Love 2018

Can you believe we are already half way through January?  How are the New Year resolutions coming?  I've noticed the gym parking lot is less full, hear that many who have determined to eat better are slowly falling backwards. The excitement of what we want to see in our lives seems to dim when it requires more effort than we expected.

When our weakness is exposed, we can focus on what we want to see in our lives and understand it will take some work. That is one of the reasons I"ve been choosing to have a word for the year instead of many 'want to' things in my life.

I love that a word can be dropped into your heart like a banner over your life. Prayer is the first action, to seek God for a particular word. Perhaps it will be something He wants to develop in your life or wants you to focus/work on.

This year, the Lord dropped a word in my heart and I am embracing it, because it is a quality I want to see developed. The characteristics I long for have been revealed through Scripture along with some carry on attitudes and actions. It is an exciting journey and one I can't wait to see the results at the end of the year.

I recently learned about an online tool to find a word based on a quick survey of who you are and what you are looking to become. Dayspring Word of the Year Link will walk you through and find a word to match your answers. Then you will be equipped with resources and articles to assist you on the journey.

The Dayspring quiz shared my word as LOVE.  Very similar to the word dropped in my heart earlier and I"m excited to be equipped to embrace a new attitude and way of living. Here is a sample of the resources for LOVE:

Three Strategies to Choose Love in 2018

1) Love through prayer. He has commanded us to love, but He does not expect us to do it on our own. Pray for His guidance, and He will direct you. Ask God to help you see people through His eyes. Through God, you can gain the strength to love those who may be difficult to love. Humble yourself before the Lord—because sometimes you may be difficult to love as well.

2) Love through action. Love isn’t all service, but it is a large part of it. We serve Him by loving each other, and we can serve others in love. Put love into action: volunteer, help a neighbor with yard work, or introduce someone to the love found in His Word.

3) Love through attentiveness. Family and friends love to feel loved. Offer recognition of the time and effort put into the dinner on the table, concern when they’re unhappy, or words of affirmation when they need some encouragement. Simply being available can show your love in big ways.

Your word may not be love, but there can never be too much love around!  Through the year, I'll pass on some of the tips and resources which are helping me to develop in the ways of love!

Don't forget to go over to DAYSPRING and take the quiz to find your word of the year!