one word 2014 | lustrous

As I sit here writing this blog post for the new year, my 3 youngest are tucked away in their beds, and daddy & the two older ones are watching a movie. As I write, and look back in the rear view mirror of 2013. There are nothing but bittersweet moments. Moments I would not ever choose to walk alone without my Lord and Savior. I find myself very thankful to know my Lord and Savior was always by our side. Always.As 2012 was coming to a close last year, I hadn’t yet picked my one word for 2013 After contemplating many words, I realized I had quickly fallen into the trap of selfishness. I was noticing that I was so consumed with finding my own goal, and frivolous happiness, forgetting who holds all things. My eyes came across Psalm 139:1-6 in my devotions and I new what my word should be for 2013. And that was  FOCUS.As I almost fumbled around to choose another word because, I knew that such a word would no doubt bring me many lessons to learn. Something I was nervous about doing. I knew I failed miserably at keeping my FOCUS where it was suppose to be. I knew that this was obviously an area I really needed to work on, and I prayed the Lord would teach me greatly helping me stay FOCUSED on Him throughout the year. I kept asking myself 3 very important questions. {You can read them here.} And they reminded and aided me throughout the year in keeping proper FOCUS.Looking back over 2013 I see many places where the Lord has taken our family, and where He has been working on my heart specifically. Tears swell my eyes. We serve a great and mighty, and very good God. And despite a very rough year the Lord has taught me this year how to FOCUS during some very, very difficult moments, even moments that bring great pain! Though I’ve not arrived in the area of keeping focused {so much learning still to do!} I do realize how to better my attention on my Lord and His truths. I can truly say the word FOCUS played out its role in great lengths in 2013. I am grateful for each deep & dark valley. Because through each trial, each tear and fear, He was always there! And it will ALL be WORTH it when JESUS we SEE! We can learn so much during some of the most difficult situations in life if we tune our heart and eyes to the one who gives us true peace.

As 2014 peeks over the sunrise, I look to the Lord for more great & mighty things. Each one bringing life lessons of considerable learning.

I know what areas I need to work on in the coming new year, though I couldn’t find the “right” word to sum it all up. So the last few days, you may or may not have seen my head buried in the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary with my husband snickering over my shoulder, at the choice of reading material.

But alas, I found it!

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And
walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an
offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.  3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know,
that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an
idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.   Ephesians 5:1-21

A life reflecting and mirroring efficiently the love of Jesus and his examples of radiant living. I want my heart to be evenly balanced on God’s precious words that bring LIFE. I want the love of Jesus to shine thru me without all the glitter or sparkle, right here behind the scenes, growing is where I need to be. I want to be so real, you can taste it! I want to strive for a character that is radiant – nothing but Jesus shining bright through the reputation I leave my husband and my children, and all others that come across my path on a daily basis. I want to follow Christ’s example of living. I understand that living a LUSTROUS life will take dying to self daily. And it’s an area I feel needs much work on. Praying the Lord will do a great work as I work on this years goal for LUSTROUS living.

Do you have one word for 2014?

I’d love to read what your goal is for the year! Let’s encourage each other as we work on our special word this year!