In 2009 it was grace.
In 2010 it was self-control.
In 2011 it will be humility.
2011 will be a very different year for me. With so many game changers in our lives in 2010, I start 2011 with new titles--special needs mom, part-time employee outside our home, and adopting mom. Add the new titles to other titles I'm still getting used to--pastor's wife, homeschooling mom of boys, and blogger.
Each day of 2011 I will recite John 15:5, "Apart from Me you can do nothing."
"Apart from Me, you can do nothing."
And Ephesians 4:2, "Walk worthy... with all humility." Philippians 2:3, "In humility, count others more significant than yourselves." 1 Peter 5:5, "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another." Psalm 149:4b, "He adorns the humble with salvation." Psalm 25:9, "He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way." Isiah 66:2b, "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."
When I told my husband I had prayed, read Scripture, and finally decided on my word for 2011 he jokingly asked if by the end of the year I will have mastered humility. But of course the goal is not to master humility. The goal is to be aware of my need for humility. At home, at church, at work, on-line, at James's therapy, on my trip to Ethiopia to pick up our new son.... with my husband, children, Sunday School class, parents, sisters, in-laws, co-workers, friends.... I will focus on my need for Christ. My need for the gospel. I will put off pride and entitlement, and put on humility (Col 3:12).
I will probably measure my progress in inches instead of feet, but each decision to be humble will be part of the sanctification process.
Do you have a one-word goal for 2011?
I've linked up to:
11 comments:
Yes, Sandra, well actually, I thought I had chosen
PEACE, but now I'm debating between Peace and Kindness. I will decided soon. Thank you for your inspiration!
Beautiful, Sandra. I'm still praying through where the Lord is leading me for 2011.
This is the first time I hear of this idea and I love it. I have started praying and there are a few words that I have in mind.
Looking forward to hearing how you're doing in 2011 with humility. ;)
Love this idea. Will have to consider my "one" word. Thanks!
Mine is faithfulness.
Psalm 119:I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
And my hymn for the year Come Thou Fount..."Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above."
That is a great word! I love the idea of reciting scripture everyday. My word is "health". Not mastering it or losing weight exactly, but being more mindful what goes into our bodies. Mind. Soul.
http://got2havefaith.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/forget-resolutions-instead-focus-on-one-little-word/
Mandygirl, I LOVE that verse of that fantastic hymn.
I'm thinking along the lines of "rootedness" - being rooted in my faith and Scripture (doing the bible-in-a-year plan). But I'm still pondering.
Humility is a great choice.
Sandra ~ Love your word for the year! I also love that you used John 15:5 since my word for this year is fruitful. I long to bear "MUCH" fruit for His glory. (John 15:8) Looks like we're on the same chapter and we both know that without Him, we can do absolutely nothing!
You have a busy year ahead... humility, and dependence on God, is a perfect goal for growth! I need that too.
Looking forward to hearing more about your part-time job.
Happy New Year, Sandra!
I followed you from Ann’s, I know late, but I began bottom up and just now got to your words
I heart the theme of “humility” – that’s the secret, that’s the root, without that we can’t be Christian. It’s perfect. And I love all those bible verses. You know, you’re being faithful.
I have named this year “connecting”, not just by clicking, or meeting, but by seeing better and knowing better.
I’ve just finished praying for your year of “humility” that Our Lord help you to keep aware of the need to be humble, at home, at church, at work, on-line, at therapy, in Ethiopia, with your family - for him to help you everywhere to put off pride and put on humility (Col 3:12).
It’s an honorable and definitively Christian goal.
May God bless and you and all of yours
Without having read any of the comments previously, I had chosen PEACE as my word for this year. PEACE in the midst of troubles, PEACE in the middle of plenty.
And now I'm a little concerned because I know that in seeking PEACE, I will have many opportunities to rely on His grace to find it. My only consolation is in knowing that the goal came from Him so this must be the direction He wants me to walk with Him.
Looking forward to it. Thanks for the encouragement.
Post a Comment