2014 - SURRENDER

*Pretty flowers from my husband.  A great way to start a new year.

For most of my years, I have been a New Year's resolution FLOP.

Failing in what I wanted to do.
Losing my grip because I couldn't last past February for most resolutions.
Overlooking the good things I did do.
Praying for a better way to face a new year.

Then last year I learned about using one word to focus on for your New Year.  I was intrigued with changing my focus from ME and my laundry list of failings and needs to change to one word that I could use to focus on all of my year.  I chose the word REACH. 

With the word REACH in mind I worked with other volunteers at HopeFest in Phoenix helping provide for very basic needs for people in Arizona.  The event was held in Phoenix at Chase Field.  People received food, dental work, eye exams, medical exams, car seats, lunch (that was our main duty wrapping hot dogs and providing food for all the guests receiving service), clothing, counseling help, and so much more.  It was an amazing opportunity to see God at work through His people. 

I used the word REACH to look into my own life and see that I needed some healing.  I had a long history of pain on my shoulders.  Over seven years ago, I forgave so many for the things that happened in my life, but I never forgave...me.

I used the word REACH to hold my arms out to my Abba Father and ask Him to love me as His daughter.  Something I have always been afraid to do because of my own father issues.

REACH was there reminding me to share my heart with a good friend when I was going through a really tough time at work.

REACH is what I did when I decided to sign up for Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies so I could make a real change in my life and "Say Yes To God."

REACH kept me going through another study so I could gain "A Confident Heart."

REACH was my start my grasp toward something better.

Picking one word, changed my perspective on facing the new year.  Last year was good, but this year is going to be better.

My word for 2014 is SURRENDER.

To keep this quick, here is where I stand on that right now.

I am surrendering my will to His will.  I will make plans with God in mind.  I know that He has blessed me with gifts, but my own fears have kept me from remotely investing in them.  My doubts kept me constantly saying "I can't" rather than remembering that "He can" and above all "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). 

I surrender to waiting for God to bring all the things He wants me to do to me, and instead move towards what I believe He wants and accepting whatever happens when I make those first steps.

With surrender in mind I will give my thoughts to God.  I will not think  negative thoughts about myself.  I will think God thoughts for myself.  I will also ask the Lord to help me think good thoughts toward others and ask how I can best serve Him by loving them (Luke 6:27-28) "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

I will also surrender my weaknesses to Him.  Especially when it comes to food and exercise.  There was a time when I was fit.  I want to go back to those times.  Not because I want my outside to look good, but because through this I can better serve the Lord.  I want to be a shining example of what God can do.  A big part of this will be taking part of the next Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies "Made To Crave."

Because music has always been a big part of my life and because I work in Christian radio, I decided to find a song that I will make MY SONG to hold me to my focus this year. That song is "We Won't Be Shaken" by Building 429.  I believe part of my SURRENDER is going to be holding onto that reminder that no matter what, I will not be shaken.  

Here's the second verse which really moves me...well it all does really:

You know my every longing
You've heard my every prayer
You've held me in my weakness
Cause You are always there
So I'll stand in full surrender
It's Your way and not my own
My mind is set on nothing less
Than You and You alone
I will not be moved oh