One Word ~ What’s Yours?

It’s hard for me to believe last Wednesday was New Years Day.

Does anyone else feel like that was forever ago…like at least 2 weeks, not 8 days ago? Yet here we are in this new year.

One thing this new year has brought is this crazy idea of weight loss. At this point, I haven’t had any sugary treats, including chocolate, since Saturday.

Now for those who know me, that’s HUGE! I’m a believer in treats…treats after lunch, mid-afternoon, and of course, following dinner each night. It’s just been a given in our lives for a very long time. Yet one of my goals is to lose some weight. I’m not saying I’m crazy overweight it’s just my clothes aren’t fitting the way I really like them to and this little baby pouch in the front really needs to go away. I mean, Matt’s going to celebrate his 5th birthday next month, so it’s time for that little extra to go away.

I was looking at some photos from 13 years ago and after having 3 kids right in row, I was not as squishy as I am now. I’m sure it had something to do with the fact I really didn’t have a moments rest during that time. I was chasing them all and carrying around those hefty car seats from house to vehicle and from vehicle to store. My biceps were a little tighter and now they just kind of flap when I wave…not a good sign. Plus, I’m discovering that being over 40 is a disadvantage when it comes to this trimming down stuff.

With all that in mind, I’m beginning by cutting out treats (unless absolutely necessary), eating smaller portions, drinking more water and getting more exercise. Speaking of exercise, this polar vortex, arctic air is cutting into my morning walk time. Della has been doing her business a lot faster these last few mornings and the ice-cold wind in my face has a way of blowing me into the warmth of my house much sooner.

This first week has also been filled with prayer. Prayer for this new year and the new adventures ahead.

I mentioned last week, I’m a cautious person. I find comfort and security in the plan. A New Year comes around and I’m usually knee-deep in planning and strategizing.

But this year seems different. Instead of laying out a plan and getting clear direction, I get the sense it’s a Hold-On-We’re-Going-For-a-Ride year. What does that look like? I’m not really sure. So for this girl, who likes a plan and relishes structure, this could be one crazy ride.

Along with this ride, I’m joining some blogger friends by choosing One Word to focus on for the year. One word that sums up who I want to be or how I want to live. One word I can focus on every day, all year long. Instead of making an exhaustive list of resolutions, I’m choosing to focus on One Word and my chosen word ~ COURAGE

Courage ~ undaunted; bold; daring
Courage ~ the attitude or response of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it.
Courage ~ choosing to go forward when my own self-talk wants to hold back.
Courage in stepping out of the security of my own plan to follow His.
Courage to live differently.

I was reminded this morning of Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. Indy standing on the precipice, facing the leap of faith. Should he slink back, returning to where he came from or should he step out with seemingly nothing to catch him?

It is not until he steps out that the bridge connecting him to the other side of the chasm is seen.

We may not see the bridge connecting us from this point here to where He wants to take us. But it’s in that trust of who He is; the trust of knowing He holds it all. He’s beneath, above and all-around us. He will not let us fall.

We step out in faith, step out with courage ~ believing He will provide; believing He will guide and He will walk with as we take that leap of faith forward.

Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Will you join us this year with One Word? One word to focus on…One word moving us closer to Him and what He desires for our lives.

If you’d like to participate with us, join the conversation below by leaving your One Word in the comment section along with anything else you’d like to share.

This year, let’s pray together; sharing and encouraging one another as we travel this walk of grace and faith together.