That One Word to see me through.

When I first felt God suggest my One Word to me, my immediate thought was that it was actually me, and I was scared of deciding on one this year. I have mulled it over for about a month or so now, and after the first feelings of trepidation, I'm actually a little excited about it.

You might be shocked at my choice. I know I was. There are so many quotes on Pinterest and the like telling us to do the very opposite of my OneWord. It carries negative connotations. It implies weakness.

But then God whispered "I am your hiding place and your shield. I hide you in the shadow of My wings. I hide you in My shelter in time of trouble, and lift you high on a rock. In My presence I hide you from the plots of men... Hide My word in your heart."

So, after a long, hard, horribly hurtful year, where the Lord told me that He would fight for me, I just needed to be still (and quiet), and having done all, to stand... I feel he is giving me permission to hide in him this year. To take refuge, rest, and replenish my strength.

So, that is my word.

Hide.

Dive

I don't like diving.

I like climbing, and to a point, I enjoy being up high. I even like abseiling. But the idea of jumping off a height without a safety rope freaks me the heck out.

I'm like that in real life, too. I can climb up and up and up, and talk, and talk, and talk, and have idea after idea after idea (and yes, they are all awesome) but when it actually comes to then jumping off the platform and doing it...

I freeze.

I have about 4 books in the planning stages, all sticky notes and arrows and margin notes.

And then I think that I could never really write a book. Not one that people would actually enjoy, anyway.

I get all excited about reforming my home management (*snortlaugh*), and have it all planned out in my head, and charts drawn up.

And then I don't have the right bathroom cleaner, or something comes up and I can't start on the Monday, or something just doesn't go the way I planned, and I can't begin until it's right.

I love my quiet time when I decide to find the time to do it. I love my podcasts that teach me so well, and the revelations the Father gives

But I'm too frightened to let go of the control and just free fall dive into Him headfirst.

This is a Five Minute Friday post, where a bunch of blogger flash mob for 5 minutes at the same-ish time (lets call it a 'round') with no editing allowed.

The rules are simple...

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to Lisa Jo and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Opportunity

So the new year has begun, and with all of my One Word deliberating (I still don't have one) and No Junk Food promising (I start Monday), I quietly vowed to blog more.

Enter Five Minute Friday to kick me off, because I'm pretty sure I've forgotten how to write.

This year is bringing many new opportunities for Adam and I.

A new house. With the opportunity to begin new routines and connect better with the children.

A new writing opportunity for me (there'll be more about that later). Adam has been wanting me to do more of this, and I have let my perfectionism get the better of me, I fear.

A new church. And the opportunity to sit and heal, and perhaps, if called, step into ministry again.

A new calling... or is it just the old one, repackaged?

Last year was painful. And long. And lonely. It was the reason I didn't blog, as I wasn't sure I could keep the pain to myself, and I wasn't in a position to reveal the details. So it was an opportunity to dive into the Word, and a closer relationship with God despite what was going on around us. Or was it because of? Probably. Maybe a bit of both.

Whatever it was, I am so grateful that God causes everything in our lives to be an opportunity for us to grow and mature... to glorify Him, if only we let it. Of course, we can go the other way. I was determined to run to my Mighty Fortress, not away from it.

So I am thankful for the opportunity of this new year to get to know everyone better. To write more. To delve into God and His calling for Adam and myself.

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This was a Five Minute Friday post, where you set your timer and write for 5 minutes, no editing allowed.

The rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to LisaJoBaker and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..