I love 💕 new things, not just ‘stuff’ but change! New people, new challenges, new places, new opportunities….and this is a new decade!

As a New Year begins I find myself looking forward to new things and reflecting on 2019. Are you a ‘New Years Resolution’ person? Not me!! I chose words.

Words are powerful, they grow in your mind as you chose to think on them, meditate on them, hide them in your heart.

Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Over the last 4 years I have chosen a word at the beginning of the New Year. Let me share the words which have been intertwined into my life over the last 4 years.

Kindness

Self-control

Contentment

Generosity

Each word is so much deeper than you can dare to imagine!! They are alive and grow throughout the whole year, becoming more than the dictionary definition would have you understand, they seep into your thoughts, words and actions. They encroach your everyday living and influence your decisions.

I chose each word from character traits I longed to develop in my pursuit of God and Holiness and I have seen the truth of

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

I have given each of these words to God and He has whispered to me throughout the year, opening up new visions and meanings, challenging my lifestyle, drawing me closer and revealing Himself, I have not always been kind, shown self-control, allowed His peace and contentment to still my mind or been generous of heart but these words are weaved into my life now and continue to grow. They have changed how I think, how I perceive life and the way I view other people, how I see the world around me and they stay with me moment by moment.

So 2020 is here, a new word, new discoveries, new understanding and I am filled with excitement, who knows where this will lead me.

So my word is JOY

Nehemiah 8:10

‘The Joy of the Lord is your strength’

Don’t confuse Joy with happiness, I’m not suggesting we ever rejoice that someone is ill, has suffered loss, is lonely, struggling, in debt, jobless or suffering of any kind, rather in the middle of your challenging situation you can have joy in the Lord

You can only have that joy when you truly know who God is, that He is in control, that He is good, His love surrounds you and is unconditional, He only wants the absolute best for you, that He is working all things together for good even when you can’t see it, don’t believe it and have lost all hope.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

So as 2020 begins, whether you believe in God or are just choosing to reflect on 2019 and allow 2020 to bring change and new things, a great place to start is to think on the person you want to be, decide what you would like to be remembered for and surprisingly you will find that if you know who you want to be you will know how to live!!!

I want to be known for my kindness and generosity, that I am someone who can be trusted and relied upon and someone content with what they have and able to enjoy the success of others. This year JOY is added and I eagerly wait to see how it will grow and flourish throughout 2020.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED ?