My One Word for 2015

For the past three years, I have chosen one word to focus on in the new year. Read more about this idea of One Word in my blog post from December 31, 2013 (I hardly used this blog during the year so it shouldn't be too hard to find).

My 2014 One Word is PRAYER...and WOW has God taught me so much about prayer this year. My prayer life looks nothing like it did January 1, and all glory to Him for that! I filled up several prayer journals throughout the year which helped me become disciplined, read a book called the Circle Maker that rocked my idea of prayer (check it out...it will change your life), and experienced many things that allowed me to come to God in new and exciting ways. 

I grew so much this year through graduating from high school, going to Israel and Ethiopia, going to college in Virginia, and much more. God answered cries for help and smiled as I sincerely thanked Him for who He is. He showed me that I had such little faith. Although I constantly repeat Ephesians 3:20's claim that He is able to do more than I could imagine, I am only scratching the surface of what He is able to do. He revealed to me that I am to be a prayer warrior for the nation of Israel. He placed in my heart a desire to communicate His heart to His children. He held my hand as He lead me out to unchartered waters. 

One paragraph can't describe how much the Lord did through my One Word for 2014. That's why I'm so excited about my One Word for 2015! I wait in great expectation to see how He grows me, molds me, and makes me more like Him. More of you and less of me, Father!

And now...my One Word for 2015...*DRUM ROLL PLEASE*...

CULTIVATE. 

According to Google...

This year, my word was revealed to me in a new way. Usually I ask the Lord to place a word on my heart--and he does just that. This year, He did it before I even asked. About a month ago, I started hearing the word cultivate EVERYWHERE. People would use it often in conversation. I saw it on billboards. I even saw it last night on my mom's cup at Chipotle. It's everywhere. My God even works through Chipotle cups. Don't even try to tell me it's coincidence. Not possible considering how much I've heard that word over the past month. 

I can't wait to dive into the meaning of the word, what God's Word says about it, and how He can shape my life through it. I am CULTIVATING a hungry heart!

So what's your word for 2015? Comment below, Facebook me, Tweet me, Snapchat me, Insta me!

Life-Changing Words

Have you ever experienced a moment when God revealed something to you and everything seemed to click? I experienced a defining moment like this earlier this semester. I was thinking about different Scriptures which have shaped my life and molded my character. Three passages have stuck in my head like glue at different points in my life. As I reflect on my years as a Believer, I see God's mighty hand using those powerful words to shape me, break me, and move me.

The first verse is James 1:2-4.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

During my elementary school years, I would always answer the question, "What is your favorite verse?" with this powerful passage. I honestly have no idea how or why this verse pierced my heart at such a young age. How did I even understand the meaning of this verse? I didn't. Nevertheless, it shaped my mind. In life's greatest trials, I constantly reflect on this verse. God knew that I would need this verse as I entered junior high and high school. It's amazing how He works, eh?

Second verse? Ephesians 2:8-10.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

During my junior high and early high school years, I reflected on this verse daily. It was always on my mind, and I dissected every word. I find it incredible that this passage is still transforming the way I live to this day. The Word is truly living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. This was a crucial time for this verse to begin transforming my walk. I needed to learn (and still need to learn daily) that I am not saved by works, but by the sweet grace of God. It is not by anything I do or say. It is not by being a "perfect" teenager. During this time, I was accused of being a perfectionist constantly. No wonder I needed this verse to keep me humbled before the Father. I am so broken--the worst of sinners. Not a day goes by that I don't mess up, yet the Father WILLINGLY gives me the gift of grace every single day. He calls me his "handiwork," his masterpiece. He takes great delight in me, and has great things in store for me each day. I wish I could express this to every young teenager on this earth.

The current verse? Ephesians 3:20-21.
 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I literally smile every time I hear or read this verse. This is the most powerful prayer I have ever heard. My world has been rocked by this passage over the past two years. I have become a dreamer, believing that dreams are God-given. We should embrace these dreams and lay them at the feet of Jesus. It is amazing what He can do with what little we have to give. My God is able to do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine!! Lord, continue to amaze me! Here I am, Lord. Send me. 

My challenge to you? Be open to the life-changing words God has just for you. It will honestly change your life. It will be amazing to see how they fit like perfect puzzle pieces. Be sure to check back in twenty years for "Life Changing Words Blogpost Part 2." I'm more than confident that my world will have been turned upside down by then.