There, I feel better now!

In keeping with the tradition of many bloggers, albeit a new tradition for me, I've finally decided upon my chosen word for this new year.  Regardless of never actually having chosen a word before, there have been many times throughout my life that I've had this idea or thought that kept rattling around in my head.  I've always taken it as a subtle reminder that this is something I'm needing to work on.  Interesting that these ideas are always something for me to actually "do".  One of these days, (hopefully) I'll settle upon something with more serenity...  :)

I've put a lot of thought into this process.  I've considered my hopes, my dreams and my plans for this year. Without getting into actual specifics here, seems like everything that I want to accomplish is going to take personal courage.  So, that seemed like my first obvious choice.  But that just didn't seem quite right.  It wasn't big enough.  The word itself felt limiting somehow - as if that was all I needed.  Hmmm, maybe not.

Then "Believe" kept coming to mind.  If I believed in myself, in my abilities, put my trust in those who are deserving of it, I would have enough courage to accomplish whatever it was that I'd set my sights upon.  And yet again, it just didn't feel quite right either.  Again, although a beautiful word; it just wasn't "full" enough.  I kept thinking a piece of the puzzle was being left out.  Maybe the most important aspect of all, that I just kept missing.

Then, one morning during my devotional time spent reading and praying, it dawned on me.  That small, still word that was always hovering in my mind from the beginning, and for whatever reason, I'd push away, because it wasn't about "me" enough.  Or so I thought.  I had to smile because here was the perfect word, the one and only word, really, that would truly encompass every single aspect of my hopes, dreams and plans.  FAITH  

Without faith, how could I believe in myself or anyone else?  Without faith, how can I be courageous to follow through with something even though it's never easy?

The definition of faith in the dictionary describes it this way...
     Trust     Belief     Confidence     Conviction     Optimism     Hopefulness     Hope

That's my word for 2014.  I think it's just perfect.

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

"Be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Faith...it makes things possible, not easy.

For so many reasons, I love this word and know in my heart that it's exactly the right word for me to grow and become better, stronger, braver, quieter, more confident, gentler.  It's not just a word of action.  It's a frame of mind.  It's a way of life.

Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be...

Whether my desires are set upon becoming healthier, stronger, thinner, eating better, exercising more or being more confident and courageous where Eagle is concerned, or just listening more and talking less, being more generous, showing more kindness and loving more...I can do it if I have faith in my heart.

Trust in what I know...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Phil. 4:13


Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Blessings, Lorie @ Cingspots