Happy New Year – 2014 – Courage

Courage for 2014

Here we are again; a new year and a clean slate. But then again, do we not get a clean slate every single day? Why is it so different on January 1st? Many people make resolutions for the new year. I have stopped that several years ago. You know why? Because if I make resolutions I will brake them within a month. I know myself too well.

One thing I do though every single year: I search for a word that will guide me through the year. This year, the word is courage. Guess what, I am not the only one with that word. I was happy that my friend Joan (also a co-writer at Laced with Grace) has the same word. How awesome is that?!?

Over the last couple of days I contemplated about the word courage. What does it really mean to have courage. Wikipedia defines courage as:

“Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.”

Yes, I want to confront fear and uncertainty, and go after my dreams with full force. There are several verses in the Bible that encourage me in my journey of 2014. One of course is Joshua 1:9, my focus verse for 2014:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9 ESV)

The other verses that really speak to my heart this morning are from Romans 8:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:37-39 ESV)

My dear friends, no matter if you make resolutions or have a plan for 2014, one thing is for sure: God will be with you wherever you go. Trust in Him and let Him guide you in 2014.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday ~ Inspiration

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
(Psalm 9:1 ESV)

I cannot believe that we are in the month of September. Goodness, where did this year go…There was so much I had planned for 2012, but some things just have not yet been accomplished.

I have chosen the title ‘inspiration’ because there are so many things that inspire me. The number one inspiration is God’s Word. Lately I have been meditating a lot on the book of Joshua. As I had shared at LWG this week, Joshua has always been my Old Testament hero.

Don’t get me wrong, David has written some very inspiring Psalms, but Joshua shows me how to obey God. Joshua always followed hard after God; no questions asked. Joshua’s faith inspires me to trust and obey God, no matter where the road leads.

This year has had its challenges, but then again so does every year. We plan for things, but than our plans fall through. Believe me, during my husband’s sickness I have cried, stomped my feet, screamed out loud (in the car)…and laughed at myself. However, the greatest thing I have taken away from the ordeal was to trust God and now by His grace I try to obey Him…no questions asked.

What are you thankful for this week? What inspires you? Share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: get inspired by God’s Word to see you through tough times.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand
2. Tami @ The Next Step
3. I just wanted to help!
4. the Songs on the Way
5. A Bad Day
6. LaughingLady
7. Dana
8. Choose For Yourself
9. Mommy Time At Home
10. My Time is Not My Own
11. Melanie @ M&M
12. There is LIFE in the comments!
13. Easy ways to stay in the Word
14. Surrounded by You
15. Joyful!
16. bp
17. Mary
18. Christine@ Glory to God
19. Love Addict
20. Sarcastic Thank You’s – linky
21. Tiffany
22. Must We Be Baptized?
23. Chan@my life as a mum (link up)
24. Daily Journey
25. Pam – Pianissimo…
26. Chelle-I took the pledge…
27. Style N Season: Thank God for Mother’s Love
28. Kate@ Teaching What Is Good
29. A Moment with God
30. Fasting for Elizabeth

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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