My Word for 2023
I took the first few days of this year to get reorganized, reflect, write out goals and prepare to get after this year with more focus and JOY.
My husband and I even set a lunch date to discuss our goals for 2023- personally, professionally, and as a family- that's us above ; ). It was so worth it, I can't wait to do it again!
Tell me if you can relate to this: We get ideas and visions for our life but we skip the crucial step of getting them OUT of our head and on to paper. Or we write them down but neglect to share them with each other and speak them out loud.
Guilty of that too. But the word God gave me this year set that lunch date in motion. With them written down and spoken between us, it feels like we set things in motion somehow. The bible says to write down your vision; write it clearly for all who pass it to see (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
It also says you have not because you're not asking for it (James 4:2-3)! ASK and you shall receive; SEEK and you will find; KNOCK and the door will be opened to you (Luke 11:9-10).
So what is it for you this year?
What's your vision?
What big things are you hoping for?
Have you written them down plainly?
Have you used your mouth and asked God directly?
Something I've learned is God can't answer if you don't ask. And if you're going to ASK ya gotta back that dream up with FAITH. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not (yet) seen (Hebrews 11:1). Declare what you're asking for with hopeful expectation.
Things might not pan out how you expect but that doesn't mean He hasn't heard or won't deliver. Patient endurance is one thing that doesn't come naturally to me but I know He's challenging me to build some in this season.
Which leads me to my word for the year. Have you found yours? I used to pick one on my own and it usually sounded something like fearless, conqueror, brave…it fell flat after a week. I started asking God to give me a word a couple years ago and it's been powerful. Last year it was ‘yielded’. This year my word is two-fold: It's REST which is a word He gave me a few years ago. The second part is INTENTIONAL.
Resting is not a passive thing; it’s an action. It’s not lazy or weak. It requires a lot of intention actually. This rest requires intentional effort on my part to slow down (if you know me you know that's not my preferred operating mode); intentionally get quiet with Him more often and listen to that still small voice for direction; to be very intentional with my ‘yes’ and intentional with my words, actions and habits.
This challenges me but it's also exciting. I've tried doing things on my own- stressing, striving, coming up empty and discouraged.
Ps. It SHOULD scare you! Usually what He calls you to feels scary because it makes you to grow. Sharing more about mom life, faith and fashion through the Mom Stylist has been scary! It's given me mild heart palpitations at times. But I know it's what He's called me to right now. I'm learning and growing every time I take another step and so will you.
If you haven't already, block time this week to do this exercise. Let yourself dream big ridiculous dreams and write them out. Post them where you can see them. Then speak them OUT LOUD! Ask God to direct your year with His word. Then rest in the assurance that He's heard you, He's got you, and His plan is ALWAYS good (~Jeremiah 29:11)
Let me know what you come up with! I'd love to hear it!
This honestly isn't even what I came in to write today but clearly, it's what He wanted me to share. So I hope it spoke to you.
Believe it, write it and speak it!
