The Word for 2014

If my life were a book, 2013 would be the chapter that changes everything.   Last year at New Years we made and gave to friends ALL things good jars … Romans 8:28, clinging to the promise that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Looking back, that verse was perfect for 2013 and sustained me through many winding roads, steep climbs and downhill tumbles.  It was a verse that would pop into my head every time I sighed, “not good.”
God Is Faithful.
For the past 24 hours just thinking about 2013 brings tears to my eyes.  I am thankful for so much, and while I didn’t actually put everything in the jar, it is overflowing with GOOD.   The highlight of my year was on September 15, 2013 when I was baptized again.  I know baptism is a public profession of faith, but hear me when I tell you it was a private, intimate lovefest with my Savior in that water on that day.  He is my redeemer.  He restores me and He makes me new.  He gives me a Hope and a Future.  I am lost without Him.
Give me The Word for 2014!  This is what I started thinking about last Saturday night.  I went into our ladies small group on Sunday morning and I asked again, what is the word for 2014??  Several mentioned options for them, and for me I still hadn’t landed yet on a word.   Maybe it was a verse?  Lord, help me to focus!  What is it?
Then in worship – we sang “One Thing Remains”.  That song was one of my many favorites in 2013.  While images of 2013 flashed on the big screen of my mind, I sang “it overwhelms and satisfies my soul…and I’ll never, ever have to be afraid, this one thing remains – Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.”  As we sat down to hear the message, I grabbed my journal, and I started taking notes and then I wrote this out as I prayed silently, ” Lord, Give me The Word for 2014….”

I even distinguished that it was my thought in my notes…then I looked up to hear the pastor say “We have to know Him/know His word.  Give me your word so I’ll know you even better.”
It hit me right then, when I looked back at what I wrote:   Give me The Word for 2014.
The Word is the word for 2014!
As the sermon continued, the message was even more confirmed in my heart.  I was overwhelmed at the Lord speaking deeply to me in that moment.  When the service ended, I shared it with the leader of our small group.
So for the past few days, I have reflected on this and I see how God has lined it all up for me.  A few months ago, I mentioned wanting a reading nook in our room, as I was not sleeping much at night.  My husband moved the computer desk downstairs and created a space for me.  I just love it!  Last week, the verse of the day on the Bible app was 1 Peter 5:6 and I took the same verse and put it with this picture of my corner:

Give me THE WORD for 2014.
A few months ago I was in Sam’s and saw this adorable pink Bible.  I have another pink Bible, but this pink Bible caught my eye and it is for Busy Mom’s.  I have not marked in it until now:

I don’t want to say I will read through the entire Bible in 2014.  I don’t want to say I’m committing to so many chapters, verses, minutes per day.   I don’t want another checklist.  I simply want you, Lord.  I want your Word to come alive for me in my life and in my story.  So in 2014, with this Busy Mom’s Bible and journals – I want to meet with you faithfully and hear from you.  Speak to me, Lord.  Show me the way.

Psalm 119:25-32 ESV

My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!  When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!  Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.  My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!  Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!  I have chosen the way of the faithfulness; I have set your rules before me.  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;  let me not be put to shame!  I will run in the way of your commandments for you set my heart free!