So, here is a little secret insight into who I am. My blog title didn’t just come about all nilly willy. I was methodical about choosing it. I really wanted my blog to have a focus on motherhood while pointing to the Divine. I have never noticed God at work so much as I have through parenting my (His) precious little children. Somehow through the banal everyday activities, God moves.
From those very first posts until now, my purpose has evolved as I have found my voice. I cannot expect everyone to notice God through their daily parenting journey, but I know that we all see the little blessings and moments of beauty that are evident even in the most unassuming places.
Though I don’t always talk about my faith, it still hides underneath the plain words of my blog. It is there, and every once in a while, I show a little glimpse of it, just because it is who I am.
This is one of those times.
A trend I have noticed these past few years is to choose a word on the cusp of the new year. This word is meant to follow you through the coming days, challenging and encouraging and reminding you of what is really important throughout the year.
I have never done this.
However, upon reflection at the end of each year, I often notice a theme emerge.
If I had to give 2012 a word, it would be survival. It was a year of new experiences and new responsibilities and a new baby. It was overwhelming and incredible and overwhelming again. I reminded myself constantly that my only goal was to survive, and to make sure my family survived too. Not a lofty goal, but an important one.
2011 didn’t have a word. It had a verse. 2011 seemed impossibly hard at times. “Survival” would have been an apt word then too, although some days I wasn’t sure how we would survive. There was one verse however that stuck with me throughout the entire year. It was a Bible verse I was challenged to memorize early in the year so I wrote it out and stuck it above my computer desk. There is sat all year. And every once in a while as I was making my way through the year that was 2011, I would glance at it and be reminded that all the crap would eventually pass and become meaningless, so I needed to press on and fix my focus.
I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize
for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14
I don’t believe it is a coincidence that I happened to put that verse on my wall. I believe it was meant to be there, and to stay much longer than I had intended it to be up. I needed that verse.
This year, I want to set some words in motion at the beginning. I want to give myself a goal and a challenge and encouragement throughout the following unknown days. And I want more than a word. I want more than just my power pushing my family and I through the year.
I need stronger Words.
2013 needs Stronger Words.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26
As I prayerfully searched for the right verse to shape my year, Psalm 73:26 stood out to me, and I realized it was the perfect response to my 2012 year. I survived 2012, but it was overwhelming. I felt weak more often than not. And so often, I felt brokenhearted.
I don’t simply want to survive 2013. I want to lean on the Power of a Strength that is more than my strength. I want Protection for my heart. I want to realize that this is all enough for me.
I want this for my family as well.
This verse will adorn our wall this year. It will hopefully pop up into my head more often than not. And it will shape my resolutions and my goals and my decisions and my finances and the way I treat those in my life.
2013 is about Heart Strength.
What word(s) are you setting out ahead of you as you enter this brand new year? Share in the comments or leave a link to a blog post in the linkup below.
I have two things to share in response to this post.
The first is that this is a great idea, and a GREAT VERSE! I’m not sure I’d pick any differently.
The second is that the verse was part of one of the worship songs at the Faith Conference I just attended and I thought you might lik eto hear it, and or have it to refer to as well. For me if a song really speaks to me I wil play it over and over and sing it all the time, and it helps guide my thoughts. The mroe I read/hear/think/pray something, the more I come to believe it and also the more it will come to mind when I need it.
Here is a video, with the lyrics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0b2GFdxuVk
Thank you so much for sharing the video. I have never heard that song, but I know that that video will help me keep my focus throughout the year!
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
You’re welcome :)
It wa sfunny cause I didn’t really liek the chorus at the time though the verses were good, but now that you explained strength of my heart I like it a lot hehe :)
I love the verse you chose! And I almost picked Phil. 3:14 for this year. :) I hope you have an amazing, blessing-filled year.
Elizabeth recently posted..a year in books
Hi Laura
Thanks for your blog and verse. It has challenged me to come up with a verse for the year and to totally trust God for things I can’t change.
Of course trusting for me is easy as God has been faithful despite family crisis and everything else over a very long time. God is faithful and will see you through it all. He never fails.
God Bless
Jane
Thanks for reading Jane! I’m so glad I could help challenge you through this. And thank you for encouraging me by reminding me how faithful God is.
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
I love this Laura.
Candice Rempel recently posted..12 pictures for 12 months
:) Thanks! I’m glad it inspired you to come up with an awesome word too!
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
Great post, Laura…and ironic, since I’ve been musing through my own thoughts on this topic over the last few days. A timely and eloquently written piece that I thoroughly enjoyed!
While I’m not “in” to making resolutions, I find myself more inspired (for lack of a better word) this year to set manageable goals. A purpose and guideline to adhere to in the coming 12 months. I’m already excited for next 1 January to look back and see what I accomplished, and what fell by the wayside. What a difference a year can make!
http://optimisticmusings.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/to-2013/
Elisabeth recently posted..To 2013
Yay! I love how motivated January makes people! :) It is so exciting!
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
I love Heart Strength. I think it’s needed, much needed, for all of us.
May your words guide you through this year.
Alison recently posted..Three
Thanks Alison. And thanks so much for being supportive of blog posts I write, even when they don’t match up with your beliefs. I love you so!
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
This is such a great verse. Choosing to overcome rather than just to survive the year is such a great goal. I know that there is SO MUCH in store for you this year. I can’t wait to read along as you continue to share your heart and your world with us. :) xo!
Courtney Kirkland recently posted..Release
You’re so sweet. Thank you friend. I’m actually kind of nervous about this coming year. I felt like so many awesome things happened in 2012, it can’t continue. But I hope I’m wrong.
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
Philippians 3:14 has basically been my life verse. I’ve loved it since high school + even did a full exegesis on it in university.
we do so need more than just our own strength to get us through the year. + I think you’ve picked a wonderful verse for 2013!
Courtney Dignam recently posted..one big intention
I know I will definitely continue to come back to Philippians 3:14. It might become my life verse too.
Laura recently posted..Little Girl in the Big City
I love that you feel that so clearly. All the best as it guides you through 2013!
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Explore: 2013