The coldness surrounded the car. The heater blew upon my face and hands. The sun was rising up behind the buildings. And my phone was turned on, with my YouVersion Bible app open. I began to read. I paused and prayed, "Lord, give me a word. A new word for the new year. A word to focus on, to pray about, to listen for."
I read some more. I read about courage, faith, light, and love. Hmmmm. I used to set goals, be driven, a bit rigid and a little too-focused...but the last 15 years have changed me. God's plan is usually better than mine, so instead of giving Him my list, I try and start by asking first for His plan for the year. So, now I try and be more open- each year and each day.
So, on this particular morning, I had breakfast with my bestie, I did some grocery shopping, I did some work. (I have a new job at Instacart and it gives me some quiet time to listen to a little encouragement on podcasts and audiobooks and whatnot. A few hours off from parenting, on to earning money, all while exploring my new city and having a little prayer time.) As I was driving, I turned on my women's pastor wife/ leader "conference" that I had been listening to online.
Today, a woman shared a beautiful story about a boy that they met in Brazil. He lived on the street, with no family and no shoes. Long story short-- they got involved and changed his life...and his future! A local had said to her, "Why are you trying to help that one...don't you see that there are hundreds of kids and people who are poor-- it won't make a difference." But to that one- it did. I was crying at this point. I knew my word: ONE.
She shared this beautiful quote from Mother Theresa:
" If I look at the masses, I will never act, but if I look at the ONE, I will."
The first thing I did, when I had a little break: I pulled over to look up ONE in the Bible. Verses kept popping into my mind!
ONE: in marriage...God's design!
ONE: in my church family... we are serving the same God!
ONE: to focus on Christ alone.
ONE: what Jesus prayer in John 17 was all about.
Oh, did I mention my favorite song is U2's "ONE".... and today as we had "Car Church" as a family, Hunnie played me a new song by Hillsong, "One Thing".
So, here it is.
Do I have time everyday to read one verse?
Do I take time to say one kind word to build up each of my kids?
Do I take one hour to care for myself- through resting, walking...?
Do I slow to down for one minute when I am angry?
Do I remember that one smile shared with a stranger (even if they cut me off in the freeway) can brighten their day?
I am listening, looking and open to seeing where this word pops up this year!!
I read some more. I read about courage, faith, light, and love. Hmmmm. I used to set goals, be driven, a bit rigid and a little too-focused...but the last 15 years have changed me. God's plan is usually better than mine, so instead of giving Him my list, I try and start by asking first for His plan for the year. So, now I try and be more open- each year and each day.
So, on this particular morning, I had breakfast with my bestie, I did some grocery shopping, I did some work. (I have a new job at Instacart and it gives me some quiet time to listen to a little encouragement on podcasts and audiobooks and whatnot. A few hours off from parenting, on to earning money, all while exploring my new city and having a little prayer time.) As I was driving, I turned on my women's pastor wife/ leader "conference" that I had been listening to online.
Today, a woman shared a beautiful story about a boy that they met in Brazil. He lived on the street, with no family and no shoes. Long story short-- they got involved and changed his life...and his future! A local had said to her, "Why are you trying to help that one...don't you see that there are hundreds of kids and people who are poor-- it won't make a difference." But to that one- it did. I was crying at this point. I knew my word: ONE.
She shared this beautiful quote from Mother Theresa:
" If I look at the masses, I will never act, but if I look at the ONE, I will."
The first thing I did, when I had a little break: I pulled over to look up ONE in the Bible. Verses kept popping into my mind!
ONE: in marriage...God's design!
ONE: in my church family... we are serving the same God!
ONE: to focus on Christ alone.
ONE: what Jesus prayer in John 17 was all about.
Oh, did I mention my favorite song is U2's "ONE".... and today as we had "Car Church" as a family, Hunnie played me a new song by Hillsong, "One Thing".
So, here it is.
Do I have time everyday to read one verse?
Do I take time to say one kind word to build up each of my kids?
Do I take one hour to care for myself- through resting, walking...?
Do I slow to down for one minute when I am angry?
Do I remember that one smile shared with a stranger (even if they cut me off in the freeway) can brighten their day?
I am listening, looking and open to seeing where this word pops up this year!!