2016 The Year of Sacrifice

Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, 

and declare His works with rejoicing. 

Psalm 107:22

I haven't made a new years resolution for more than 20 years. Personally, I don't believe in them. In the past I could never stick with them. Maybe I could now. But, I'm not interested. Instead, for the past five years I've used one word to guide my goals and help define my intentions for the year.

In 2011 my word was JOY

In 2012 my word was SURRENDER

In 2013 my word was EMBRACE

In 2014 my word was HARD

In 2015 my word was PASSION

And for this new year my word is SACRIFICE.

I'm equally eager and trepidatious about this word. We don't own much and we live fairly simply. What else could I possibly have to let go of? 

And then it hits me as I was praying on New Year's Eve. A list evolved as I listened to God softly clarifying all that He wants me to work on. All that I need to let go of. All of the things that make up my SACRIFICE.

my wants

my plans

my will

my misguided beliefs

my words

my praise

my thanksgiving

my ministry

my family 

my time

my flesh

my ego

my impure motives...

I don't think God has shown me everything yet. I believe He has many lessons for me to learn throughout this new year of life. He must think I'm ready. After all, He's the One Who gave me this word.

Have you ever used one word to guide your year? I think the one word principle guides me to that "one thing" that Jesus told Martha about in Luke 10:42. Martha needed to focus her energy, efforts, and thoughts onto Him instead of continuing on with her practice of worrying about so many different things. 

If you're ready to give up making resolutions and try something different then this practice might work for you. 

Begin by praying for God to place an anointed, specific word into your soul. This is important because you need a God-word not just a good word. Once you receive your word from Him then you need to make it known. You need to live it out on a daily basis. Keep it at the forefront of your thoughts so that it may impact every aspect of your life; emotionally, spiritually, relationally, financially, intellectually. 

Your word and how you choose to live it out will reveal what aspect of His kingdom you need to focus on. God can use your word as a light to illuminate your path, as a mirror reflecting things that you need to change, and as sandpaper to refine & polish you in order to reflect His image.

If you need help with evaluating 2015 before moving on to focusing on your word for this 2016 you can ask yourself these three questions found in this video: 


May this new year of your life be filled with blessings, lessons, and lots of laughter!

when they saw the Star...

Not everyone meets Christmas with joy.

Back in 1985 we had one of the most difficult Christmas seasons ever. Our son, Cameron, was stillborn just two weeks before Christmas. It was a devastating loss after having suffered our first stillbirth  just 10 months earlier.

It's not easy to celebrate with a heavy heart. I know from personal experience that weeping may remain for a night but joy truly does come in the morning. We just don't always know how long the night will last.

The night that the Magi saw His star standing over where the Child was located they rejoiced wholeheartedly. They had seen His star in the east at the beginning of their journey and chose to search for Him. When they left their home they determined in advance that they were going to worship Him as King. They had brought gifts with them to offer Him. They traveled a great distance. Perhaps they faced obstacles along the way. Seeing the star confirmed that they had finally made it to the right place. After they celebrated they went inside and fell before the Child in worship. Following their incredible rejoicing they worshiped.

If we notice the sequence of events first came the hardship of a long journey before they could rejoice...before they could worship...before they could give Him their gifts. Traveling through dark nights of the soul may take a lot out of us and it may be a difficult and long process. But, when we get through, when we overcome, the best response is one of rejoicing. May you find the answers you are searching for in Him. May you find comfort. May you find peace. May you find Hope. And may this Christmas be one of rejoicing with exceedingly great joy. Celebrate Him. Worship Him. Offer your gifts and talents to Him. Christ has come. O come, let us, adore Him!

Let Every Heart

Has Christ been invited to your Christmas celebration?

As Christmas approaches it's time to focus, reflect, and ponder the true reason for this holiday.

When I think about Mary and Joseph being able to hold Jesus in their arms, I am amazed.

Amazed that God allowed His son to come to earth to be our Savior.  Amazed that although the heavens couldn't contain Him, that He was able to walk this earth.  He chose to be a Living Sacrifice for you and for me. And I am in awe of Him and of who He really is and of what He has done for us.

The heavens can't contain Him
Yet Mary held Him in her arms
Pondering the mystery in her heart.
He chose to come earth
In weakness and in strength
A living Sacrifice for you and me.

The heavens couldn't hold Him
Yet, He lives within our hearts
Covering the whole earth with His love.
Without His hope as anchor
I'd be lost on stormy seas.
His precious gift of life would not be mine.

A gift born in a manger
A Bright and Morning Star
Joy came to the world that silent night
Enthroned in heavenly peace
Mercy wrapped in newborn clothes
Glory, Hallelujah, pure Joy is mine!
© 2014

Make room for Him. Seek His face, wait on His touch, hope on His name...may He open your heart to His joy. May He fill you, renew you, and restore you day after day. Invite Him in and welcome Him with open arms, open hearts, and open homes. Welcome the reason for the season. Whether He be newborn or reborn in your heart… make room for Him as Lord!