Saturday, January 5, 2013

Word.

A trend exists, in the corner of the blogosphere where I hang out, to select a word for the year and let it--for 365 days--sort of define one's days or actions or very being. I chose a word for the first time, last year. I took my word selection pretty seriously. I really wanted a fun and unusual word: the sort of word that no one else would think to choose, something that would make me stand out as being clever or original. But, in the end, the Lord put the word "trust" on my heart. Run-of-the-mill, I thought. I felt a little disappointed.

But I got hit pretty hard, last year, and I thought about my word a lot. I wish I could tell you that--because my word was trust--I trusted God perfectly. Truth is, though, I spent a lot of time praying: "Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief."

My word helped most in that I told myself, often: the Lord had given it to me and would surely, therefore, teach me something about it in the course of the year. And He did, and I'm glad for it, but--I'll be honest--it wasn't always pleasant, the learning.

So here I am, five days into 2013, and God has given me another run-of-the-mill word: "peace." I feel a little nervous: is God planning to teach me something about peace by allowing me to be aggravated to death? He can be a little sneaky like that.

What I know for sure is that I can't expect peace on earth (including in my country or community). Jesus didn't come to bring it (Matthew 10:34, Luke 12:51). So--while I'm encouraged to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)--what I'm going to learn about peace pertains, most likely, to the condition of my heart.

My Dad and Charleigh

Already, I'm wondering what I can do (and stop doing) to foster inner peace. I don't want to overthink it; after all, the peace of God passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7). But if you have words of wisdom to share, please feel free...

29 comments:

  1. Trust and Peace are both strong and beautiful words....that are true to your heart that seeks after God genuinely. Wishing you a 2013 full of peace,trust, and hope Brandee....thank you for being such a wonderful friend in the blogosphere!

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    1. Happy New Year, Dear Carrie! You're such a blessing!

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  2. I was out watering the garden this morning and I come upon a parsnip plant that's going to seed. I have seen it many times but this morning God spoke to me and said, see that parsnip? It's not useless because it hasn't been harvested it's doing way more that the vegetables you've grown and eaten because they are ripe and ready. By leaving it to go to seed it will in fact continue it's usefulness because of the plants its will continue to produce. I was astounded. What was He saying? That because I sometimes feel like I've been "forgotten about" that I'm like that plant that is producing seed? and therefore more useful? My point sharing this with you Brandee..is at THAT moment in time God's Peace came upon me like a gentle blanket! I pray He will show you similar in a way that you KNOW without doubt the Lord has spoken {{hugs}}

    PS. My "word" for this year is....MOLDABLE (Able to be molded)
    Part of Speech: adjective
    Definition: malleable
    Synonyms: adaptable, compliant, ductile, flexible, flexile, flexuous, go-with-the-flow, governable, impressionable, manageable, plastic, pliable, pliant, putty in hands, rolls with punches, soft, submissive, supple, tractable, tractile, transformable, workable, yielding

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    1. Dear Julia, I wish I could tell you how useful you are in my little life. Sometimes, when I am feeling particularly small and discouraged (especially in the blogosphere), I think: but someone in New Zealand knows and loves me! And sometimes, when it is cold and dark here, I think: but in New Zealand, the sun is shining, and my friend Julia has her hands in the earth. Then it seems ok that it is another (lovely) someone's turn for warmth and light. May God richly bless you this year. He blesses and helps me, through you.

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    2. ah precious Brandee {{hugs}} you are so very loved too! I pray the Lord speak to your heart today and show you something new and wonderful about Himself. Be blessed my friend...where-ever you are and whatever you do!

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  3. i am all for being peace...if you are not afraid to cross line (smiles) there is a great book by a buddhist called being peace...thich than nacht...was given to me by a family whose kid i counseled...great book...

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    1. Only one Way to heaven. But maybe more than one way to peace...

      I'm not scared.

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    2. what a cool pic of your dad with your little....gave me a big smile as well...

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    3. Yes, they seem to have a special bond. :)

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  4. I considered the word peace for my word this year, too. And the verse you mentioned, "I believe help my unbelief" was the verse that kept pouring out of my heart this year as well. I love this verse because it acknowledges that tension between belief and unbelief. Good stuff.

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    1. Thank you, Jessica. I don't think I know what your new word is?

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  5. Such a good word. Glad you jumped in on the trend. Praying peace covers you and that it turns your world upside down.

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    1. Thank you for all the prayers you've sent up on my behalf, Dear Becky!

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  6. Peace, this is always a good one when one has been thru the fire. God is faithful to bring beauty out of ashes.

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  7. Put on some slow music just let it flow over you. I like to sing when I need peace, because it takes my mind off what ever is causing me upset. Blessings to you and calmness of spirit.

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    1. Great idea. I need to make a point of doing this. Thank you!

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  8. a solid word, that--though i'm with you on the worrying a bit about what a year led with that word might bring. :)

    no words of wisdom, but i'm thinking peace stems directly from trust...so it looks like you're well-prepped, my friend.

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    1. Thank you, Nic. You're such an encouragement to me.

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  9. I love the honesty of this post, and your willingness to embrace what is truly needed in this season of your life. That is what will ultimately transform. Thanks for sharing this! I wrote about my word too, but I had struggled with it quite a bit. Blessings.
    http://piejesu.org/2013/01/06/shine/

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    1. I love your word and hope you not only shine, but glimmer and sparkle, too!

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  10. Peace -- this word has been resonating in my thoughts and heart as well, and I keep recalling "and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind..."

    Such a sweet promise from God. I'll be joining you with this as a focus this year.

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    1. Let's check in on one another, Dear Robin, and see how it's going. Glad to journey with you!

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  11. Peace was my word for many, many years. And then, one day, it wasn't. But, along the way, it wove itself into myself — not the actual practice. My personality doesn't bend toward peacefulness; always something to do, somewhere to go. But every now I then, I say the word. It sounds like itself, doesn't it? It's a great word to carry with you through the year, along with an invitation for it to weave itself into your soul.

    Blessings.

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    1. It does sound like itself, a bit. I like the idea of saying it to myself. Thank you, Deidra. I was thinking of you when I wrote that I wanted an unusual word; yours rocks (or spins, or something)! :)

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  12. Praying into your word, excited to see how God will unfold His peace in you, through you and over you!

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  13. Peace to you all year! Thanks for being an encourager!

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    1. Thank you, Chris. It's my pleasure! I've become very fond of you and your friends...

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