With 2009 around the corner, I've found myself thinking and praying about what the Lord is preparing my heart to learn in this year ahead. I don't think 9 in 2009 is on the horizon, as God is calling me to simplify. Maybe this year's theme will be intentional simplicity! Maybe just one goal. Maybe just one theme verse. Maybe just one area of focus, instead of nine! Oye!
I've been incredibly inspired by Anne Ortlund's, "Disciplines Of The Beautiful Woman," which I've just finished reading a second time through, returning to it with questions a year after implementing her notebook system. Her thoughts brought great focus to my calendar at first, but over the course of year, I lost vision and purpose. During this second reading, I found I was less focused on her notebook idea, realizing that I'm not Anne and my life is very different from hers. While her notebook is brilliant, it is not what God is calling me to use. Yet her principles and priorities can not be argued with! She puts God first, the body of Christ second, and the needy of the world third. Living life this way is certainly worthwhile, and has me really thinking how my life falls in line, or out of line, with these priorities.
Have you been thinking about the year ahead? What are some of your goals or hopes for the future? Do you sense God calling you in a particular way? I'd love to hear your thoughts and be challenged by what God is doing in your life!
One of Anne's suggestions, coming from her second book in the compilation, The Gentle Ways of the Beautiful Woman
1) Be still, read Psalm 37:7, and write a prayer to the Lord; and
2) Pray, surrendering our hearts to the Lord (telling Him we want to turn a new corner in our Christian life), and surrendering our minds to the Lord (telling Him we want to learn to think well, to think Biblically, to walk in truth, to be established and settled in His doctrine).
I'm in the midst of this 24-hour period and look forward to seeing what the Lord will reveal. I hope you'll find time to quiet your heart before the Lord. It has brought a peace upon me, even with gentle hum (and loud crash) of kids playing in the house!
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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3 Comments:
I am challenged this year to live out my faith each day in a visible way. The Bible says faith without works is dead. Faith is declaring what I know and believe by my actions. I may not always feel like doing this, but because I love Jesus – and want to please Him, I choose to do this. It’s not for the sake of others around me, but it is a sign of my love for Jesus. Because words are so easily said and not always matched with actions, I will choose to show my faith by an action of some kind. I aim to do this daily.
What a fantastic thought to push us into a new year! I wish you many beautiful moments in 2009.
What a great verse for the year. Very powerful and encouraging. I haven't thought much about the year to come, but you have pushed me to do so. I think it will be great.
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Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa