Wednesday, January 15, 2014

You're Loved, Even When You Can't Feel It

Holley Gerth has invited us to join her at {Coffee for Your Heart}.

Even when you cannot feel it.

You are loved:  
Unequivocally, unreservedly, and unconditionally.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
 1 John 4: 7-11


"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission."

Thursday, January 9, 2014

One Word for 2014


Holley Gerth has again challenged her readers to explore what direction God would have them go.  She has invited her readers to choose one word in 2014;  and,  I admit that until tonight I have felt quite clueless about my  word, or whether I even wanted a word for 2014.  However, after deciding on what I felt I should share for “The 2014 Encouragement Challenge”, I suddenly knew what my one word for 2014 would be.  My encouraging word will follow in my next post.  

Furthermore, I must say I am thrilled to be able to choose one word after having made a lengthy list for my God-sized dream in 2013.  I had good intentions, but my list left me feeling spread too thin;  even though, I did touch on all of the areas I listed last year.  I have learned that God will give me whatever other words I need for the year and my life.  When I am enthusiastic, I sometimes over-plan what I can do.  It is often the right decision to take stock where one is in a plan and to make the necessary changes to carry on.
This is what Holley says in What’s Your One Word for 2014?  


  • One word lets me have a filter when you have opportunities come up.  
  • One word gives me focus instead of going in a lot of different directions.  
  • One word helps my friends and family know what I want to intentionally pursue so they can cheer me on and help me stay on track.
 And now,  I unveil my one word for 2014.


I look forward to the exploration of this word in 2014.  I even have to admit to a bit of trepidation in considering this word;  because, perseverance suggests unwavering  faith, discipline, and obedience  in the face of adversity. Perseverance means one keeps on going, when one feels like giving up.  How will this word present itself in 2014?  It already has, because I am writing;  however, I can see other facets in my life, I need to persevere or be more disciplined in.  Yes.  self-discipline and self-motivation are part of the equation.  

Can you see that and know we are often stronger in those things when we continually encourage one another?  

Finally, I see part of the need of my life is to let God lead me.  When I am tempted to quit, I can hold this word like a banner before me;  then, go to Him in prayer, asking for guidance.  I know, I will sometimes want to rest when I should be doing things around the house;  or, I may be doing too much, when I obsess over a project.

I would like to invite you to join me in "the one word challenge."  You are welcome to share my word or come up with one you are especially led to work on.

For more interesting link-ups go to Holley Gerth's 

You Can Handle Whatever Happens Today {Coffee for Your Heart}


Love in Him,

Deborah