Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Treasure
I gave up making New Year's resolutions long ago as I soon forgot them. Two years ago I came across the idea of choosing one word for the year. In 2011 I chose the word trust along with this verse:
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
I held my one word close though the year, and especially during a very stressful time. It made a huge difference and reminded me God was with me and in control of my life, no matter what the circumstances were. I didn't choose a word last year, but I've chosen one for 2013.
First I thought about the person I'd like to be by the end of 2013. I would like to be a person in a deeper loving relationship with God and my family. I would like to be someone whose life and writing point people to God.
Then I thought about the characteristics I'd have if I became that person. Here are some of them in random order.
I'd be: loving
compassionate
unselfish
kind
patient
trusting God
seeking God's Will for my life
obedient to God
prayerful
hard-working
committed to my writing
disciplined
Lastly I chose one word to focus on that would help me to become a person with these characteristics—treasure.
The word treasure reminds me to treasure:
God's love for me
my Bible
my family
my friends
my time for working and leisure
the beauty of nature
The list is endless, but these are a few of the things I treasure.
Treasure reminds me of the real treasure in life—belief and trust in God, leading to a real life relationship with Him. If you would like to know more about this relationship you might like to read this article by ICFW author Shirley Corder
The verses I have chosen to go alongside my word is:
'For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.' (2 Corinthians 4:6&7 NIV)
If you would like to choose a word for this year, take a look at the My One Word website to learn more and to see some of the words people have chosen for this year and their reasons for choosing them. If you click on the Pick Your Word tab, you will find 3 simple steps to help you find your word.
If you choose a word, I'd love to know what it is and why you've chosen it. Please tell me about in the comments section below.
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A fun article, Ruth. I've chosen "Breathe!" as my word, as last year I found myself frequently moving at such a pace I became overwhelmed. This year I hope to have time to breathe in between my hundreds of projects, and I'm sure to my surprise I'll find life goes on!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Ruth. I love that scripture about treasure in jars of clay and so apt for your word.
ReplyDeleteMy word I have chosen for this year is "Improved", and the scripture for that is 2 Timothy 2v15-"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
I want to emerge from 2013 improved in all aspects of life, in particular my spiritual walk, and my writing.
And with my son's literally on opposite sides of the world and an empty nest, I think I might just have the kind of year to do exactly that ... improve!
Great post. My word is 'joy' but I could have just as easily have chosen 'reap' and this verse whcih contains both has been mentioned several times lately Psalm 126:5
ReplyDeleteThose who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. I think God's trying to tell me something and making sure I get the message.
Love this! I too have chosen words each year recently instead of a list or resolutions. Still praying about this year, so this is good timing for me. What has been coming to my mind lately is the idea of focusing on what is good and true and not letting the world pull me in a million directions. So I'm picking the word intentional. I want to be intentional about how I spend my time, how I teach and relate to my children, husband and friends, and intentional in my writing and ministry. It's so easy to be distracted in this world, so the bottom line is I want to be intentional in how I live and follow Him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to leave comments Shirl, Marion, Dale and Lisa. I enjoyed reading about your words- they are good choices.
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth, great post! My word for this year is balance.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Ruth! In a world with such an overload of information it is good to keep things simple. You have inspired me to ponder over my word...may treasuring your time with God make you be all the things you want to be!
ReplyDelete