DILIGENT

There's something about a new year that makes me want to blog. It probably has something to do with reflection and focusing on what lies ahead. A few years ago I came across an "idea" to choose a word each year as a mantra of sorts. A word that is uplifting and encouraging. In 2009 my word was Create. 2010 was Praise and 2011 was Happiness. Looking back I don't think I quite embraced my word for 2011 like I should have. I read something today about the difference in happiness and joy. Happiness is based on your feelings and what is going on at the moment. Joy is internal. A good friend of mine uses JOY as her all-time word. I love that.
So this year my word is DILIGENT. A few weeks ago a heard a sermon preached at a funeral and the verse "The Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews ) was mentioned. It stuck with me that day for some reason and I began praying about my word. Meanwhile I kept coming across the serenity prayer (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference). The word serenity was my 2nd choice but I need more of a motivating word this year. Calm and serene is not exactly what I'm going for. I need a "getting-things-done" kind of year. I will share a few of the specific things I want to be diligent in as I blog this year.
So, let me explain a little about choosing a word. I'm not a New Years Resolution kind of person. However, I do need visual reminders to focus on things and I liked the idea of one simple word. There are alot of artist/crafters who blog about this. One of my favorites is Ali Edwards. She calls it "OLW (one little word)". Tons of ideas on her site if you have time to look.
So of course the first step is to choose a word. Since we should pray about everything I think it's worth a little prayer time. Maybe you have no idea where to start or like me, you have way too many words you're tossing around. A good place to start is the concordance in the back of your Bible or a fruit of the Spirit. Again, you need an encouraging word. Something to make you feel good. Don't choose organization if it's going to stress you out :) The next step is to research your word a little. Look up the definition of your word. Find songs, scriptures and quotes. It's really exciting and you wouldn't believe how often your word will "show up" in the most random places. Plaques, notepads, etc.
I bought my sister a package of notecards from Michaels for Christmas because they have eyeglasses on them and her husband is an optomotrist. The word under the glasses was "clarity" and she knew right away that would be her word. I didn't even think about that at the time. Last year as she was trying to choose a word she literally had this wooden plaque fall on her foot that said Faith. LOL.
So, as we start a new year, I hope to blog more about creative things. I plan to honor God more creatively. Let's start here and I will be more diligent to share ideas with you.
Happy New Year friends.