“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Famous words from the beloved Forrest Gump. I find truth in these words because as they say “Life can change in the blink of an eye.” Life is full of surprises and can quickly change directions, but for me it doesn’t end there.
Life is not just endless days full of surprises and lack of direction. There is purpose and a beautiful story for each of us. God lovingly authored our stories even before we were born and reveals each chapter in His perfect timing. Our lives are made of ordinary as well as extraordinary days. Our story trumps uncertainty and lack of direction when we join in union with God’s story.
[Tweet “Embracing a word for the year allows God to take you on a journey with an ending known by Him.”]
This year God chose the word “Purpose” as my OneWord. It always surprises me when God starts leaving hints especially when He waits until the last minute. A conversation with my daughter-in-law who mentioned the word “purpose” started the ball rolling. When I heard the word “purpose”, it triggered the sound of bells (really, it was quite amazing!). Then several morning devotionals focused on purpose as well as Scriptures placed strategically in my line of vision. God is so good.
Embracing a word for the year allows God to take you on a journey that only God truly knows the ending. He grants you new opportunities to grow in relationship with Him and refines you piece by piece. This year the journey involves purpose and is one that I have no doubt will refine who I am in Christ. I imagine there will be twists and turns along the way. As Forrest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates” but I would like to add that with God we will know what we are getting-unfailing love, hope for the future, endless peace and the gift of grace.
[Tweet “Our purpose, when aligned with Christ’s, will always lead us home.”]
Our purpose, when aligned with Christ’s, will always lead us home. A place where we are known, loved and treasured. As 2017 begins, I am seeking purpose for my life, knowing that when I seek God with my whole being, God will uncover my story and lead me closer to Him. My purpose is not just the reason I exist, but is my identity in Christ. I can’t think of a better way to grow in purpose this year than to seek God first before all other things.
My verse this year is from Ephesians 1 and is a reminder of how we are known in Christ and His design for us for glorious living.
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 MSG
As I step out in purpose, I pray for all of you beautiful readers.
Heavenly Father,
May your purpose be the one we seek in our everyday lives.
May your desire for us to be known join our desire to know you deeper.
Draw us ever closer to you this year as we step out and into the story you have for each of us.
We are so grateful for the gift of grace and redemption you grant us daily.
We love and praise you! Amen.
Stepping forward in grace and purpose!
Linking today with:
and Dawn for Grace Moments
Wonderful Post
Thanks
Purpose and Ephesians is a powerful combo for your new year! I don’t do the one-word thing, the whole movement really doesn’t resonate with me, mainly because I can never choose just a word, He’s always working on me in so many different ways! Praying this year is one of discovery for you lady! xoxo
It is indeed very powerful. As for not choosing one word-good for you! God works in each of us uniquely and will continue to do so whether you or I choose a word or not. My word is one vehicle for me to center myself as I begin this year but God has so much more. Thank you for the prayers and for joining me here today, Nicki.
I love that analogy about life. It’s surprising, there are many options, but no matter what you take, it’s a whole different experience.
Thank you Lux! A box of chocolates always has a surprise inside but with God we know what we are getting- his amazing truth, love and grace. I am praying that you are blessed richly this year.
Purpose is such a wonderful word choice, Mary! I’m excited to see how God is going to walk out this word in your life this year. It will definitely be a purposeful one. 😉
Thank you Lisa. Purpose is such a strong word and I imagine God will teach me in powerful ways. Thank you for being on this journey with me. Blessings as you walk through your weekend.
I love your verse of the year, Mary. And this inspiring post. This line really speaks to my heart today – “God lovingly authored our stories even before we were born and reveals each chapter in His perfect timing.” Thank you for this reminder. 🙂 I love your photos, too! Especially the one showing the path and its deep meaning of us all being on a journey with an ending only known to God. I hope this year God will bring you many pleasant surprises! Love and hugs!
Thank you Trudy for your sweet words. You are such an encouragement to me. I love the photo of the pathway too. Pathways carry such meaning for me as we walk through this life with God at our sides. I pray that you find peace and rest in your own walk this year and know that God is always with you.
Hi Mary! I love how you said that God chose your word. I feel the same way. It’s a wonderful exercise of prayer and listening that lead us to our guiding theme. I hope that this year shows you your own purpose, brightly, strongly and clearly. I know he has great things in store for you!
Thank you for your prayers for all those here too. You know they’re appreciated 🙂
Ceil
God is so faithful and when we make time for Him, He comes alongside and provides. It will be wonderful to see how God uses both of us this year.
I am honored to pray for all of you and love knowing that this community is one that supports each other well. Blessings on the rest of your week.
Oh, I love that word, Mary, and the thoughts you already inspired to consider. Yes, seeking God’s kingdom and purposes should be our number one goal each and every day. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us to live purposeful lives for Christ!
It is so amazing when God chooses a word for us and then we need to hold on for the ride. I hope to revisit my word more often this year than I did last year with my word “hope”. I certainly know that I wouldn’t have made it through the year without hope.
Thank you for being part of this community and for faithfully encouraging me each week. You are a treasure!
Ah … you had me at the word ‘chocolates,’ friend!
Purpose is a powerful Word, filled with energy and focus and anticipation. I look forward to seeing this play out in the coming months.
You’ve proven over and over how good you are at moving ahead. I see Christ in you …
I was hoping that would get your attention!
There is power in the word purpose which will reveal itself as I seek Him in the process. I imagine this is going to be quite the adventure this year. Thank you for seeing Christ in me. That is so life affirming!
“Our purpose, when aligned with Christ’s, will always lead us home” – Oh , yes, Mary! Let Christ lead us onward. You know those Christmas crackers? Some have wind-up reindeer or snowmen that allow you to have races, except those little guys don’t go in a straight line. That swerve, turn around and go anywhere but straight. I’ve felt like that every day this past year – it’s been a topsy-turvey, side to side kind of ride – but he does have something planned with all that seeming chaos! Enjoy your class God signed you up for! I think I know the word he’s given me – but I’m just too excited about it to say it outloud right now. I’m going to love the class he’s putting me in the for year! Shalom, Mary! ~Maryleigh
I had a year like that too. I was glad to see it go but also better because of all I learned. I understand the topsy turvy feeling. And yes in the chaos there is always God who is leading the way even if we cannot see it.
I will enjoy God and all that He has for me this year. I can’t wait to hear your word. Blessed you stopped by here today, Maryleigh!
I love your word, Mary! May God lead and guide you as you discover what the word means to you this year!
Thank you Anita. I pray that I listen well on this journey and hear all He has to teach me. Thank you for being here.
Forrest Gump is one of my fave movies! Your one word is such a great word for the year.
Who doesn’t love Forrest Gump right? Thank you for encouraging me and walking this journey with me. Blessings friend!
Mary, what an exciting word! I look forward to hearing what God teaches you and what He shows you regarding your purpose this year! I loved, love what you said here: “Our purpose, when aligned with Christ’s, will always lead us home. A place where we are known, loved and treasured.” This spoke to my heart. There’s something amazing about feeling the peace of home, and being known,isn’t there?
Such a beautiful post, my friend!
There is such treasure in being known by God and it is the feeling of coming home. I know that this process of seeking purpose will only happen when I seek God first above all others. I pray that God leads me well this year and teaches me more than I can imagine. Thank you for encouraging me and walking with me.
Hi Mary, I am your linkup neighbor at #tellhisstory. Purpose is a great word choice, and I hope you find new purpose in your writing endeavors this year. My word choice is Act. I want to take action on long-buried dreams.
I know that “purpose” is just the beginning of stretching me beyond what I can imagine right now. Thank you for the wish for my writing endeavors. I pray your word “act” is one that stretches you this year too.
I love your word “purpose” and the verse that goes with it, and thank you for sharing how he led you to your word – that is awesome! My word is expect. Have a wonderful New Year of Purpose!
Thank you for being here Michelle. I love meeting new friends. I am sure God will have amazing things in store for you this year with the word “expect”. May He lead you well and teach you more than you can imagine this year.
This is a great word for the year, Mary. As you say, it’s a journey and an adventure- when we find a word for the year we don’t know where it is going to take us, but it’s exciting to see what God will do and where he will lead us.
It is exciting to know that God has so much in store for us. The journey is a piece of how we find out more of who we are. So glad to have you here and I pray this year leads you on many adventures with our Heavenly Father.
Such a good word, Mary! I love how God gives us just the direction and focus we need right when we need it – when we seek Him first!
It’s all in the seeking. I am learning the importance of centering myself on Jesus first before anything else. This is what makes all the difference. May we all find direction in Jesus and let Him lead the way.
Love your word for the year, Mary. It’s so easy to get busy and foget our purpose. And the prayer? Love that, too, and prayed it with you. Visiting via #testimonyTuesday.
Thank you for praying with me. What a blessing to pray in community. It is easy to to get busy and get steered the wrong direction. I am looking to seek god first and know that everything else will fall into place. Thank you for being here.
Should be a good year!!! With.purpose.
I know when ever God chooses a word that it is going to be good. Even though sometimes my words don’t make sense to others, looking back there is alway a reason and a progression each year as the next word is revealed.
Smiling because my boys often refer to that quote from Forrest — and in the midst of reading your book, I’m finding all kinds of associations between where you were as you wrote, and where you are today with your new word!
I love that you see the pieces of my journey and they make sense to you. That means so much to me since you are someone on the outside looking in. I can imagine your sons loving Forrest Gump and especially his famous quote. Can’t wait to hear all your thoughts on my book when you are finished.
I like your one word.
Praying that the Lord helps you through this journey.
Happy New Year, Mary.
Many Blessings to you
Thank you for the prayers as I journey deeper with God and His purpose. I pray the new year is filled with blessings for you in the beginning and all the way through to the end. Thank you for being here.
Good word, good thoughts, Mary!
My word is actually a sentence – “You don’t have to like it, but you have to show up.”
And some days, like today, there’s a lot not to like. The disease has gotten into my bones, and movement is accompanied by an unavoidable cry of pain. This from a professional Tough Guy who has done minor surgery on himself.
It’s bad, but I still have to show up. I have to bear witness to the good and blessed parts of life, the fact that I have a place to sleep, enough to eat, and things to occupy my mind.
Above all the fact that this witnessing gives me purpose.
Your witnessing in your writing makes more of a difference than you’ll ever know. Your phrase sums up so well who I know you to be. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of hope for me. Blessings!