Stillness - 2020 Focus word

I have not control.

God does.

I can’t fix things alone.

I can’t change people’s thoughts.

I can listen to God.

I can wait for God.

I can trust God.

I can believe God.

I can be still.

 

 

 

Determined

Each year for about a dozen years, I have chosen a focus word rather than resolutions. I choose something I need to work on, something I’m weak in, or something I am led to which can help me grow. I have chosen faith, prayer, thankful, resilient, hope, joy, and clarify, to name a few. Strangely, near year’s end, I start seeing a particular word here and there and everywhere. It never fails. I am led to the word.

 

For 2017 I chose determined.  As I study and research and practice these words, I seek quotes about it that teach me something. I look for Bible verses and devotions that fit the word and also enlighten me. I have never felt extremely strong to deal with challenges and problems but the past several years have proved me wrong. This year has maybe been my hardest. It always seems to be the current situation that is worse but dealing with mom and her final stage of Alzheimers was very difficult.  The year is nearly over. Mom is gone. I began with the “determination” to make it through. With a few weeks left, I have learned I can be a determined woman who is stronger than she realized. I can deal with situations I once thought would break me. Actually thought they could finish me.

 

Since a child I have had a nervous stomach. Since the eighties, I have dealt with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), the D kind. Diarrhea to be honest. In the beginning I lost lots of weight from not eating much. Someone asked me if I did Weight Watchers. I told them I had IBS. They understood. I take medication for the IBS, as well as some nerve and depression meds to keep my system calm. I often know how to head off situations by controlling what I eat and when. The weight came back unfortunately, mostly due to menopause, thyroid and age. Well, maybe this is TMI but I felt the urge to share more of my truth here. My truth can help others deal with their own truth.

 

Back to my word, determination, I have been extra determined as of late to be strong, spiritually, physically and mentally. Getting through the long hard years, taking care of mom and dad, has proven it. There were days I really thought I would not make it. With determination and God’s grace and mercy, I did. There will be more challenges. Life is full of them. God will see me through.

may be my biggest challenge yet

Can I truly learn to be resilient or will I fall flat on my faithless face? Sometimes we need a challenge. This is mine. I've avoided patience but it's time I learn to be stronger and flexible. Maybe I can't become totally resilient when life attacks but at least I'm going to focus on trying to be. Wish me luck!

It's time!

 

 

to pick a focus word for 2016!

it's been some of these but this year's is not decided yet.

maybe it's none of the above.

 

Focus Word for 2015 - you can still pick your own

Every year for over a decade I have not made resolutions but instead chosen a focus word for the whole year. I explore it; look for ways to utilize it in my life and learn from it. I have had much success with this method and I always grow in ways that resolutions never permit. This year I chose the word “clarity”. I want to basically see and understand life more clearly for the sake of my mind, body and soul. This kind of learning happens in various ways. I observe. I contemplate. I pay attention how the word manifests itself just for me. The focus word often teaches me lessons other than around the actual meaning of the word. For instance, as I was getting ready for my day, I had a rare morning with no one but me in the house. I purposely chose to turn on nothing electronic that made sound. No radio. No TV. I always enjoy devotions in silence but it was especially nice to be in total silence, only the thoughts in my head to listen to. I realized that the silence was giving me clarity to a need, quiet space in my day. How often is it we realize such a simple lesson through a resolution?

Pondering the word for 2010

Words considered for 2010 focus:

• clarity
• release
• intent
• purpose

Leaning toward release. I need to learn to release worry, fear, struggle, and lots more negative energy zapping junk. Life is short and it's time to focus more on good, happy, positive energy giving electives. I think I've spent most of my life doing this but for me it's lifelong effort to accomplish completeness of faith, strength and hope.