*New Faith Barista Series* Today, I'm kicking off the new year with a special series for January: Soul Resolutions.
Share your One Word For 2011 at the end of today's post! Let's start the journey together and see where faith leads.When you make new year resolutions, do you think of who you are becoming more than what you want to be doing?
Resourceful.
Resilient.
Independent Thinker.
Self-reliant.
You’d think these words were used to describe a company’s ideal employee.
These are the buzz words used to describe a child. Not only would you want these keywords dotting your resume, they are traits that best-selling parenting books say you must program into your children, in order to live productive lives.
Only question is — do having these traits make you a more confident person?
In my case, the answer is no.
Detours and Roadblocks
When I took time out for some whitespace after Christmas, I enjoyed a wonderful time of counting my blessings in the last decade.
2011 isn’t just a new year. It is a step into a new decade.
Looking back, I’ve hit some pretty big detours and roadblocks.
I still remember the word from the year 2000.
Darkness.
Family fallout, ministry burnout, career uncertainty, financial scares and singleness stigma. Dreams crashing.
Guess what. I wasn’t able to avoid any of it, even though I was: resourceful, resilient, independent thinking and self-reliant.
I’ve gained and lost: family, friends and faith.
I’ve come to the shocking revelation: parts of me are fact and fiction (what I think of myself and who I am when the going gets tough).
I can be very afraid of: failure and people’s disapproval.
My body broke down: from stress, pursuing what my heart wanted, with hands that were too full.
My soul broke down: from self-reliance, getting things done and doing things right.
I grew up well according to the buzz words of success. But, I wasn’t spared the journeys through real life: our inner, spiritual lives.
What I Have Gained
What I’ve gained is faith, for every piece of me that got lost.
It is faith in Someone who loves me, who is bigger than me, and calls me His gift.
This Someone is my Abba Father, who scooped me up when I felt abandoned.
This Someone is my Best Friend, who brought me my husband, when I believed love passed me by.
This Someone is my Counselor, healing me with words that went deeper than any dream.
This Person is Jesus, who calls me to trust Him more now.
In my quiet space, as I hold my pen over a new page of life, God is telling me this —
You’ve learned to trust me when hope was a dim speck at the end of the tunnel.
Will you dare trust me now, as I teach you to walk in joy and rest?
Even though you’ve seen how dark it can get and how far the fall may be, will you be confident in me — in you?
Confidence.
My word for 2011 — for this first step into a new decade is — Confidence.
A Different Kind of Confidence
“Confidence” is the underpinning word for my 2011 Soul Resolutions, like joy and rest.
This type of confidence isn’t in my abilities.
It is a different kind of confidence, that frees us to run forward into the new year. With Him.
“Blessed is the man (woman) who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in the Lord.”
~ Jeremiah 17:7
Confidence is translated from the word “trust” in Hebrew as:
“care-free trust” and “boldness”.
You and I, we have a whole new year ahead of us.
Together, we can walk into the doing, as we grow into our becoming.
As you enter into the next chapter of your story in 2011, what is one word God is putting on our heart?
Pull up a chair. Share a comment or subscribe by email.
** Faith Barista’s January series: Soul Resolutions ** Today’s post kicks off a new series. Join me. Let’s swap stories.~~~~~
*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***
Faith Barista Jam Thursdays — I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Keep faith fresh with a faith prompt and add your voice to this community.
Today’s topic: What is one word God is putting on your heart for 2011?
Share your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link”. You can also share directly by simply commenting below.
Next Thursday 1/13: How is God calling you to be more confident or bold?
Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real. Thanks for serving your personal brews!
Build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community: Link back to Faith Barista or grab the Faith Fresh Badge to place in your post. Click here.
It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!
~~~~~
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150 Comments
i love stories of redemption and hope. thank you for sharing. happy jam day!
.-= kendal´s last blog ..cornerstone =-.
Loved your poem, Kendal. Enjoyed it to the last drop. More, please? 🙂
I so understand. I have been having to walk down a road of trusting God this last year.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Goals for 2011 =-.
You have done so beautifully, so honestly, Katie.
I reread your post on The First Kiss. It’s a great story.
And life is, indeed, always about both gaining and losing. The road to confidence is never smooth, even for those who seem to ooze it.
Thanks for hosting the jam, Bonnie.
.-= Glynn´s last blog ..An Action Verb =-.
That’s what I love about your posts. I can gather pieces of your story and see faith behind your confidence, Glynn, with each rough place you show us.
I love this, Bonnie:
Together, we can walk into the doing, as we grow into our becoming.
…and how you remind us that our confidence comes from the Lord.
Thanking Him for you and the other friends who gather here today!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Jack and Jill and the Lion =-.
Thanks sharing your wonderful word of the year, Melissa. Sweet water style. Believe.
I’m still trying to find more whitespace (I love that term). Thanks for the reminder that we’re not only in a new year but a new decade. That makes it sound even more important to make change now! I love my resolutions for this year of Depend and Delight, so today’s chance to pick one word (I chose “pleasure”) has been a great exercise for me. It fits right in with “joy” and “rest” that you mention.
Thanks, Bonnie, for starting off this new decade hosting for us!
“Together, we can walk into the doing, as we grow into our becoming.” Amen!
.-= Lisa notes…´s last blog ..A habit with an appetite- please =-.
It is. We’re gonna look back a decade later and see how this word has shaped us. Loved your word – pleasure. Take it back & share it with us, Lisa.
My word is “Patience”. The Lord started me off and running in the sea of patience. Patience in others and patience in myself. When I fail Him, as I often do, “He is faithful and just to forgive.” My desire is to do His will and when I fall short it hurts so badly, but He is so loving and patient with me. Praise His Holy Name!!
Thanks for your encouraging words.
God is so patient with us. The only way to change is through time. What a great direction to go in. Thank you for sharing your special word for the year, Miriam.
My word is “GIVE”…though I can think of many words I should focus on. At first, I thought this was all about giving to our community, but I’m already learning that it’s also about giving myself more fully to my family & to God.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share, Bonnie.
(And like Lisa, I love the term white space!)
.-= Melissa @ Breath of Life´s last blog ..Living in the Word =-.
Giving of yourself. Now, that is true giving as God says in Romans 12:1. That leads to expressing that first giving. Love it, Melissa.
Bonnie-
I got your email for the Blog topic yesterday and the funny thing was that I had basically juse written about my own “word” or for me act of faith for the New Year.
It feels like it just fits along in with what you said.
Love these JAM SESSIONS lady!
Thanks for being an inspiration.
Leanna
.-= Leanna´s last blog ..New Years Resolute =-.
Love it when that happens! So cool, Leanna!
The word for me is trust: in the Lord, in my fellow man and I mean that literally. 2010 I was supposed to get married in Sept. The night before the wedding, this man whom I had been dating for 7 months (I had known of him for about 30 years before that), became a stranger. All 4 of my children and their families were at his home. They were playing the beanbag toss game and having a wonderful time. He went crazy calling them all kinds of names, they were noisy, they were disrespectful, and on and on. It was only 10:30. The Lord saved me at the last minute and I am so very grateful. He was NOT a Christian which I thought he was so Praise God I am saved. God bless and keep praying.
Christina, your story made my heart stop, sad for the loss, but happy God reached out and saved you from such a potential heartbreak with this guy. Thank you so much for your amazing story. And now, I know God will rebuild your TRUST, as He provides the healing. He is faithful.
Didn’t think I had time to comment or post this week, but your challenge inspired me and helped me find my word. Confidence in the Lord, yes! That Jeremiah seems to have a lot to say to me these days. Thanks, once again, for your kind invitation, Bonnie. Blessings.
.-= Nancy´s last blog ..Believe =-.
So happy to see you here in the new year and hear your new word, Nancy!
I like your word. Mine is self-control.
.-= Indy´s last blog ..2011 Word of the Year =-.
Indy, I love your word. You are a bold one! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it.
[…] Linked to the Faith Barista’s Faith Jam on the New Year. Click here to read more One Word post… Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. […]
Confidence. A great word to have.
My word is not really a word, but a phrase. More of HIM and less of me. This phrase grabbed me last month as I prayed about writing and it’s permeated everything I’ve done lately.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Christmas Reflections- Reflection 4 Looking Ahead =-.
Love your phrase. May it draw your heart out to keep sharing your words, Rachel!
Care free trust and boldness. Love that. I’ve shared my word for the year on my blog. God has changed so much in me the past year and this year promises the same. Thanks for always sharing your heart and encouragement Bonnie!
.-= Amy Nabors´s last blog ..Eucharisteo =-.
I always look forward to pulling up a chair besides you, Amy! Loved hearing your word: eucharisteo!
I love how you say your pen is hovering over a new page of life. You are so awesome Bonnie. I love that you are just like me. I love that you are so honest and you reveal such raw emotions. I too experience those burnout times when my body wants to stop, when ministry feels stale, and I feel far away from God. It makes me feel good that I am not alone in those feelings.
Love Kelli
.-= Kelli´s last blog ..When God Girls Choose Sin =-.
I love how your words always go straight to the heart, taking us into yours, Kelli. Your word “Deny” stopped me in my tracks to think. Love it.
Some of us need to not only start new years or new decades, but new lives!
.-= David @ Red Letter Believers´s last blog ..I have no idea =-.
That is a powerful touch phrase – new lives, David. I want that! 🙂
I loved revisiting some of your stories, Bonnie. And I love your word…especially its root. My word for 2011 is hope…it’s related to your trust word–your confidence, as I am putting all my hope in HIM. Bless you in the coming year, friend.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Sharing Christmas =-.
Oh, Laura! Now, I get to hunt for that hope word behind your posts this year. I know it will be a seed behind the words sprouting from your heart, and poured down through your blog. So happy you shared your one word here.
I’m with Lisa, I like your use of the word “whitespace.” I don’t do that nearly often enough, although I did take 8 days away from all technology over the holidays, and it was a lovely respite.
I really like the interpretation “care-free trust” — that gives me a whole new look at the word “confidence,” which in the past I’ve always associated with myself and my own abilities. I like your twist on things here, Bonnie — you are a deep thinker!
It’s so encouraging to hear white space pulls us all together and draws us in. I’ll be writing about this more soon. 😉 I love reading your verse for the year, Michelle. Keep pouring those fresh words of yours! I love sipping them.
P.S. Is it cheating that I didn’t pick a single word, but a verse this year instead? Actually, I haven’t done the single word before…I think I may have to make that my goal for next year!
.-= Michelle DeRusha´s last blog ..New Year Verse =-.
If you know Hebrews 11 (all) and put your trust totally in the lord, you can overcome anything, If you need a miracle JUST ASK through prayer, BUT ALWAYS BE EXPECTING IT. If you don`t pray Thanksgiving everyday, why would you even think GOD is listtenning to one prayer when your in Trouble. If you know the answer to the last sentence, You already have FAITH IN GOD.
Thanks Jennifer!
This is a beautiful word, Bonnie. The definition is especially dear to me. I’ve never had that kind of confidence — it was always based on what other people thought. Never very bold, never carefree.
Happy New Year!
.-= Joy´s last blog ..The Remedy for an Ingrown Soul =-.
The definition of “confidence” made me fall off my chair, when I discovered the root word. I was like, “That’s what I want!”. It’ll take time to thread itself into me, but I’m asking for the moon from my Abba Father! I can see you are too! Loved your word cultivate, Joy!
TIME. My word, this year, is time.
In God’s time, not mine.
We’d love for you to join our OneWord2011 community! http://www.OneWord2011.com
Thanks, Erin!
Confidence indeed – not in who we are, but in Who He Is!
I’m with you on the journey
.-= HisFireFly´s last blog ..A poets New Year =-.
And I’m loving every step we take together! Keep pouring, I’m sipping!
This is my first time writing here. I have peeked at your messages for a couple weeks now, and absolutely love them. It even inspired me to start a blog of my own. However, in MY blog, I have incorporated my graphic design business. My conversations with customers are probably more personal than the average business owner, but that is just who I am. I get inspiration from the “feel” I get from their soals. If I don’t connect, and they don’t connect with me, the good work doesn’t happen.
Your word, Confidence, is one I struggle with daily, and your message today really connected with me. Thank you. My word, I think, would be COURAGE. Courage goes along with confidence, but maybe takes it a bit further. I can have confidence, but do I have the Courage to show it? Not really. This is something I have to work on. God has been pointing me in directions I have not taken, and I need the Courage to take those paths. I have faith that He is with me as I go, and will shine light along the way, but there is still a bit of dark shadows that are very scary. Such as putting myself out here like this… but I am doing it!
Thank you for your inspiration, for your openness and healthy positive attitude. I plan on having coffee with you every time your messages come across my desk.
I think you showed a lot of courage by integrating the real you in your business. It takes faith to do something different, but greater faith to be someone different for Him. And I see that in how you express yourself in your business blog. You’re doing it and I’m so glad you shared this piece of your story here, Amy! So glad you decided to add your voice here, Amy! Yay!
[…] on fresh importance in 2011 for other Christian bloggers by starting with Bonnie Gray’s post: “What Builds Your Confidence?” Share and […]
How great that you’re able to articulate what you’ve gained and what God’s telling you! I love that Hebrew word.
A college friend who studied Latin told me that the English word “confidence” comes from the Latin, “con fide” — “with faith.” Cool, huh?
Monica, I love that! Thank you for sharing that definition of confidence. My name, Elisabeth, means consecrated to God, but a couple years ago he gave me a new name: confidence. Only through him, I say, only his work in me will give me confidence. But yes, “with faith” is right on and I can live that out. God bless you for sharing.
.-= Beth Werner Lee´s last blog ..update 1-1-11 =-.
I so loved that, Monica. You just blessed me big time. After all, this is my word for the year. What a gift you dropped her. Pasted it in my journal!
Thank you for your definition of the Word Confidence. It seems we always need reminding to go back to our source of everything, which is Jesus Christ. Shalom to you and yours
Shalom, Marisol. What wonderful reminder you voice here! Happy New Year!
It’s so encouraging to read how God has carried you through so much crushing adversity. We are not abandoned indeed, even if circumstances can be so overwhelming. This post is a great example of how God is using you to ministry to so many. There is heartbreak indeed, but we do have hope. Thanks for calling attention to God’s faithfulness and encouraging us to depend on him.
We don’t always get the comfort of other believers en route. I’m so thankful for your words and encouragement, Ed! Your words are “redemptive” — loved your word of the year! 🙂
I didn’t know about your blog carnival when I scheduled my post for today, “2nd Annual Give Me a Word”:
http://writingwithoutpaper.blogspot.com/2011/01/2nd-annual-give-me-word.html
I participated in the Abbey of the Arts’ “Give Me a Word” last year and did so again for 2011. My word (and others’ responses) are reflected in the Wordle I posted today. My word is “connections”.
.-= Maureen (Mo)´s last blog ..Ben Thomas and Leo Bridles Train of Thought =-.
I remember you shared the Abbey of Arts post last year 2010 and that’s inspired me. Thanks for letting me know about Wordle, Mo! Reflects the power of your word of the year, “Connections”. So blessed we have our connection.
Care free trust-trusting without thinking about it, without analyzing it-that’s the word.
Thanks, Bev!
Bonnie, sounds like we are on similar paths this year! I have felt that confidence leading up to and entering this year. God promises and word feel so alive and rich and strong. That’s why I want to move into being Fearless. Excited to see how God reveals Himself in all our lives. Thanks for the encouragement!
.-= jasonS´s last blog ..Fear Less or Fearless =-.
We are definitely on similar paths, Jason. Let’s step out and do this year Fearless, even if we feel fear. “Do. Not try.” With the Spirit’s force, of course! 😉 Totally loved your one word Fearless & the post that went with it.
[…] post has been linked to Alece’s One Word Community and Bonnie’s Soul Resolutions! Share and enjoy: This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. Post a […]
I loved this post on confidence, maybe because Trust was my word. Maybe because I can relate to the tragedy off loss, and yet see what I have gained because of His great love.
It is faith in Someone who loves me, who is bigger than me, and calls me His gift.
Thanks again for another honest post. God bless 🙂
.-= Dunlizzie´s last blog ..One Word for the New Year =-.
“I can relate to the tragedy off loss, and yet see what I have gained because of His great love. ” So well said, Dunlizzie! Enjoyed your TRUST post very much. Heard your heart.
Oh Bonnie, I want confidence, too. Confidence in Jesus, in who He is making me to me. I love your 2011 word. I love how you got there.
I love these Jams. Thanks for letting me be a part!
.-= Charity Singleton´s last blog ..Empty an adjective =-.
I love reading how you got to your one word, Empty, too! Learned so much about you, esp. the heart behind your voice. Enjoying you in this, Charity!
That’s exactly the kind of confidence I need!
.-= Mama Zen´s last blog ..Mad Minute =-.
Thanks, Mama Zen!
What a wonderful word! With God all things are possible. With confidence in God you know in your heart of hearts those aren’t just words.
.-= Sheryl´s last blog ..One Word =-.
Sheryl, It was awesome to hear your word of the year, in the mist of your recovery. What a heart you open up for us. Thank you!
Bonnie, I really like how you displayed that brokenness is often the result of sought after characteristics such is self-reliant. Wonderful story of hope and God’s redemptive work.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..Headed Out- But… =-.
It’s encouraging to hear the words connected in a way that spoke God’s heart. What a gift your words are! Thanks, Wanda!
Hi Bonnie, thank you for hosting another jam session. I began writing my post last week and chuckled when I saw your words here today:
“Together, we can walk into the doing, as we grow into our becoming.”
Becoming is very much part of my new year journey.
I especially enjoyed reading the glimpse of why confidence, i.e., care-free trust, is your word for 2011. Looking forward to hearing more from you, as always.
New year blessings to you!
.-= Donna´s last blog ..Becoming =-.
I so loved your word, Becoming. That is the end game in these words. It’s moving us out, so He can change us. So enjoyed your post, Donna. Love pulling up a chair together.
Indeed the word Trust stands out for me. I have already a made very big decision so early in the year all based on trust. Was it scary… Yes.. Should we trust.. Yes.
Hi Tony, thanks for adding the word trust with this community & taking time to share!
[…] Soul Resolutions: What Builds Your Confidence? by Bonnie Gray (Faith Barista). Read Bonnie’s wonderful encouragement and check out all the great posts to this week’s faith jam. […]
Bonnie – you are a gift from God! I am so glad God pointed me to your blog! It encourages and inspires! I have come through a desert season in my life and your proclaiming God’s Word has been an oasis. I thank God for your gift of writing and look forward to sharing our faith journey together! Happy Blessed, Abundant and let us not forget “CONFIDENT” New Year!
Peace to you!
.-= CK´s last blog ..Preparation for CHRISTmas =-.
CK, how you’ve encouraged my soul, friend! My words an oasis… Thank you for dropping this GIFT in my heart and reflecting God’s voice of confidence. Do you have a one word for 2011? I’d love to cheer you on!
Bonnie – without a doubt my word is”CONFIDENCE”! When life throws you disease, fear, hardship, anxiety, loss, and doubt – God says, “You can do all things through Christ Who gives you strength!” Phil 4:13 I have a new blog coming called Chrysalis Gifts – because transformation is a a gift from God! Be blessed!
I’m sharing Monday’s post where I wrote about where my three words are leading me. I even started a Facebook page based on them.
Walking with you into this new decade with courage and confidence!
.-= Sandra Heska King´s last blog ..Window on Writing- I’ve Been Published! =-.
Oopsie. It wasn’t Monday’s post. It was my New Year’s Eve post. Can I still play?
.-= Sandra Heska King´s last blog ..Window on Writing- I’ve Been Published! =-.
Absolutely! So glad you did! Otherwise, I would’ve missed out on your Deep See Dives. May God blessed many by your encouragement rich expeditions!
My word for the year will be hope.
.-= Helen´s last blog ..Merry Twelfth Day of Christmas =-.
Helen, so good to see you! Thanks for dropping by and sharing your special word of the year! Hope is such a wonderful one to choose!
Confidence, not as the world gives. I can see it clearly here in your words. My two words are: Breathe and Simplify. I’m still awaiting a third word, but so far, no confirmation.
.-= Cheryl Smith´s last blog ..It’s Christmas Eve in Our House =-.
Cheryl, breathe and simply are a soul-filling match. I’m imagining a re-filling year of going deeper and feeling lighter. Please share more as your journey unfolds. Would love to share in your discoveries.
I chose read.
I don’t want to just believe what people tell me. I want to learn. I want to absorb. I want to live a more informed voter, a better person, and a better writer.
That’s what I wrote about on Thursday.
.-= Nikole Hahn´s last blog ..Guest Blog- Help Support A Missions Trip To India =-.
Yep. You are an independent thinker, always carrying encouragement in your pocket for us. Keep sharing with us, Nikole & godspeed on your writing entry for Women of Faith!
Bonnie, I can tell by the way that you talk about God that you have a wonderful relationship with Him. Your words don’t have any pretense behind them but rather come from the good kind of familiarity. I’m always impressed when I encounter those kinds of believers.
You’re 100% correct when you differentiate between what we do and who we’re becoming and I think that’s a bigger piece to consider when we start a new year and make our (honestly) ridiculous resolutions.
I want abs this year. Will it happen? I hope everyone that reads that laughs because it’s a gross cliche. Those mean next to nothing and are a great expression of my vanity. I want to be… this year though… that’s where it’s at.
Bonnie, you’re a great thinker!!!
.-= Jake´s last blog ..Claire =-.
I took you to meant you want “abs” and “be” to be your matching words of the year. On the abs, my advice is no curly fries for you! 🙂 As for Be? Gonna love where that takes you. Keep serving up your words, Jake. You’ve got a signature roast brewin’.
Your list of gains/losses, shocking revelations, fears, body and soul breakdown is so similar to mine. But, the beauty and freedom of what we gained by letting our loving Father take us through it all, is so worth it!
I celebrate your word with you. I celebrate the many words that support “Confidence” and for myself, “Refresh”.
A new decade. More living. Freer living. More faith in Him to live.
Love your Hawaii sistah,
Jeri
.-= Jeri @godsdreamsforme´s last blog ..Refreshing Myself – Refreshing Others =-.
I LOVE your word, Jeri! It’s a word from my past years that is continuing to feed more today! So happy you chose it! Loved your refresh post, too!
Thank You so much Bonnie 😀
.-= Jeri @godsdreamsforme´s last blog ..Refreshing Myself – Refreshing Others =-.
Bonnie,
Funny…in my prayer this evening, “confidence” was the desire that the Lord put on my heart. This post confirmed my prayer!
Peace…and Happy New Year!
.-= Fr. Michael´s last blog ..Jesus and a Two-Dollar Bill =-.
Wow. That is exciting. Sitting right next to you, at our Lord’s feet, as we listen and learn “confidence” – care free trust and boldness. What will that look like Fr. Michael? Can’t wait to see. Thanks for taking time to pop in. Happy new year, friend!
[…] Here it is. A picture of our One Word For 2011. […]
I’ve been doing a “one word” for several years now…last year it was “jubilee” and I had no idea what that meant – so I did a whole study on it and saw how God made it fit — it was my “year of Jubilee” as I turned 50 that year – so the time leading up to it was my year of celebration!! It WAS a good year – an AMAZING year!! (and my post 50 time has been less than celebratory…sigh…just a season…)
This year, the word has been “intentional”. To do things with purpose. Not flying by the seat of my pants, but to plan things out and make them happen. It will take a new discipline in me to make this work, but I know HE can do it!! Everything from sending birthday cards “in time” or making phone calls when God prompts, I want to do it, and I feel that He has put some of these “turning 50 issues” in my path to slow me down, to give me space to be more “intentional” in the many ways He’s leading me.
Blessings of grace, peace and love to you all as we are led by Him into this new year, this new decade…
.-= marina bromley´s last blog ..Great is Thy Faithfulness =-.
MY ONE WORD FOR THIS YEAR IS TRUST.
Hi Bonnie, that word would be BALANCE. It’s key in my life and something that needs to be instituted. :=) Thanks for the opportunity to share. I know it’s too late to make the One Word for 2011 Soul Resolutions and maybe it’s already there … we just need to know to have it.
.-= Kissie´s last blog ..4 Blogging Tips from Ted Williams =-.
[…] Click here to share a your “One Word” post or just leave a comment. […]
Yes, I do look for the worst and hope for the best. This year I am with you Bonnie on having this new kind of confidence. God has shown me such amazing things about myself this past year. But I’m still a work in progress. I’am so very excited to see what he holds for me this year. So for me faith and trust go with that confidence. This year I am going to have his confidence as I trust Him and walk out in faith. Thank you Bonnie for your insight it so encourages me.
I can honestly say I don’t expect the worse and hope for the best. I pray, pray, pray and try and listen to that sweet, small voice that will tell me what to do. I always hope for the best because we are God’s children and He wants the best always for us. God bless Love in the Lord
“Blessed is the man (woman) who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in the Lord.” ~ Jeremiah 17:7
Thank you so much for your scripture on Confidence as well as how you came to your definition. Yes I agree our confidence has to be on our Lord and on who He is. Ah what a joy and privileged to trust in the Lord.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,
but we trust the name of Yahweh our God. ~Psalm20:7
What a beautiful scripture from Jeremiah you found Faith! Thank you for reminding us to Look Up not Down. He loves us – yesterday, today and forever.
Love to you and yours,
Claire
.-= Claire Vorster´s last blog ..Transformation =-.
You know my one word – JOY. And I hope you also know how much of it you bring to my heart. So grateful for you, friend!
.-= Holley Gerth´s last blog ..How to stop worry from winning =-.
My word for 2011 is change and from the looks of things tonight, they may be changing earlier than I thought.
[…] you haven’t done it, share your One Word here on Faith Barista ( Click here to submit your One Word post or word. […]
My word this year is JOY. The JOY of the Lord is my salvation. Seeing the JOY in simple things every day. My father spelled JOY like this:
J = Jesus
O = Others
Y = You
I am encouraged to see the JOY of the Lord in all I do, and scatter that JOY everywhere I go, to everyone I meet.
The year 2011 had a rocky start for my family. Tragedy struck on week one. As I throw myself into the arms of Jesus, I realize that I never want to be anywhere else. In the cleft of the Rock is the only safe place. My word for 2011 is TRUST. Trust in the One who can shelter me in the storm. The storms will come…and keep coming…but Jesus holds us so that only what He allows can touch us.
Hi Bonnie! I am new to your blog and love how it feels here. The words that have been placed on my heart and keep rising are “Be Still.” They ground me and show me that God is completely able and willing. In this stillness I can let go of my own voice and listen for His, letting Him guide and teach me. It requires Trust which was my word last year and I’m still practicing :). It is amazing how these words work together!
My word is self-assurance
“FABULOUS”
I just turned 40…and I will celebrate and get excited that I have been blessed with another year and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, MY GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!
Blessings Tina
STRENGTH
My one word that God gave me for 2011 is “plans.” He has good plans for me this year Jer 29:11
I hope it is not too late to add my word, but it is FEARLESS! I have live in fear most of my 50 years…and I want this year to be the year that I put all my faith in the Lord to be fearless and lead the life I want to live and not the life someone else has wanted me to live.
.-= Patty Coleman´s last blog ..THE KNIGHTLY NEWS- Would YOU like to go to Egypt =-.
Purity. Getting the message of being the Bride of Christ down into the core of my being: holy, honored, and loved regardless of where life has taken me.
My one word would have to be Transformation. I’m transforming not only my body (getting healthier, etc.), but myattitude, mind & soul. I want to be the woman of Christ that God expects me to be.
Jeremiah 17:7 is my life verse – – I love it in the amplified version “Most blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in and hopes in the Lord and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.”
Thank you for being such a blessing unto us!
My word is HOPE. I have recently experienced the devastating loss of my 22 year-old son, Andrew, to suicide. I am clinging to Romans 15:13: “May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
It´s amazing how God is so personal to each and every one of His precious daughters and sons…
As I was reading a lot of the post… I find God´s love is softly sewing his story in each of our lives…
God placed in my heart, three words for me this year… HOPE… TRUST… LOVE…
Thanks for making us share our words, so we can see God is working in all of us!!!
My One Word is: Wholeness
Thank you for reminding me what I learned/realized months ago, that 2010 was the end of the last decade…not the beginning of the new one.
2010 I asked God, persued God, to take from me (my body) ANYTHING that was not working for the kingdom; not producing good fruit. In June I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, an enlarged heart, “a touch” of heart disease (?) and Hypertension. WOW…my mind stopped and God began speaking; you can read ‘My Story’ on my blog if you so desire.
All of 2010 I desired wellness…then God sweetly whispered Wholeness to me…Wholeness. I would end 2010 one of the most important legs of this journey I am on…Wholeness!
Thank you,
Andrea
.-= Andrea Hutchinson´s last blog ..One Word for 2011 =-.
My one word is FIGHT. From the perspective of FIGHT to do what God wants you to do – sometimes that as simple (not really) as getting up early to read and pray. Still struggling with that one.
It is good to have one word to focus on, and apply that to all areas of your life.
My word for 2011 is JOY – which is not the same as happiness. I’m so thankful that my heart and soul can be filled with JOY no matter what circumstances I may be facing.
My word is “boldly”, from Hebrews 4:16. I’ve been living undercover, it seems, hiding the real me to better blend in. Time to approach life boldly, honestly, authentically, as we are called to do.
Hi! I found this a bit late, but i’ll add that my word is “Hope”
Thanks for your words!
This is a great and encouraging blog, and I’m glad I found it!
.-= Merissa´s last blog ..greater things are yet to come =-.
[…] area I’d like to be more confident in is: Expressing Joy — in bold and care-free […]
Trust
I heard about this concept of “one word” on KLOVE and now here it is again. My one word for 2011 is fearless. That’s what I would like to be. 2010 was the worst year of my life and there are soooo many things to be fearfull about but I know that the opposite of fear is trust so I will trust in the Lord more this year and fear less.
The word that has been on my heart is “obedience” and it terrifies me. I am fearful of all that that word entails and what will be asked of me in the upcoming year. And yet, I know from past experience and from my faith, that God will always hold me in His hand and carry me even through the growing pains. Thank you for forcing me to face my one word and admit it outloud, so to speak.
Balance. My word for 2011. After reading your prompt, I thought hard about what my response might be. Patience? Gratitude? Health?
I slept on it. When I woke just before dawn, the word “Balance” echoed softly in my thoughts. There it was. I know He whispered it to me . That simple. It makes perfect sense, and addresses so many aspects of everyday life. My life.
Thank you Bonnie, for your inspiration, which I just discovered a day ago, through (in)courage. I will visit often
Blessings to you, your writers, and your readers.
My one word is Speak Up. Okay, two words technically.
Cause I’m afraid to.
Cause I might be heard wrong. Might sound pharasaical or hypocritical.
Cause I am uncertain if I see things right…or am judging wrong.
But I started.
I asked for help for my kid who can’t spell, more than that she has perhaps what you’d call anxiety attacks about spelling…and so I asked for help. Then after the last attack I told her it’s not so much that I want her to be good at spelling as that I want to get her over the “I can’t do it” hump to where she can say, “I can do it, it’s just hard.” So far the request for help has been heard and the process of getting help (from the local public school no less) has been good. Hope.
I’m still quite a bit scared.
But glad to be here.
.-= Beth Werner Lee´s last blog ..update 1-17-11 =-.
Bonnie…i joined really late…but you still had it open…my one word is HOME…in a year where our physical space of home is extremely unstable and we transition to move overseas…it’s the true HOME I’m clinging to…thanks for this!
[…] we step out into a heightened focus around our One Words for 2011, we need to be careful of our inner critic, who loves to zero in on our weaknesses and […]
Fulcrum. That God must be my fulcrum, my support, what balances me and yet holds me firm to him. It was something that my boys learned about this year in our homeschool and it reappeared as I was finishing “HAVING A MARY SPIRIT IN A MARTHA WORLD.” How often do you read a book that has the work “fulcrum” in it. It just stood out to me. Praying for FULCRUM when my days and may faith seem lopsided. Thanks for your posts. They are inspiring. 🙂
“Care-free trust.” Love that!
I’m late to the party, but I just have to share my word. Balance. It’s elusive, but I’m on the hunt.
A while back, you wrote about the word confidence being “the underpinning word”.
I so like that expression. I felt I needed such an underpinning for my word. So I have two: “See” and “Confidence”.
A few months ago, I found myself once again frustrated because I had misplaced something. So I began to pray, “Lord, help me to see what I cannot see.” I pray it often now for there are many things in life I cannot see. This is my year to See and my confidence is in the Lord to open my eyes and give me the direction that I need.
Bonnie,
I am just stopping in to share my One Word for 2011. It is a borrowed word from Christy of Critty Joy–FREEDOM. More of a composite really . . . hope/freedom. I may post soon but, just in case I do not get a chance to include it, I wanted to let you know here.
This is such a wonderful idea. It is my hope–my prayer–to find true freedom and peace in Him.
**Also, I left a comment regarding your recipe for fried rice. I would love for you to forward it to my email.
Thank you,
Ginger
My word is JOY.
Nehemiah 8:10b “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” My thoughts were penned @ http://clpcs-betterispossible.blogspot.com/2011/01/twenty-second-post-joy.html
Make the God of grace and peace bring much joy to the forefront of your day (year)…
Blessings,
Carol
[…] you’re wondering whether it’s too late to focus in on your One Word For 2011, it’s not. You have a second chance because this week, Chinese people are celebrating the […]
“Freedom” Freedom of all that binds me.
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my one word – FAITH – I must have faith in him and myself to make it through this year. It got me through the last one. FAITH — I can do this with HIM on my side.
my one word for 2012 is faithfulness. be faithful to the lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins,and forgave us all. for Christ is are salvation with eternal life,love him,beleive in him.
[…] went back to read the One Words we shared in 2012 and 2011. As I clicked through your soul-inspiring blog posts, I understood the beauty of what we’ve […]
[…] throwing these promises into the mix of doubts, and I’m stepping out with just one word. I’m focused on who I’m becoming, to give me confidence in the […]
[…] If you are interested in this concept please read Bonnie’s post https://www.thebonniegray.com/2011/01/what-builds-your-confidence/ […]