2015 is my year to shine. That’s my word and I have been impatiently waiting for clarity and a complete unfolding of what it’s going to look like. As you know and I do as well, it’s only been a month- not even quite a whole month-twenty days in!
There is a misconception that more is better – that busy means productive – that pursuing a goal at breakneck speed will get you there faster. I don’t know about you, but this isn’t working so well for me. I am impatiently patient – my outer appearance looks calm and confident but my insides are always churning. Doesn’t sound like the recipe for healthy does it?
It seems the word “slow” is not in my vocabulary and even when I am sitting and give the appearance of slow, my mind is still going – thinking, planning, wondering how that next thing from God is going to unfold. But when I wrote about my one word for 2015 here, I shared that I had been hearing the steady rhythm of a voice saying, “I have big plans for you”. The key word is steady – not rushed, not impatient and not with plans that are already in sight – a slow, calm rhythm that beats and fills your soul with a promise that more is to come. A fresh breeze that gently sways the curtains framing your window on a spring day. There is no rush to God’s promises and even though I do not have any answers, a month later, He has all the answers and they are good.
[Tweet “God’s promises come in the quiet opening of our hearts when we listen, hear and learn.”]
It’s time for me to take a deep breath, learn to be still, really still, to listen and learn how God wants me to shine this year. I need to soak in God’s word, be intentional in my quiet time and give myself the gift of a quiet that is unplugged and free of distractions. God’s promises come in the quiet opening of our hearts when we listen, hear and learn.
Today I am looking at this quote from C.S. Lewis with a new perspective. One where I step back and realize that busy and hurried happens because I am trying to shine my own light instead of allowing God to guide and teach me how to shine for Him.
Will you join me on this journey to being intentional for all God has planned this year? Will you join me in prayer as I learn what a slow down can really look like?
Please share ways that I can join you in prayer as you too pursue a life that is steeped in God’s plan and not your own.
Blessings,
Mary
Blessed to be linking with:
Love, love your word Mary! I think God looks down upon us and is very proud of the way each one of us (shines!) and expresses our love through glorifying Him; there are many ways, and shining your light is just one of them!
Blessings as you live this new year shining for His glory my friend!
Denise
Thank you for your sweet words and encouragement. May we all find ourselves shining for God this year! Blessings!
Love your thoughts as always!
Thanks Cheryl! Love you!
Love that word – shine 🙂 Some of my favorite passages include it:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
and
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
Great word!
Thank you! Sorry I am getting back to you so late with this comment. I thought I had responded but discovered that it was still hanging out in blogosphere. Weekend blessings Michelle!
Oh Amen! Isn’t it always such a great reminder to stop and breathe and reflect on how Jesus was just never, ever, ever in a hurry? Ever! When we Shine and it’s His doing… it doesn’t take a lot of rush and hoopla… it just takes an open heart and a bit of grace! Love this and can’t wait to see how you Shine this year, friend!
Love your words of affirmation and encouragement. May we all shine our light in honor of God and lean on Him to teach us how to gracefully be His beacon. Love you girl and thanks for stopping by!
Yes! May 2015 be a year of God’s beautiful light shining to and through you!
“God’s promises come in the quiet opening of our hearts when we listen, hear and learn.” Love this!
I tweeted it and am following you on twitter now 🙂 Blessings
Thank you and glad to meet you! May you have a blessed day and a year that shines for God!
Oh yes! Busyness will do that to you–to us–dim our light for the Lord, Mary. What a great insight! And I already feel like you’re doing a great job of shining His light in the blogosphere, my friend . . . so this should be a very bright year for you and the rest of us who drink up your enthusiasm and wisdom!
Your words bless me Beth! God has been affirming so much to me today and for that I am so grateful. It has been a difficult day but when God speaks through others it truly lets us know He is never far. Hugs and love friend!
Yes to that quote! Sometimes we’re too scared to shine because others get blinded but we really should not keep our brilliance to ourselves. We were given that right not for selfish reasons but to bless the world with it. 🙂
Yes, yes and yes to your words. We were given the right to shine our light and bless others. I love having you here and I love getting to know you better. Blessings!
I think I told you Mary, that my word this year is purpose, and it ties in so nicely with what you wrote today. I needed to hear this. I too go at mach speed sometimes and just need to be more intentional and still. And to let him ‘shine.’ Thank you for being so open with us. (btw, how is the food challenge going?)
Your words were just what I needed to hear tonight. I’m not good at slowing down as you read but God has taught me some hard lessons these last few days. As for my food challenge-I am making some progress. Baby steps! God’s grace and strength will continue to carry me through with everything. You are so sweet to check in on me. Blessed by you and your presence here.
How true this is! Let God shine through us! Not for our glory, but HIS! I love this truth! Thanks for sharing!
(I found you through the #raralinkup)
Glad to meet you! I pray we all may shine for God through who we are and what we do. How glorious would it be if we all embraced this attitude? Have a blessed day!
I love this Mary!!! I love how busy does not equal. It seems like in some ways we are in a similar season. I am also trying to learn how to stop and really just be. At the same time I am waiting to see more progress in the different ways that God has shown me that He can use me. It can be frustrating at times because I fail to be able to see how God can work things all together. Yet I know He is working.
I am not very good at just sitting and being still. God has a lot of work to do in that area. I loved the article you posted stillness because that could be doable. Thank you for the linkup and know that I am praying for you as you wait, listen and learn. Blessings!
Oh I just loved this so much, Mary. You said so well where my heart is currently at >>> “I need to soak in God’s word, be intentional in my quiet time and give myself the gift of a quiet that is unplugged and free of distractions. God’s promises come in the quiet opening of our hearts when we listen, hear and learn.”
I even gave myself a challenge that I would not let social media, and other things, distract me until I had spent time discovering at least one of God’s promises for me. (I’ve been a bit social media weary lately.)
I need more time for Him. When I think of all the things I allow to distract me from that time with Him, I know if I was more intentional it not letting those distractions get the best of me, I would indeed have more time for God.
Listen, hear and learn. <<<< yes, this is what I'm doing these days.
Thank you for the wisdom you shared today!!
Much love,
xoxo
I am glad that these words helped you. Believe me I am preaching to myself throughout this post! I am too easily sucked into social media and trying to stay on top of things that sometimes I just need to step away from to be more intentional in my time with God. He’s working on me but I do not listen very well besides being impatient. I am praying for all of us today that we seek God first and let Him do the rest. So glad you shared and confirmed for me how I need to be slowing down. Love you!
Mary, what a beautiful way to explain being patient. I especially love these sentences: “The key word is steady – not rushed, not impatient and not with plans that are already in sight – a slow, calm rhythm that beats and fills your soul with a promise that more is to come. A fresh breeze that gently sways the curtains framing your window on a spring day.”
What you have written also portrays trusting God as well. I will gladly say a prayer with you. “Dear Heavenly Father, Please give me the patience and knowledge to follow wherever you lead this year. I am putting my whole life in your hands because I trust that your plans will be exactly what is best for my life. Thank you for all your blessings, In Jesus name, Amen.”
Your sweet heart Verona really touched me tonight. You are a blessing! Your prayer is absolutely beautiful and one I will pray over and over this year as I continue to come to God for patience and understanding. Thank you for being here and for adding your beautiful words! Blessings!
Mary … I love that you’re doing a follow-up. For myself, I’ve seen my One Words fade into oblivion in the blink of an eye. This is a great motivator.
But, I am keeping track of my UnWord. I see some progress.
He is able …
Hugs, friend.
You know I love the unworn idea and might try it on for next year! 🙂 I didn’t realize how impatient I am until I started reflecting on my one word. Some deep breathing and slowing down is exactly what I need to let God work His plan in His time. I guess I am overly excited for what is next for me. Love that you join me here in my space. You’re the best! Hugs!
Mary, your post made me realize something regarding our One Word’s. It truly is a year long journey. He will unfold the word He has brought to our attention over the course of 365 days. Seriously, it wouldn’t be a One Word 365 if the word was fully realized within the first month. Friend, thank you so much for bringing perspective to this journey. We’ve only just begun as we are in January. May we look forward to & anticipate ALL that He will work in us each of the months of this year. XO
We have only just begun and I need to step back and keep reminding myself of that. I just know that better things are coming and I want it all to unfold right now! 🙂 May we both look to God for the guidance and patience to let His plan unfold in His time. Blessings, Joanne!
Yes! You do not even know how much I love this CS Lewis quote! “Do not shine so that others may see you. Shine so that through you others may see Him.” I am often battling myself because I don’t want to steal glory and this puts it so well. So encouraged by this. Shine Jesus. Thank you for your words. Cheering you!
Love your encouragement Kelly and your week linkup. What a great community you have established. May we all shine so others can see Jesus in us and through us. Blessings!