire is kindled. I love this about your ministry is I have had the opportunity to go to a simulcast of LPM and Deeper Still in Louisville, that fellowship has blessed me. The bible has ignited me and my I have ravenous appetite there. I got a Strongs Expanded Exhaustive Concordance and a Companion E.W. Bullinger Bible for Christmas.
    Spirit- in 2010 I was a volunteer for Lifeway in your bookstore at Rupp. I got the cd series on Insights of the Holy Spirit. I had never heard anything about the inner man and how to please that hunger. I love where it has led me with my Gifts from God to continue to live by the Spirit it has ministered to me in my walk. I memorized my first long scripture and appropriately Hebrews 12:2 in discipline it has blessed me so.
    To all a great 2012! I haven’t read anyone else’s yet, so it would not hinder what I wanted to share. So I can’t wait to see those nuggets for some guidance of ways to minister to others in this upcoming year.
    In Christ Alone Beloved!

  34. 284
    Phyllis says:

    2011 as left me
    1. Stripped. Of any self assurance I may have had, replaced with reliance on God alone. He is my hope.
    2. Stripped. Of any assurance that the things of this world are certain, replaced by a new and deeper trust that God knows what He is doing. He is my hope.
    3. Stripped. (still stripping on this one..like layers of old paint) Of desires for having or doing or even thinking anything worldly, replaced with a desire only for the things of eternal value. Such a battle! “Find rest, O my soul, in god alone; my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5

  35. 285
    Julie says:

    Peace…our church has been under an intense time of spiritual warfare for most of this year. God is good all the time and I’ve been granted peace in the midst of the ugly.

    Healing…God has shown His mercy in more than one instance…But I am extremely grateful for a dear friend who has healed from a double mastectomy.

    Love…I’ve been married 19 years. I can honestly say we’ve only made it that long because Christ has poured his love over us. BTW- Beth, I so appreciate your honest insights into your marriage. Many people, including some I call friends, claim that marriage should be anything but hard work. And if it gets too hard, it’s not worth it and you should leave (I’m not talking about abusive situations, I’m talking about the daily grind over the course of years…) Thank you for helping me hold onto my commitments by letting me see that every day is not a fairy tale and my man is not always a prince. (Thank goodness that means I don’t always have to be a princess!)

    New Year Blessings!

  36. 286
    Cheryl says:

    PRAISE – As we pass through the Valley of Baca, deep tears, that the expectant, joyful hearts of the pilgrims (me) turn it (tears) into a place of cool springs (refreshing). I’ve learned through a year and half of our business failing, the ultimate

    TRUST in God is demonstrated by me when I turn that valley of tears into a valley of Praise, because I know that God will never leave nor forsake me. Therefore,

    PEACE in the midst of this tumultuous storm is glorious, and I have never trusted Him more. He is faithful through every moment. Praise His Holy Name.

  37. 287
    Tricia says:

    AMAZED by God’s love for me
    CHANGE We are “Empty- nesters”!
    LOVE Celebrated 25th anniversary this year. More in love now than ever!! Married to an awesome man!!

  38. 288
    Pattie says:

    Hi Beth, Happy New Year! As a military wife, CHANGE is a normal word for any given year, but my theme word in 2011 was GRACE. Oh, how I needed to learn not only to give it, but to receive it. My third word would have to be EAR, as I dealt with surgery on my right ear on Dec. 21st.
    Guess what word the Lord God gave me for 2012? Yep. LISTEN. Isn’t He awesome?!
    Love you and thanks for your ministry!

  39. 289

    Thanks for the inspiration, Beth. As I reflected on this this morning, I decided to share with my readers and offered the opportunity on my blog as well. I called my words the three A’s 🙂 Accomplished, Awareness, & Awed.

    http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2012/01/three-words.html

  40. 290
    Leesa says:

    WEIRD. We are sensing a major ministry transition & it feels so weird trying to discern the Holy Spirit & make sense out of it. It would pretty much require everything you described in your paragraph about acceptance. Possibly giving up what we don’t WANT TO give up…in exchange for a desire that requires us to…

    SPECIAL. Relationships I’ve been praying about for years beginning to take shape & I’m so grateful.

    AWE. In all my praying-n-believing, He STILL amazes me when we finally get to see His hand move. My teen daughter is thriving in church today & I’ve watched probably 50 things happen with her I secretly feared might never happen. He is GOOD.

  41. 291
    Liz says:

    EMMANUEL – He is with me.
    EMMANUEL – He is still with me.
    EMMANUEL – He will always be with me.

  42. 292
    Susan Innes says:

    Susan from Andover, KS:
    1)Tears – of laughter and of pain. I am thankful for God’s promise that none of them go to waste in His ecomony because He uses all things for good for those who love Him and seek His will.
    2)Redeemed – for any ladies out there who feel like this word does not apply to them… I totally understand. This is the first year I really got it. The glory and the vicotry is His, the freedom and hope are mine (and yours). I can really be used by Him on this earth to lead others to Him, wow!! “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, and He will rejoice over you with singing!” Zephaniah 3:17
    3)Grateful – for a God who is bigger than I can imagine and who keeps His promises. He saves me from myself.
    While I did not get to finish the year out – December was month of pain and gallbladder removal! Which went well in the end – thank You, God!! I am thankful for this experience and pray you are all blessed in 2012!! Siestahood is awesome!! <3

  43. 293
    Rachel says:

    2011 was a wonderful year, I was overwhelmed by the provisions that God had blessed my life with.

    #1 Gratitude: I am a single mom of the most precious 5 year old boy who is my heart. This was the year that the Gracious Lord provided a full time job with amazing benefits for me and a new home for us. There is not a day that I do not walk through my home that I do not praise him with a heart FULL of gratitude “Thank you Jesus, this was ALL you!”

    #2 CONTROL (freak): As things were going so amazing in the area of work and home, the hope that things would start going great in the area of broken relationships became the focus. Leaning on my own understanding rather than the PEACE that passes all understanding. *sigh, an on going battle for me* and trying to “Help” God out by doing things my way.

    #3 OWNERSHIP: I make excuses for being disobediant and try to even rationalize it – or WORSE play the victem because “I have a right due to all that I have endured in my life…” but then somehow, believe it or not, I end up distressed, sad, and throwing a bigger pity party for myself because “my way” didn’t work (yet again). I know that the Lord has good plans for my future, plans to prosper me and not to HARM me. My plans and my ways always seem to be the ones that HARM me and even HARM those who may not know The Lord yet. Playing the Victem has been a life long role that can no longer be an excuse for not trusting God to be GOD. Having God open my eyes to this habbit or behavior in my life has been a very humbling gift.

  44. 294
    Teresa says:

    Loss – Lost my father, two cousins, and my son’s best friend this year.

    Overwhelmed – After my youngest son was deployed in May, his best friend was murdered, then six weeks later Justin’s convoy hit an IED in Iraq and one soldier died and three others injured. Justin’s injuries were not life-threatening, but he is still healing.

    Comforted – I felt God’s presence with me all through the year and knew that He was in control, so I did not have to be.

    Love you, Beth!

  45. 295
    Joy says:

    Just found this website! So excited…so I am a little late in responding.

    1. Married! – Recently got married after being single for 15 years…wonderful and challenging!
    2. Children – Gained four children (I did not have any going into the marriage…wonderful and challenging!
    3. Time – Too little time…long commute to work, new home, new husgand, new children…I try to please too many people and have pushed my time with God aside…that is going to change…wish me luck!

  46. 296
    Michelle says:

    I am a little late in replying too…I’ve been searching God for just 3 words to describe my 2011. So, here goes:

    1. Fear: A minor surgery for my husband became 6 months of hospital stays, tests, and more surgeries. Moments of fearing I was going to become a widow and have to raise my 3 children alone.
    2. Peace: Realizing God put that storm (#1) in our lives to take us to places emotionally and spiritaull we would not have gone onour own.
    3. Real: I shed the masks I becamse so used to wearing over the years and allowed those around me to see me “for real” and not worry about what they may thing. Galations 1:10

    Thank you, Beth, for your blogs and for the Life Today Wednesday podcasts. Your wisdom in teraching God’s word has been pivotol in my life. May God continue to use you in a mighty way to lead us into a closer walk with our dear Jesus!

  47. 297
    Leslie McCarthy says:

    So difficult, my husband has not found work in 3 years.

    Trust: Even though the above is true, we are still in our little apartment and our daily needs are met. He is faithful.

    Fear: It seems I will always struggle without having some financial security. I can’t seem to just let it go completely into His hands.

    Sorrow: My heart is sorrowful because of the above, as well as my son has done something, he will go to prison for approximately 3 years, this breaks my heart.

    Bottom line: all I want is Jesus.

  48. 298
    Pamela says:

    I’m late but just have to share…2011 has been painful in so many ways but I closed it

    1) Intentional…I lived intentionally seeking God despite some of the chaos and loss and and because of it…

    2) Spiritual contentment has resulted. My scripture cards, prayers and quiet times has lead me to a deep relationship with God, deeper than I ever would have imagine which carried me on a

    3) journey to godliness, living in His embrace daily, breathing His truths into my life like never before.

    I cherish this past years journey and because of it, my hearts desire is to live our loud, to give out loud for God in 2012!!

    Pamela, Missouri

  49. 299
    lisa says:

    Dearest Beth,
    My name’s Lisa..I wrote on your blog with re: picking three words.I hope I didnt offend you or anyone else. I was only sharing with you the lost of my husband last christmas, me finding out I had bone cancer 6 months ago and leaving my 2 kids 4 and 9 and my third one was telling you I was grateful that my family and I are grateful that we found god just after my husband passed away….Oh wait I also shared that a friend of mind told me about passion2012 and to watch it as there is a owerful lady going to preach and it was you so I researched you on google and found your blog. All the best to you and god bless. You dont have to put this on your blog. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry if I offered you
    Lisa

  50. 300
    lisa says:

    Ps, I guess I should mention why I wrote the last post because I notice you didnt except my post I wrote last weekend on your blog..Sorry

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