It’s a special day. Something beautiful is happening. Can you hear it?
It’s the sound of your voice. And mine. Here in this quiet and soulful space.
We’re launching our first Beloved Brews Linkup. Let’s become the Beloved in 2015. Writing intentionally with Jesus — with our whole heart. Every Thursday here.
Because yes, research has shown that it improves our physical and emotional well-being. By writing 15-20 minutes of expressive writing just three or four times in the course of four months, we can feel better.
But, there’s another reason for why we feel better when we write. God made us to be known.
Like Adam and Eve, who never felt shame. We often think about how they started hiding their bodies after the fall.
But, I think about their conversations before the fall. I think they were unguarded, free and beautiful, just like the world around them.
They lived whole-hearted. We’re going to to do the same. We are going to become the beloved — by being known.
Because whole-hearted writing is a special kind of writing. It comes from the soul. It is prayer.
Dare to become the Beloved in 2015. Start today. I’m sharing my One Word for 2015 below. I’d love to hear yours.
To celebrate our Beloved Brews Launch, I have a special giveaway below! But, first, let me share how the Beloved Brew works and serve up next week’s writing prompt too.
1) To join this linkup, please use the Beloved Brews Badge in your blog post & place a link back to http://bit.ly/belovedbrews in your post. It’s a welcome sign, so we can recognize you are part of this community when we visit & invites others to join.
2) To link up: click the blue linkup button at the end of today’s post to submit the url of your blog post. You can also join by sharing a comment.
3) Visit & comment on the post before yours. Saying hi refreshes the heart when you feel heard.
Today’s 1/15/15 Writing prompt: What is your One Word for 2015?
Next Thursday’s 1/22/15 Writing Prompt: What I Love To Do that Feeds My Soul
What’s my One Word for 2015?
Before I sat down to write a letter to God for the new year, I didn’t know what the word of the year was going to be.
Is it rest? After all, that is the name and topic of the book I just released, right?
As you know, since I shared my letter by posting it on (in)courage earlier this week, I didn’t begin my letter asking God for my One Word for 2015. I started it by sharing my feelings with him.
As the words flowed, I realized that what I really needed wasn’t a word.
Maybe what I need is to be loved. Maybe what I need is to become His Beloved.
That would mean I’d have to choose to do things that I love.
This was really scary and sad at the same time.
Because what I didn’t tell you earlier is this: my letter to God actually continued.
I asked little girl Bonnie what she’d love to do.
Breaking Down
And when I did, I wrote the words “Things I LOVE” with a smiley face doodled next to it at the top of my spiral notebook journal. And then I started spontaneously scribbling down a list of things that I love — a whole notebook page worth — until I scrunched as many words as I could in between my college-ruled lines.
Then, I turned to a fresh new page and titled it “Things I DON’T LIKE (yuck!)” with a frowny face drawn next to it. And then, lo and behold, my pen started furiously writing down everything that splashed into my mind, like a tsunami of words flooding the room of my heart.
I started writing down traits of people that started stressing me out, but they were voices I was letting have room in my life.
To balance it out, I went back to my “Things I LOVE” page and started writing down traits of people that make feel comfortable, happy and refreshed. And I realized that stress-inducing people that fall into the (yuck!) side were taking the majority of my time in my head space, while the soul-refreshing people on my LOVE side were being crowded out.
When my pen stopped writing, I stopped to read lists on both sides, and I just started breaking down crying.
Beloved Experiment
I was spending all my time during the day doing Things I Don’t Like because I felt obligated, should, didn’t-want-to-miss-out, I better-or-else — and I wasn’t doing any of the Things I Love. If I was doing any Things I Loved, it was only with the leftover slivers of time and energy having spent it already on the the Things I Don’t Like list.
It was overwhelmingly sad, coming to terms with the truth of how I’ve chosen to spend my energies and time on. Due to fear.
But, it was also overwhelming powerfully awakening. Because it dawned on me.
My One Word for 2015 is God’s invitation: Beloved.
What if I actually did the stuff listed in my “Things I Love” this year?
What if — as a Beloved experiment — I actually stopped doing “Things I Don’t Like”?
It’s kind of scary, because I’ve done the “Things I Don’t Like List” for so long, it’s become part of my identity – other people’s expectations of me.
My Answer
Beloved has been my One Word for two years during my journey through panic attacks.
2013, God wanted me to heal me, so he said — Write broken. Write as my Beloved. 2014, God wanted me to free me, so he whispered — Tell your story. You are my Beloved.
This year, God is asking me to follow Him — Do what you love. Become my Beloved.
I am answering —
Yes, Lord. Help me. To choose what I love.
Help me. To become the Beloved. Your Beloved.
“I run in the path of your commandments,
for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:32
~~~~~
What is your One Word for 2014?
Pull up a chair. Click to comment. You’ll be entered to win $100 worth of Words Matter Letterpress Blocks, so you can build your One Word!
DaySpring’s Words Matter Letterpress Blocks Giveaway
To celebrate Beloved Brews & One Words for 2015
I’m super excited about today’s giveaway! One Winner will be randomly selected to win $100 worth of Words Matter Letterpress Blocks. (U.S. residents only)
I just made my One Word for 2015 and you can build yours too. Just click here to use Dayspring’s online interactive tool & you can even share what you’ve built on Facebook (use hashtag #BelovedBrews and it’ll be an extra entry.)
TO ENTER:
Enter by Monday Midnight 1/19/15 (U.S. residents only):
1. Share a comment.
2. Extra entry: Link up your One Word post (please use the Beloved Brews Badge).
3. Extra entry: Use the interactive Words Matter tool & share your word on FB. Use hashtag #BelovedBrews and leave a comment letting me know.
Our Spiritual Whitespace (Face)Book Club Begins Next Thursday
Grab a copy of the book & your journal ready!
Serve up your Beloved Brew. Soulful Writing.
Whole-hearted. You & Jesus.
{email subscribers, click here to link up your post in the Beloved Brews Linkup.}
168 Comments
Identity. That’s my word, I think. I need to identify that I am a believer more than a former Mormon or a former failure or a thousand other things that, in the past, I have knit my identity together with rather than remembering, as you said, I am beloved in His sight. I like what you said…to live whole heartedly.
step into that quiet place where you are the beloved. where there is no other labels or names, except the one God whispers on your heart. thnx for sharing your “identity” one word. what a beautiful journey He’s with you on this year, Sister Sarah!
I love words, So your challenge to come up with a word for 2015 is very difficult, because I love so many of them.. When I first read this, I asked God and the words that popped into my head, go hand in hand with becoming His Beloved… Those words are “BE PURSUED”.
My tendency is to want to remain in control and thus be the pursuer of anything related to my life and goals and direction. I have a hard time waiting to be pursued by anyone, including God.
So here I am, waiting on God who longs to woo me unto himself and teach me what it’s like to be truly loved, pampered, and be treated as the Beloved of God. Now it’s just a matter of trust in whatever comes next. I am praying for rest to notice what He brings to me. For acceptance of His gifts as is, without discontent at what I have not been given or in the search for what’s next. And for ability to accept that I am worthy of being pursued.
Let the adventures begin:)
Bless you, Sister Sarah! I belonged to a (christian) fundamentalist cult and can empathize with the need for identity. I was recently challenged to go through lists of what I liked and what I disliked. Me, not what I’d been influenced to like to and be and it was refreshing and I’m awakening to identity even in this simple way. Prayers and hugs as we all awaken to who we’ve been created to be. Daughters, unique, creative and beautiful with our own minds, thoughts and voices. (((HUG!)))
Bonnie, I really love your One Word: Beloved, and I look forward, always, to reading your words. You are such an encouragement to me in becoming the Beloved, and also in being authentic and real. Sending love and prayers for you …
it’s going to be very nice to write alongside each other and make our way, Cherry … and see what God whispers into our words, as we pour them out. love your pray.love.listen. One Word heartbeats for this year. #kindreds
I loved your article today!! I, too, do my “don’t likes” and fail to get around to my “do likes”. I have spent the 65 years of my life taking care of others, but never taking much time to take care of me! My word for this year was “surrender” and I wanted to surrender all my cares and burdens… but I realize I also need to surrender to the joy buried deep inside, waiting to come forward. Thank you for your words that open my eyes and heart.
i can’t tell you how excited i was when i read the end of your words, cindy… *surrender to joy* .. this. this. is from the One who calls you His. you are His beloved. thank you for sharing your #belovedbrew words here with us. #Godisspeaking
My word for 2015 is RENEW.
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18, 19 ESV)
My theme word for 2015 is Renew as I look forward to God transforming and renewing me in order to bring about productive change in my life that brings glory to Him. Showing me and leading me on new paths in new directions to places of joy and provision. Places where I find energy for my soul as I commune with Him and serve others.
brenda, thank you for sharing your #belovedbrew here with us this morning. and sharing what you’ve heard listening. how beautiful this journey of RENEW.. and where He will take you. #becomethebeloved
Dear Bonnie,
Happy New Year to you & Family. Your on e word Beloved is very encouraging. I have chosen mine, and it has to do with a personality in the New Testament, Barnabas, Son of Encouragement. So my word is “encouragement.” I firmly believe in the unbelievable power of words to harm or uplift, so I choose to have my words be an encouragement to others I interact with in my daily activities in this ever darkening world. I pray you will keep up your writing, I identify so much with your battles with such strong anxiety, as to make it hard to breathe at times. Have a good week, be well and safe.
Thank you for your courage to speak of the hard things. Now others, myself included, can be brave too!
My word for the year is EXPECTANT.
I do not know what Father will do this year, but I expect it to be more than I can ask or think.
He has cleared my path in 2014. I am expectant to see just where it will lead to in 2015.
loved enjoying your post, deborah. just whole-hearted writing. beautiful soul-to-soul. real. live. thank you.
Hi Bonnie,
My words for 2015 are Joy and Kingdom. Kingdom was whispered to me months ago and it seems fitting that God has spoken the word Joy to my heart. Keep doing the things you love, the ones that bring you the most joy…you are special Kindred and your words, a blessing!
I love how God can work in our lives through one word for the year. My word this year is STEP, which follows LAUNCH last year. God’s moving me into new territory, a new calling – so last year I began to launch and this year I know He has a number of next steps to take in faith and obedience. Excited, yet nervous, for what this next year holds! But I know if I follow the steps He lays before me, it’ll bring me closer to Him.
My One Word was not my first choice, but God impressed upon me to take Growth. Linked up my post on why I hesitated choosing it. Fun to have the prompts back, Bonnie. Beloved is a wonderful word to hold onto.
I am accepted!
My word is happy followed by health. After reading your book, which I loved and found myself completely relating to, decided this next step is perfect for me.
[…] & Bonnie Gray {Faith Barista} […]
2015 word: Magnify
*also keeping surrender & trust ; ) from 2014
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
I remember when I first heard Kay Arthur say beloved . . . then Beth Moore and I was like what are they talking about ??? . . . so I did the research and wow! I never would have even considered myself as God’s beloved but after much healing and love from Him . . . I know, by His miraculous grace/love, I am . . . His Beloved. Just love GOD!!! Praying for you continually Bonnie as the Lord uses you.
Oh, Bonnie, how this touches my soul. I have been working the “thing I don’t love” list for so long! It time to live Beloved! Thanks so much for this and for sharing your heart!
My word for 2015 is ‘clarity’– to hear what the Father’s is saying above all the noise– to know the heartbeat of God– what He wants.
God has impressed a word on my heart every year. 2012 was ‘create’ — to carve something beautiful out of the chaos in my life. I started a women’s group and I saw Him healing broken hearts and pour out His love for us. I converted an unused living room into my quiet time space. Last year’s word was ‘walk’. I walked through the Bible unhurriedly with the Holy Spirit and it brought me so much joy and closeness to Him that I haven’t experienced in decades. The words in the Bible cam alive!
I pray that God heals the hearts of everyone who reads your blog and fill them with joy overflowing– above and beyond what the enemy has stolen. God bless you.
My one word for this year is PEACE! Peace in my heart and mind…..peace that only the love of Jesus can give.
Love reading your work! Always and encouragement.
I m waffling a tad, Bonnie, as I make sure I have hearing God correctly! I am moving from the word PEACE to the word RISE! I believe this is the year God will be calling us(me) to rise! Rise to speak His Word, write His word; RISE to become the beloved in every way…. to listen to the still, small voice of His calling daily, throughout the day, and rise to do, say, become whatever He is speaking. Rise to be His bride, Rise to help others, Rise to spend quiet moments with Him, receiving love, instruction, courage, healing. This year those healing and healed will rise up to help others along our same journey. We rise up in our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits! Thanks Bonnie!
Hi Bonnie! I don’t think I have time today to write a blog post (which is awkward in light of what you wrote) but I wanted to greet you here, quickly, and say that the word I am coming to, sabbath (or Jubilee?) falls very close to what you wrote about. So, thank you. Maybe it’s not because of lack of time I can’t write yet, maybe God is still teaching me about the word for the year. But I aim to write on Saturday, and link up then.
My word is “Simplify” so I can focus my heart, mind and actions on Him and the things that really matter . . .
The last few years have been very hard for me. They have been years of healing but I’ve also fallen away in my walk with the Lord and haven’t been in church due to some hurts two years ago. My faith is as strong as ever but my heart and soul are weary. I wasn’t sure about having a word for 2015 and didn’t pray for one or anything but one day when reading an email devotion that I receive daily my word found me and spoke loudly to me. God wrote the word SOAR on my heart for this year and honesty it scared me a bit and overwhelms me to think about this word knowing how far from walking right with God I have fallen. I can’t see through the brush and brambles sometimes to see the open sky let alone know how God is going to lead me to soar this year. But I do know that God is faithful, He is loving and kind and can heal every bit of my broken heart and life. I am excited but unsure of how to begin.
Thank you dear heart for always being so open and sharing Gods work in your life because it is an inspiration.
Have so enjoyed your story, Bonnie, because you are so real. God has used you in a miraculous way:) My word for 2015 is “renew”.
Gratitude…..dwelling on not only God’s bountiful blessings and gifts spiritually, but those more tangible ones as well. Relationship difficulties in family seem to always bubble to the top, I CHOOSE, to be grateful!
trust…that’s where I need to begin whenever I am dealing with fear! thank you for such good and true words!
[…] with Beloved Brews Thursday @ Faith Barista. Fellow writers in Bonnie’s community are sharing their […]
My one word for 2015 is Grace.
I am learning that in order to give it, I first need to receive it. From myself most of all. It is not easy since it was never modeled for me during my growing up years. My husband also has not lived in an environment of grace so our home is not abundant with grace.
I cannot, but God can. He is so gently walking me along this path and showing me the opportunities to give it and receive it.
Thanks for your post.
My word is Believe
My word is HOPE. So need it!
My hope was originally intentional, then I cheated and decided it was two words: intentional plodding. The more I think about it, the more important I know it is going to be for me to plod! To Just. Keep. Going. Hoping I managed to link-up right, it’s my first time doing something like this. Excited to get to know a new community! (And keep intentionally plodding along with my new blog!)
My word for at least for now is “Survival”. I’d like it to be something else like “Trust”, but for the past few months, I decided I’m not going to lie. I know that seems strange, but I’m not going to pretend that things are hard and I’m doing fine. I’m not. I lost my father a few months ago. Then my husband found out he has to have triple by pass surgery this coming Tuesday. We are scared to death about it. We are in our late 60’s and though he has enjoyed pretty good health, I haven’t. Since his retirement, he has helped me a lot. Now it is all up to me to do everything. I know I’m supposed to trust that God will help me. I cry to Him. I plead to help us. This is the hardest thing we have ever gone through. If anyone is reading this, prayers are very much appreciated. I’m reading good books all the time and that helps. I just don’t want to fall apart. We have no one to help us. Only God can.
Hi Karen,
I have some knowledge of how you feel. My husband had a stroke 11 years ago(at the age of 35) and everything was left to me. I had to take over EVERYTHING. It was really scary, and I didn’t know how I would make it through. I believed in God, but didn’t always think of turning to him for support. If I could write myself a letter now, I would saythat we are so much stronger than we think we are. It is unbelievable what strength God can give you in times of trouble. I know that sometimes it doesn’t help knowing that you have no control over the outcome, but you are going to have to give your husband to God and let God take him through this ride. It really is the only way to get through it. If you want to talk some more, you can e mail me at stenren1984@gmail.com. I may be 20 years younger, but have walked a lot of steps with and without God and I am telling you from my heart that walking with God is so much easier. God Bless you both. Stephanie.
Praying for you Karen!
I just created my word for the year using the DaySpring tool, and I posted it on my Facebook page. My word for 2015 is Gratitude. I will be writing my blog post on this later today and will link it up here. So glad you started Beloved Brews. The writing prompts help me focus.
Bonnie I am here for the first time and would like to become a part of this beloved community. My word is ‘know’ and I am sure it will encompass many things. To know Him more, to know I am His beloved and to know all that He wants to be to me. At any rate I linked up and will be praying about the prompt for next week. See you then.
My word for 2015 is creativity, which involves 4 additional words: focus, listening, healing, and abundance.
I have to admit. Posting my one word for 2015 was an act of bravery. Still following in your footsteps, Bonnie. Thank you for leading the way.
My one word is Discovery and it was discovered quite accidentally. Funny how true it is that our Lord works in mysterious ways.
It is so hard to pick one word. Last year my word was self control and I’m not sure I lived up to that at all.
God has not impressed any special word to me but…
This year I lean toward Peace. Peace in all I do and am. That is the one word I would pick.
Bonnie – I am so thankful for your transparency. Your story came to me last year in the midst of my own dark night of the soul. I struggled (and still am struggling) with similar anxiety and sleeping issues. My word is LOVE. I have so much love in my life, but for many reasons, I don’t let myself feel it. Revel in it. Experience it. Just as you have shared, I know opening myself up to God’s love is the key to my healing. Thank you for walking along side me.
http://www.seekingthestill.com/2015/01/2015-year-of.html
My word is ENOUGH! So often I feel stressed out in the day and fear I won’t have enough. Enough money, enough meaningful relationship etc. I grieve missing where I lived in the past and the excitement of it and I yearn for living somewhere really beautiful and coastal again. I have sensed God’s gentle voice reminding me He is enough. This moment is enough. Be still and breathe. I will provide and lead and make all things beautiful in my time.
I apologize for the lengthy post – I don’t have a blog to link to just yet.
Picking a word for the year is a relatively new idea for me. 2015 is only the second time I was intentional in seeking what my word of the year might be. As 2014 was wrapping up the theme of release was occurring several times in my life, in various ways; of which I usually pay attention to such patterns. There has been much that I long to be free of over the years; some for decades. I’m talking mostly about those interior kinds of freedoms that others may not know about me. There are also other areas in my life I would like to see have permission or freedom to act on, to flourish or bloom.
As I ponder the word release it is obvious that in and of itself it indicates that something is being held. The dictionary defines it as a verb: 1. allow or enable to escape from confinement; set free. 2. Allow (something) to move, act, or flow freely. Sure thing, that’s resonating with me.
My mind immediately goes to a trendy catch phrase “Let it go” from a current popular movie, Frozen. I find that phrase flippant, too much of a cliché. Just let it go hasn’t worked so well for me over the years. My eyes land on some other phrases in the dictionary such as, “allow to leave” and “set at liberty”. Synonyms like loose, unleash, unfetter…they all are action, doing something. See there… to release may be a bit more than to simply let it go.
My mind shouts, “But I have enough to do already; I don’t need more things to do.” My word for 2014 was restore. I wonder what it is with these RE words and the verbs that seem to require something of me? Couldn’t my word simply be something like REst, or a pleasant word taken from the Fruits of the Spirit, such as joy or peace?! But wait, the dictionary lists release as a noun when it is “the action or process of releasing or being released”. Synonyms for this would be liberation, deliverance. Now that carries a nice ring to it…2015, the year of liberation! Who wouldn’t want that? Everyone surely has something in their life that feels constricting.
Although I have tended to think of releasing in terms of allowing unhealthy or displeasing areas (remember those interior things) to leave from my life, I also welcome the balance of allowing other areas to move and flow more freely.
As I sat with my word, release, for a week or two now, I began to get comfortable with this theme and how I might live into it this coming year. I began to see that whenever (which is quite often) I have a sense of doubt, fear or a reserve pulling at me like a tethered rope I can choose to see those thoughts as opportunities for practicing this releasing…with the intention and hope of stepping into new freedoms. Just last weekend I was with a friend I hadn’t seen for six months and her words to me as we parted were music to this Melody’s soul, “I thought you seem a lot more free this weekend”. This certainly confirmed for me that God is surely at work in this theme of release in my life.
THANK YOU Bonnie for this space to write & share. Just this very first time of writing has been so life-giving to me and I’m anticipating with expectation what might follow as I just take the next step in pursuing a long time desire of mine to express myself through my writing, to believe my story or my voice is valid. As soon as time opens up for me to complete my learning curve with blogging I hope to be able to spare you all the long post here and figure out how to “link up”. Blessings & again thank you for the very warm welcome!!!!
my one word is FOLLOW, which to me means so many things . . . obey, listen, stay near, trust, persevere, yielding to go down roads I wouldn’t go by myself, humility . . .
I always appreciate coming to your site for a breath of fresh air to my soul. Your words are so calming, soft to my heart, peaceful…
I didn’t set out to have a ‘one word’ for the year, but saw the question on another blog. Then the Lord just dropped this word into my heart before I even had time to think about it – LIVE. And I knew this was MY word. I had already decided that I would LIVE with my whole heart this year, really LIVE, no matter what came my way. LIVE for Jesus, LIVE life abundantly, LIVE life to the fullest!
Thanks for your encouraging words today!
Bless you!
Hi Bonnie,
I am not sure if I have ever written to you before, but I am looking forward to reading your book. My word for this year is Jesus. The scripture of John 13:34 is my job this year, to love everyone as He loved(s) me. It is a hard one, but the word Jesus has been on my heart for quite a while now. He has placed this in me and I cannot say no, nor would I want to. My full explanation is in my blog, I want to love, wholeheartedly, no rules, no fences, no boundaries, just LOVE. So, yeah, it is going to be REALLY hard, but I am ready for Jesus to overtake my life for good this time and to love how he would have me love. Thanks, Stephanie.
[…] Note: Going to start doing this this year, along with Five Minute Friday. I’m praying I start seeing His unfailing love, […]
My one word for 2015 is CONTENTMENT. Haven’t had it since at least June 26, 1981 when my dad died if not long before that.
My one word is COMPLETELY…<3
Brave! This word has helped me make tons of great decisions so far. When in doubt, choose the brave answer.
My one word for this year is trust!
Hi Bonnie .. my one word is T R U S T .. and it’s God growing me …
Bonnie, as always, your words and heart are inspiring and motivating. Beloved is such a tender phrase and reminds me that the Father is that soft spot we can burrow into when we need refreshing.
My word for 2015 in Expect. A call to place all my hope and waiting in Him, and to be vigilant for His movement, His working. I become His handmaiden giving watch with my oil lamp at the ready.
Can’t wait to see what God will accomplish this year!
my word is ENOUGH, I have enough and I am enough to do what God is calling.
My word for 2015 is GO! I’m a bit opposite of most people. I am a stay at home mother with a 13 year old boy at home. I have LOTS of spare time! Yet, I still make excuses for using much of that time to stay and home, isolated from my friends and community.
my word for the year is TRUST.
My word is persistence. I have a tendency to give up, to think I don’t have what is needed for whatever it is I am trying to accomplish, even feeling loved by God.
FREEDOM. My word for 2015. Claiming it
Engaged is my word. For years I thought I was all in as a Christian… Friend… Servant… Daughter…caregiver to others, as well as to myself. Recently I realized however that I had placed limits in all these categories. It was from, in part, fear: Fear of growing weary, fear of others demanding more of me than I wanted to give, fear that I wouldn’t be good enough, fear of being judged, fear of embarrassment, fear of being misunderstood… I became a “just enough” person. I did what was safe… I didn’t stretch myself enough. I’m turning 60 and I want To be fully engaged and authentic in all areas of my life. I believe there were deep-seated reasons I limited my own growth.
My 2015 word is “LIVE”
The father of my kids took his life Feb.3, 2014. As much as his death has devastated me, us, God has and IS teaching me how too LIVE. How I want too LIVE. How I want my kids too LIVE. In my world of influence, I want to share with them, how too LIVE. LIVE, LIVE LIVE! Thanks for the contest. Fun 🙂
Hugs to you <3
Bonnie,
Your posts soothe the soul.Thank-you for sharing your gift with us.
My word for 2015 is Effort >
to make more of an…….
to put more…….. into
Awake. I desire to be awake to the opportunities that the Lord has for me. Being a sleepy, mediocre follower is what I am running from….being apathetic. Instead, being wide AWAKE to Gods leading and all moments, both big & small, in which He can use me.
My word is DEPEND. I feel God calling me to more of a dependence on Him, less on the things I hold so tightly to in this world!!
My word for this new year is COURAGE. It is what I need to take hold and live my life as a disabled person.
My word for this year is “contentment”. I am to practice and speak forth contentment.
There is a whole lot of opportunities for me to be discontent during this season.
My husband has had several ongoing chronic illnesses which have caused me to become the sole driver, cleaner, everything around the house. Just the other day my mailbox broke a few days before that my toilet needed a snake down it. I could not find the snake, did not really know how and could not fix the mailbox. I do not like all the driving and waiting for seemingly endless appointments, but God is asking me to practice contentment.
So yesterday I brought my computer and sat and listened to worship music for an hour while he was in PT. I was going to do the same while he was at the dentist, but God sent an old friend to chat with who also had an appointment.
I am choosing contentment no matter what. Or trying to and when I find myself becoming upset, I hope to turn to God for ideas. Which is where the idea to listen to worship music and do NOTHING else during that time.
Contentment is my word. Last year and the year before it was Emmanuel. Now I can be content because Emmanuel is WITH me. No matter what….or I hope I can..
Oh, Bonnie. This is just beautiful–so moving. That list making exercise in inspired, and it would do me good to try it. My word for 2013 was Freedom, and for 2014 it was Worship. I didn’t sense a word for 2014–but more a living at the intersection of those two–in other words…being the beloved 🙂
http://godinterest.com/post/2517603/one-word-contentment
I dont have a website and dont know how to blog but want to join in the conversation and also join the Spiritual Whitespace group. I already bought the book. HELP!
My word for 2015 is joy
Hi Bonnie!
Thanks so much for the personalized bookmarks – my friend Leigh was really touched by it.
Question – I’m not on Facebook, anyway I can still do the bible study?
Best,
Hilary
Thanks for the reminder to write and link up…something to look forward to this weekend! And thanks for this lovely giveaway 🙂 My word is SING!
My word is G.R.A.C.E. Such a blessing to read your words friend. A portion of God’s grace.
I’m so excited that this link-up has started. Looking foward to the fellowship and getting to know one another better. 🙂
My one word, REST has served as a guidepost for decisions that I’m making, and I’m so thankful for it.
Hi Jacinta – I like the word REST. This word makes me think – how God carries our burdens and we can rest assure in that. I’m looking forward to meeting others too!!!
http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/2015/01/one-word-2015-write.html
Here it is……this year I will write.
My word for 2015 is BALANCED. But I am beginning to think that maybe this word is too general. So I’m pondering on some other words. Words that help me be more balanced. Words like – focus, eternal, purge, delightful, and vision……. Help me if you can out there. Any word suggestions would be appreciated.
My word is “re-create”.
This is my first time commenting, so I hope I have done it right.
When I first saw this week’s prompt I was disappointed. I had already picked my word for the year, and while I was convinced this was my word, I felt like I didn’t have much to say about it. I recently had the unprecedented privilege of sending my family away for a ten day holiday so I could luxuriate in a house all to myself. Early in those ten days I bought Finding Spiritual Whitespace. What better way to spend some days alone. Of course, the book dragged up a memory that I would have preferred stay quiet. It was this memory and my response to it that I really wanted to write about for my inaugural Beloved Brews.
I am 11 years old perched on the edge of my bed with my dolls and teddies huddled beside me. In a daze I take each one by the feet, swing it in an arch and dash its head against the floor. Then I calmly kiss each toy, and tell it I’m sorry, before taking up the next one, and bashing its stuffed brains out. I pick up Teddy, my favourite, a gangly multi-coloured bear that was given to me when I was a toddler. But I am unconscious of this as I take him by his soft brown feet and swirl him through the air. There is a crack as his head hits the floor and his left eye splits in half. Jolted out of my daze I am horrified by what I have done. I hug him to myself, overwhelmed with guilt and confusion.
Every time I look at my beloved bear I see that eye. I remember the mindless act that broke him, and I relive the guilt and confusion of that day. Eventually I grow up. I don’t need my teddy any longer, but I still can’t bear to look at his face. I have since learnt that on that day I was simply acting out what I had experienced so many times, when my mother had lashed out with a belt, only to sob and clutch at me afterwards with overwhelming contrition. This knowledge doesn’t make me feel any more comfortable when I see my bear’s face. So I carefully pack him away in a box, and stuff him in the garage where I won’t be confronted by him
Until Bonnie’s book. I’m not sure what sparks it; so much of this book is connecting with me. But I find myself with a sudden longing to bring Teddy out from the dark. It no longer seems right that he should be locked away, like a leper, unseen and unloved. As I dig him out I suddenly find myself no longer feeling the pain of his eye or of that day. I decide its time Teddy had some love. That love turns out to be rougher than poor Ted could have wished for as he is soaked and scrubbed. Old woollen bears don’t take kindly to such treatment and it takes many days of sunbathing to restore his dignity. Now clean, Teddy sits proudly and unashamedly on my bureau. No longer hiding in the dark.
It wasn’t until I began processing all of this that I realised my recent experiences were connected to my word for 2015. With 2014 being a year of increasing anxiety, panic attacks and relapsing health, I’ve been craving peace, and the stillness, rest and tranquillity associated with it. The Greek word for peace embraces all of these concepts. But it also means to bind together something that has been broken and disjointed. From Bonnie I have learnt that the Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means wholeness and well-being. This is what I want this year to hold. I want to be at rest in my soul, to experience a tranquillity that defies the anxiety of 2014. But I want to be whole too. I don’t want to be at war with myself. I don’t want to be hiding those shameful damaged parts of me away in the dark, too afraid and ashamed to look at them. I want the hurting me to come out into the light, to be loved and accepted and embraced. I want all of me to be whole and healed.
wow. Ruby. this made me shed tears…feeling your pain and also your peace… i can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear that God brought the Teddy bear memory to you — to return it to your heart so that you can love that Teddy and bring it out of the dark… that Teddy bear is a part of you heart — that you are bring out of the dark, looking into its eye and holding and loving back again. and you are placing that teddy bear — YOUR onto the page of our #BelovedBrews and I feel so priviledged and honored that SHALOM is coming to you — a coming together of pieces that have been lost and now are found and reclaimed. YOU. loved and beloved. Free and accepted. keep recovering those pieces, like sanddollars on the sand. whole and beautiful. thank you … and a hug from the little girl in me to you. xo
Thank you so much Bonnie! Hugs!
Ruby, I’m in tears after reading this. I pray for your peace and wholeness… ” shalom”. I wish I could just send you a hug on the internet <3
I am thinking my word is “SAFE”. I’ve had many words come to mind while journaling and praying throughout the week. But I feel what I long for is to just feel safe in many of life’s situations.
sweet Becky. what a beautiful, deep and personal word SAFE God’s placed in the arms of your heart. i hope as you feel comfortable you can share with us the areas God’s drawing you to into his safety. so we can be present with you. and you can know you you are Beloved. #becomingthebeloved
Thank you Bonnie. You are so sweet <3. I love the sweet transparency that you have shown, and it does make others feel "safe" to do the same. I am praying for the love of God to replace all of the fear I carry. I have a very blessed life, so I'm not sure where all of the fear is coming from? But it affects nearly every area of my life. Your book has made me think a lot. I know the right verses in my head, but I want to feel God's love and safety in my heart <3. Thank you for the love and encouragement and even friendship that you so openly offer to this community of hearts on this journey <3 xo
of course, due to my journey, one thing to consider is that the scary feeling is from a childhood memory. 😉 because that is me too. as you know, my hubby is the most wonderful and my children and eveyrthing is good right now but as dr. p explains, it’s not us “now”. but us back then, surfacing. 🙂
I am still re-reading the book because of course the first time I went through..I tried to just go straight to the fixing and action steps of healing and resting. Funny now that I an reading it again, I can’t make it even a few pages without tears. Our feelings and coping mechanisms are so similar. Of course our stories ate completely different, but I am trying to be a little more honest and think with my heart and not just my head as I go through this. I am so caught in the words tonight “even if she should be rejected- which you and I know she will be- we can remind her that Jesus loves her. And that even so, we can try to find a friend. Maybe two.” I am still not sure of the memories, but I am praying I can learn and see and heal enough to let that happen :). You are such a blessing to me and I’ve never even met you! #kindreds
My one word is MERCY! Can’t wait to see where God leads me in 2015! 🙂
Love “re-create”, Patricia! It sounds optimistic.
Hope. I choose hope. Soak in hope. I want to absorb so much of God’s hope that it oozes out of me onto everyone I come in contact with. His life-giving, life-preserving hope.
Oh I’m such a list maker too Bonnie! I love the idea of making lists and taking a spiritual/emotional inventory. I’m taking notes to sit down and do that in my journaling time! 🙂
I don’t really have a word for the year. I decided that He might whisper different words for me to focus on at different times this year. Right now, the word I”m really focusing on is “thrive”. Working on getting out of ruts and pulling myself out of a blue season.
Can’t wait to see what the new year has for us!
(((HUGS)))
My word for 2015 is “new” and I am so very thankful for the Beloved Brews on Thursdays (will definitely make my list of things I love!) 🙂
I’m never certain I will get a ‘word’ for the year and it always comes. This was the first year God showed me and confirmed it so quickly. I wasn’t even looking for it.
Breathe. Really, it’s more ‘breathing room for my soul’. So where He shows me this is, that’s where I can breathe. Today, He showed me that embracing my fragility through my past brokenness will bring a healing that will make space for that soul breathing. Here comes the pain, but oh the healing rain.
Jeri,
That’s a great word! May the Lord meet you there and show you new things as you allow more room for Him and yourself!
Thank you Pam. Thank you so much.
I had fun with the letterblocks Bonnie. Just FYI that FB pop said it blocked certain postings and this one of them so I found a round about way and emailed the link to myself, saved the photo and then shared it on FB. Hope this was okay.
I choose hope, to soak in hope., to absorb so much of God’s hope that it oozes out of me onto everyone I come in contact with. His life-giving, life-preserving hope.
My word is FEARLESS. I have lived for years in fear, sometimes feeling crippled by it. Fear in many areas: storms, finances, not having enough, not being enough, over my children (now young adults). This is the first time I’ve chosen a word for the year and joined in the “movement”. I don’t yet have a blog, but that is part of this journey going forward. The Lord is showing and reminding me that I have a voice that needs to be heard, even though I don’t always feel like I do. Waiting on Him to show me what’s next.
My one word is Merciful. I’ve been shown mercy. Iwant Him to help me show mercy.
My word for 2015 is FEARLESS. I’m not sure how that is going to look over the next 12 months, but I’m praying to embrace whatever God wants to teach me.
My word is focus. I need to focus on Jesus, Scripture and the good things in life instead of the chaos in my life right now. Phil. 4:8-9
My Word is SPEAL – This comes in the form of my writing since I’m not a speaker per se 🙂 but very much speaking my story
Sweet Lisa, your voice .. your inner voice, the one who is Beloved is breaking through… and i’m so blessed and honored you’re sharing that voivce with us and with the world. as you are. as is.thank you for sharing your journey through reading Spiritual Whitespace. I can’t tell you how full of anticipation I am for you and your Spiritual Whitespace Book Club. thank you for hosting. I already know your group will be deeply connecting because you are a sojourner with others. praying with you as you & your kindreds uncover stories together with God. #keepSPEAKING
Thanks for your encouragement Bonnie! And of course auto-correct turned Speak into Speal haha? Thanks for reading through the typo!
My word for this year is memories. We are going on an RV trip in June and moving from Texas to Washington state, so we’re planning on having a lot of family time and making lots of memories!!!
My word is: forgiveness.
Katya, I pray that our Father would run healing rivers of life through your heart and life. Forgiveness is one of the hardest but most freeing parts of life. I admire your courage to embrace it!
I wanted my one word for 2015 to be GRACE, as God’s grace is something I have struggled with accepting throughout my life. But as I’ve considered it, I am realizing that in doing so I am once again trying to improve and make myself better for God. There is subtle and sneaky pride there. I believe that the word God is laying on my heart is the same one that has been on my heart since reading Spiritual Whitespace- delight. I pray that God will open my eyes and heart to delighting in His grace, not as a task, but as a joy.
After 2 weeks of praying and trying words. The one that is staying with me is- WORSHIP. If I worship my God and look just at Him the rest will aline in proper perspective. I have just the best place to put my letter blocks if I win. Also I just started your book. Amazing! Thanks for your generosity.
My word is CONNECTION. 2014 was a year of slogging through, over functioning, while simultaneously choosing to feel & experience the beauty of my life and choosing to trust God. Relying on His promises, His words. Last year, all I could do was focus on my family because with health issues, household earner job loss, and two small children, it meant a lot of child time, during the weeks, on the weekends and not very much room for me. So by the end of the year, relationships with others, with myself, with my own body felt lacking, lost, withering. So, my decision filter for the year–is will this decision improve my connection? to myself? to God? to others in a community I care about? will this decision keep me connected to my three big things I want to do this year? How can my connectedness be a blessing to others?
My word for 2015 is JOY! God is teaching me so much about this word! Thank you so much for creating a space where we can all share what God is doing in our lives!!!
((hugz))
Jamie
Completed all three activities! Super fun and inspirational!!
Here’s my post: http://rachelheisey.com/a-year-of-faith/ Your Beloved letter is beautiful <3
Oh my word is Faith 🙂
My one word is “perseverance”. I haven’t ever done a one word challenge/resolution. My story is not as powerful as most I read. I just slog through day to day. But every devotional scripture points to that word, and that “still small voice” keeps repeating it. So there it is. Prayers for us all.
“Embrace” is the word that comes to heart and mind. I had heard the the phrase “to embrace change” a while back when I was in the midst of a season of change. Two daughters married 6 months apart ,our son graduating high school and going off to college, a husband struggling with health issues and early retirement. We are told that change is good. It stretches us, strengthens and renews us. So I will embrace life in 2015. I will embrace change and seek God’s direction, wisdom and purpose for me.
Bonnie this is so fun! Love your new link up! 🙂
My word is WATCH and I’ve linked up a post with the backstory! XO
Bonnie – while reading through Spiritual Whitespace with you last summer I started to ask God to help me feel loved, wanted, desired (to be loved, to be His beloved). After 6 months focusing on trust as my word, then the next 6 months trying to hang onto trust better (I still have a long way to go), I crave to learn how to accept well. The way He gives. My word for 2015 is Receive. I want to receive His gifts and not “should/ought/need-to” put what He presents to the side.
Hi, Annie M. Let me encourage you to seek and worship God with all Your heart. As you do so, He’ll draw closer to You, His beloved.
My one word for this year: Love. Not only to give it but receive it. I’m horrible at receiving love even from God. But this year a change. Let Him love me and others love me too.
I want to grow more deeply in love with my Lord & His word so my word for 2015 is: snuggle 🙂
JOY is my word. Joy can help power you through many things.
love words, So your challenge to come up with a word for 2015 is very difficult, because I love so many of them.. When I first read this, I asked God and the words that popped into my head, go hand in hand with becoming His Beloved… Those words are “BE PURSUED”.
My tendency is to want to remain in control and thus be the pursuer of anything related to my life and goals and direction. I have a hard time waiting to be pursued by anyone, including God.
So here I am, waiting on God who longs to woo me unto himself and teach me what it’s like to be truly loved, pampered, and be treated as the Beloved of God. Now it’s just a matter of trust in whatever comes next. I am praying for rest to notice what He brings to me. For acceptance of His gifts as is, without discontent at what I have not been given or in the search for what’s next. And for ability to accept that I am worthy of being pursued.
Let the adventures begin:)
That is what I posted yesterday 1/15…. Then today I read another email devotional and what is the first thing it says in bold print… “To follow the love of God is the greatest ROMANCE, to seek Him the greatest ADVENTURE, to find Him the greatest human ACHIEVEMENT.” … With further advice to 1) Make room… 2) wait. Talk about a God who woos, pursues and knows that the way to get to my heart is through words of meaning! All I have to say is How great is our God:)
After journeying with God through this exciting adventure of discovering my one word for 2015 it became peacefully evident that my one word is “COURAGEOUS”.
2015 will bring a new joy of humbling myself, listening to Him and courageously stepping out and onward to follow His will with confidence and courage!
Choosing a word is easy. Writing about it is hard. It is encouraging to read Bonnie’s words. But writing my own is hard. I think I am afraid of what will come out. Or I won’t be able to handle (control) how I feel about what comes out. I am trying to write more. My word for the year is JOY.
Once I felt that would be my word for the year it was confirmed several times over the course of several days in scripture and other writings that I was reading. It is a choice I make every day. Be joyful, rejoice in ALL things. This is very hard to do as I age and live in a life of constant chronic pain. I believe that God is faithful and finish the work he has started in me…just confused about how that will look.
CONTENT – I felt like I was given the word content. I have trouble being still. I feel that I am wasting time if I am not busy. I think God wants me to learn to be content in just being. I don’t need to be checking everything off my list and then when that is done finding even more things to keep me busy.
My word for this year is HOPE!
My word(s) for this year are “New Mercies”. If I can figure out how to get the badge in my post I’ll try to link up with a little post I wrote about it. 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity to link up and for the prompt to pick my one word. My one word is REST. I found out when I looked it up that it’s an action word! Very ironic. Looking forward to the book club.
Angela
My one word is HOPE. Therese Bourchard said, “Depression is not the absence of happiness, it is the absence of HOPE.” I do not know what God has in store for me but I expect something great is on the way in the areas of love and health. It is my prayer and my meditation that I renew hope daily. God has sent hope in the hearts and actions of His people. I look daily for opportunities to reignite hope. I hope for love and health and I expect God’s Spirit to come into the natural.
My word is seek. This is my year to seek Him in all things. To be real to myself.
How wonderful that God is teaching you so many different aspects of what it means to be His beloved, Bonnie! I like the idea of your two lists, also. I might have to try that. Thanks for creating this welcoming space!
my word for the year is Peace, I’m working to memorize scripture that reflects that. I’m also hoping to find my voice again this year, and staying at peace if it’s slow in coming… It’s been so long since I’ve written, I’m afraid to start again!
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A dear friend shared this will me following some trepidation I had a writing for a community blog. Thank you so much for the wisdom you share!
Mine is, “Breathe.”
To grasp the deeper meaning, a word study on “YHWH” will help. 🙂
Just breathe. xox
“Pursue” is my word for 2015. I want to pursue being closer to God through my top sacred pathways. Pursue a closer relationship with my husband and two daughters. Pursue finding out what’s going on in the lives of my friends and co-workers. Pursue someone’s story before I judge their actions. Pursue what sparks joy in my life, our home. The word is exciting to me. What does God have going on, prepared for me, that I get to pursue in this leg of the journey, 2015?
my word is EVERYTHING. as in lamentations 3:24 – “the LORD is EVERYTHING I need…” for 2015 and beyond. (:http://welcomeheart.com/journal/2015/01/18/talking-to-yourself-again.html
Thanks, bonnie. blessings on your beloved day. when studying Eph. 3:17ff awhile back I was convicted (reminded) to begin praying that I would comprehend God’s love – not sure why I needed to pray that , but since Paul did, I did, too. and added it to the top of my prayer list for our three girls. there are always so many things to pray for three beautiful girls (believe me…) but now this is at the top: “Lord, help them know just how much You love them…” That prayer can temper all manner of exhortation I might have for them. (:
My one word is Peace. I want to know Jesus more and be so confident in Him that I can live my life so peaceful that I worry about nothing.
I have been waiting on my word for 2015 and finally it has ‘arrived’. My word for 2015 is SILENT. One part of me receives this willingly as there are many times in the course of a week I later wish I had just been silent. The other part of me almost resents this word as I am widowed and so sometimes I would like less silence in my world. I don’t have any other revelation concerning the word so I will sit with it and let the Lord reveal what he wants with it. but I feel as I practice being more silent at times and silent with the Lord that out of that will come a richness of words.
My word is HEALING. I found your book on a display shelf at my local library (I receive what I need) soon after my daughter passed last year and it helped me grieve and start on my path to healing. Thank you.
Hi Terry, my heart and soul is with you on the loss of your beautiful daughter. I lost mine when she was just 23 years and i took time to heal. Do not be afraid to cry to the LORD for our tears are precious to Him. He will heal in His time. Take courage to rest in Him. May His peace abide.
My word for 2015 is Listen. I want to listen to God’s presence, His love, His voice, His direction, His people, the needs around me, my body’s needs, my heart’s desires.
My one word for the New Year is Restoration. I believe that this book and this community has been a huge turning point for my this year. Most of my life had felt like a broken record of failure, low self-esteem, rejection and unfulfilled dreams for both my family and I. It seemed like we were always in the season of wilderness and struggles that would never end. The strangest things started to happen as I read the book and started journaling. God started helping me do an honest inventory on my relationships, my addiction to lists and people pleasing, and by pulling away I was finally able to better hear his voice. I had dealt with so much rejection even in church groups that I questioned whether or not I was worthy of the body of Christ. In journaling I discovered how much God truly wanted me and how he was truly present in every moment of my pain. I joined a women’s prayer group that was the warmest group ever and recently had someone speak over me saying that God had a very specific purpose for me, and from the womb and it is a result of a Godly heritage in my family. I was so overwhelmed to know that God had been so purposeful in making me and I never had to feel alone or rejected again.
Dear Fiyin,
I hear your heart! In so many ways, I see your life paralleling my life, “Self-esteem, issues”, “addiction to lists and pleasing people “. I’m asking Jesus right now to show you in unbelievable ways how much you are treasured, and valued.
~hugs to you
My word for 2015 is RELEASE. I have so many things that I need to let go off in order to move forward. I didn’t want this to be my word. It was given to me in a way that I was resistance to, thinking to myself surely this’s is not the word that God wants me to have for 2015.
Over and over it has been clear that this is indeed the word and I’m beginning to embrace it.
Right now, I’m focusing on RELEASING control, or even perceived control. What I think things should look like.
I scoured the Bible looking and searching for the word RELEASE, and the one thing that stood out for me was being “released” from the law and living in obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 7:6)
So thank for this community of genuine souls to journey with.
Thanks, Bonnie, for the invitation to link up.
Bonnie, I am grateful for a place to read of others journey to live a life following Jesus, and to share my own, perhaps different path. I hope to link up this thursday
I had to go with two words…. Recklessly Abandoned.
My word for the year is DARE. It wasn’t the word I was looking for but it kept coming up. I think it means to dare to be me, to dare to do new things, to dare to be different. I think God is daring me to live His life to the full.
REJUVENATE – to cast away fear and renew my walk with the Lord. To be intentional and focus with time with Him, being still to listen. I am relearning the Beautitudes, what Jesus taught on blessings: “Blessed are the poor in spirit , for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. I need to rejuvenate my broken spirit, to claim the joy and freedom as Christ has set us free when we received Him as our Saviour Redeemer!
My word is Gratitude. Even though I usually try not to understand why God has given me my word for the year and just live with it I can’t help but to ponder this one a little more than most. As each day I do what I do, feel what I feel and be who I am I, I find myself more aware of what is and try to be more grateful.
[…] never actively participated, but when I saw Bonnie Gray’s new “Beloved Brews” linkup, and her first writing prompt that asked for a post on this very topic, I decided that this will be my year to participate and […]
‘Expansion’. As I stand at the doorway of my 60th year, I allow myself the opportunity to enrich my life by expanding my opportunities for service and life learning. Opportunities for ministry have arisen that truly fill a cranny of my heart that has simply been waiting for “the right fit”. After working with a lovely group of volunteers preparing and now finally executing our plan, I find that this nook in my heart has been filled. Both of my children (now grown into adulthood) were born with disabilities. One is deaf and the other has Down Syndrome. Both are truly amazing and inspirational people who inspire myself and others daily. My daughter is now a mom herself to two ‘delights’. But when my kids were in high school, opportunities to participate in ministries outside of church were limited and even, non-existent. Now a group in our community has banded together to bring Capernaum ministry to our town. We are thrilled to be a part of this group. I have always been an active volunteer for people with disabilities in our community but my involvement with Capernaum has finally pulled together my interests of drawing near to Jesus and enjoying time and serving folks with disabilities. And, the fact that our son, who is now 30 and has Down Syndrome, is an active volunteer with the ministry, is the icing on my cake.
Thanks for this opportunity, Bonnie! I read through your book this past year and it really helped me begin to process my life..I’ve been recommending it to everyone. 🙂 I’m looking forward to the book club…and despite my fears with writing with my limited education endeavor to do so without judging my own work. My word for the year is receive. God has been speaking to me about it being a time of reversal of hard things and with it restoration and restitution. I want to be able to posture my heart and life to be able to receive all that He has for me especially in the deepest places of my soul…love, joy and peace. I guess even with processing that I’m realizing I should add remove to my list of “r” words. I’ve been working on removing blockages to receiving but perceive that there’s more. Bless your life and your transparency for you will reap a harvest of seeing souls healed because of your courage. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Shared on twitter! 🙂
A little late to the game, but I linked up with an hour to spare! My word for the year is FREE. Free from fears, fear from perfectionism, free from distractions so that I can live a fuller life in Him.
[…] what Faith Barista’s, Bonnie, talked about last week. That’s what our pastor insinuated. We are beloved. Jesus knows our […]
Late in sending a comment. My word for the year is “resurrection”. Reading and pondering the scriptures from Mark concerning the “resurrection” of Christ. People, me included, are in need of activating the resurrection power within us. So many claim to have been resurrected into a new life, but still walk around in grave clothes, wondering in dead places with the stench of decay. Resurrection to me embodies action! Come Alive! Get Up! Rise Up! Open Up! Jesus had been tortured, falsely accused, scourged, thorns thrust onto his head, a sword in his side, he was rejected, beaten until He could no longer be identified, he was put to shame, mocked…..he endured more than many will endure in a life time, but he did it for us. He became our example in suffering. He WAS wounded, despised, abused and pronounced DEAD – worthless, a lie – BUT on the 3rd day…HE GOT UP! He got up, He resurrected to a new life – a redeemed, restored life – He proved to me that there is “life” after “death”! No matter what kind of death blows we encounter, we can experience “resurrection” and live in the power of His resurrection – an abundant life! (John 10:10)
Romans 8:11 (AMP) “And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells i you, (then) He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.”
“RESURRECTION!” That’s the one word I am choosing to live in this year and until He comes!
never too late, Doris! 🙂
[…] with Beloved Brews Thursday @ Faith Barista. Fellow writers in Bonnie’s community are sharing their “one-words” for […]
Doris and I were competing for the one who had the longest distance to travel to the Beloved Brews cafe. I think I’m in the lead as she got here before me. Nonetheless, I have my hot chai latte, thoughts in my head and some on paper. I am excited to join this.
It is my intention to link the Beloved Brews blog to the garden blog I used to write (link above). I hope it works. For some reason, the garden blog isn’t showing on my dashboard.
My one word is “weave.”
[…] with Beloved Brews Thursday @ Faith Barista. Fellow writers in Bonnie’s community are sharing their “one-words” for […]
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