Word

Happy 2018! The new year is here and brings with it possibilities for all types of good things. Have you done anything to make a change from last year or help this year become better than 2017? I would like to invite you to do something my best friend taught me to do. When you are in your quiet place talking to Jesus, ask Him to give you a word for the new year. Design That’s right, your very own word that offers encouragement or inspiration for the year. Maybe He will give you more than just one. Whatever it is you need, He will give.

For 2017 my word was restoration. My husband had been very ill and had an operation. Abba gave me “restoration” as encouragement that things will be better. Throughout the illness a lot has changed and been lost, so restoration gave me hope that what had been taken away would be replenished through God’s grace and mercy. It would not only be replaced but restored by God which means a full, overflowing measure. My friend received the word “joy” to remind her of the happiness that abounds all around her.

My word for the year 2018 is “family” and I am eager to learn why. Could it mean our family is increasing? The family might not be my immediate family at all but the Family of God. Maybe I will help lead others into His family. Perhaps relationships within our family will change. I have no idea why I received this word, but I am praying about it and the reason. God will reveal it to me in His perfect time.

Are you wondering how to receive your word? First you need to ask. Pray to our loving Savior Jesus and ask Him to provide you with a word. After that be aware. Watch and listen. You will see or hear your word. It might standout in everything you read. For example, if your word is “hope” you may read “hope” in many scriptures or even a billboard. Friends might tell you about a book or song they found and love on that subject. Artwork at a store may have that word in it. A waitress might have a tattoo that says it or even be named Hope. Your word will surround you. Perhaps you will hear your word. In the silence as you chat with Jesus, listen for His voice. It might come as a soft whisper faintly coming to your mind. When you ask and receive, do not worry that you might miss it. If something is meant for you, you will get it. There are no coincidences, just God at work.

Okay, you have asked and received your word, now what. Treasure that word and watch for the lessons it has to teach you. Pray about your word. It should bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to you. You might use it to minister or testify to others. This one little word could change your year and your Walk with God making them both better in more ways than you could ever imagine. Happy 2018. May you find your word, start a new tradition, and have a blessed year.

We have closed the last page of our life story for 2017. I hope it was a best seller in your eyes. A new year brings a new beginning or book. It comes in with a blank page or clean slate. Are you hoping the year that begins today is better than the one that just finished?
A new year carries endless possibilities with it. I read posts on Facebook stating that New Year’s Day was the beginning of a blank 365 page book for each one of us, and that we should write a good one. Some claimed 2017 to be the worst year on record for them. Others wrote about the things they wanted to improve upon or change starting today.

Let me challenge you. Get a brand new journal and write down an outline for your 2018 story. I know it hasn’t happened yet, but think about what you would like to happen. For me reconnecting with some old, dear friends is very important and long overdue. My Christian novel remains half written so 2018 is the perfect year to complete it. Cookbook #2 is a little closer to being finished but needs work. Any year past, present, and future is the time to deepen my relationship and walk with Jesus. Of course I need and want to get healthier, too. In August 2017 I began a new venture selling a Pampered Chef. It is my hope to improve on that this year. How about those goals? Pages and chapters for me to live and write.

Will you partner with me? We could try it together and encourage each other. Over our blank pages we need to speak and pray positivity. Begin by asking God’s will to be done. Thank Him for guiding and directing. No more “I can’t lose weight, I am stressed and too busy, or it is never gonna happen.” Replace those with “absolutely I will lose weight, there is time, and yes, it will happen!”

Get your inspiration from your Life’s Rule Book or Holy Bible and your Heavenly Father. Design Scripture will give you the help, peace, and strength you need. Remember the verse in Matthew that says “With God all things are possible?” How about in Philippians where it tells us “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Proverbs gives great counsel “Trust in the Lord with all your heart….” We need to commit Bible verses to memory and claim the promises they give.

Keep me updated on your happy story. Working together we can make a positive difference in 2018. We will start with each other and see what trickles down from there. I think it is time to turn a “no” into a “go”! It is exciting to realize that we have the pen and blank paper for our 2018 story, not to mention the best Editor ever. I am ready to start my new story. Are you?

A Word for the New Year

Writing Our 2018 Story