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| Photo by Kelsey Rath |
But as you’ve probably experienced at one time or another,
life sometimes gets in the way of good intentions. I haven’t written about my
One Word since that first day of January, but I have thought about it every
single day.
And I’ve had some very honest
conversations with God.
“God, I know you gave me the word Praise, but I’m just not getting it! I don’t know what you want me to learn—what you’re trying to show me. Could you be more obvious? Please?”
I don’t remember exactly what was going on the day of this particular conversation a few
months ago, but I started to realize that I look at time in large chunks—the
morning, the day, the week, etc. So, if I was having a rough day, I would
remember it as a bad day, regardless of whether or not it was all bad.
I felt God moving me to look at shorter periods of
time—moment by moment. And I began to see how He blesses my day, even on what
seems like a really bad day.
Moment by moment, I find something to praise God for.
…a smooth morning while rushing to get out of the house on
time.
…an unexpected opportunity for a heart-to-heart conversation
with my daughter, no matter how busy the day is.
…the way God shows me grace when I know I’ve just
disappointed Him.
…safe travel, even when bad weather tripled my commute time.
…an opportunity to stand up for what’s right, even when my
knees were shaking.
It’s an ongoing journey—learning what it means to praise
God…one that I know will never end.
But that’s okay.
I’m praising God for His patience with me.
And for repeating the same lessons over and over.
And over again.
How about you? If you have a One Word for 2013, how is it going?
In Christ,
Laura
Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays, The Weekend Brew, and Melanie's One Word Linkup.
Dear Laura
ReplyDeleteThere was a time on my journey where our Pappa showed me that praise is thanking Him, and yet, so much more. It is a matter of a submissive heart leaning onto and into His life every second of ever day in complete dependence on His grace. That brings my heart in a place of admiration, wonder and praise.
Much love
Mia
I agree Mia, praising Him is thankfulness and so much more...giving Him all the glory and credit, thanking Him in advance for whatever He might do, praising Him for Who He is, not just what He does for me...
DeleteIt makes me smile to see you've stopped by and left a comment. :)
My word for the year was Renew... and it's a longer, deeper process than I realized! I'm stopping by from Faith filled Friday. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteI didn't do a one word, but it is funny because every time I read a post about someone's word I think, "That could have been my word." I feel like that with yours. I often remind myself to breathe in air, breathe out praise. In any situation praise is possible, but so hard some moments. Blessings to you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you. How can we live a life of true gratitude if we're not living in and really seeing the moments with clarity?
ReplyDeleteI love your one word for the year. My focus is on being fruitful. I am amazed at how God keeps pointing me toward Scriptures and posts that expand my understanding of what it means.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I remember God telling me once, "Don't give the devil top billing!" I would have a good day, but at the dinner table vent to my family about the one bad thing that happened that day. My son wrote a beautiful song to the words "Whatever things are pure, honest...think on these things." God bless you today!
ReplyDeleteThis is good, Laura. Praising, giving thanks, hearts filled with gratitude for each moment that He gives to us. I am glad I came by for I needed this reminder too.
ReplyDeleteCaring through Christ, ~ linda