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2018 Word, Forgive

Every year I am given a word of the year. I say given because I don’t look for the word it just seems to find me.  In November while talking with Jesus he reminded me of the verse;

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Col 3:13b niv

Really? Forgive is to be the word in 2018?

I questioned this because I think I am a fairly forgiving person. Oh, I know I fall short when it comes to being forgiving. But I pretty much have put past offenses behind me and when I feel I have been offended or hurt now I try to put it to rest and simply move on. Look at those last two sentences and notice the words; pretty much, fairly, try. You can see that I haven’t mastered forgiveness. I am still an apprentice.

I looked up the word forgive and here’s what I learned:

  • to forgive is to grant pardon, absolve, free
  • cancel, cease to blame or feel resentment
  • to give wholly without reservation
  • to give up resentment or claim to requital on account of offense or wrong

I have some work to do!

Soon after I was given the word forgive I wrote this on my other blog, Patricia’s Place.

The sharp fragmented pieces wildly scattered about
have gathered as soft feathers to fill this soul
preparing it to soar in the heavens.

Then I decided I wanted my word of the year to be soar!lion-1657960_640

Well, that is not to be because in my next chat with Jesus I told Him my word was going to be soar. Yes, I can be a brat even to the Lord.  I think He was laughing when He replied, “You cannot soar on wings like eagles when you are burdened with unforgiveness.”

So, forgive is my word in 2018.

Do you have a word of the year? If you do please share it in the comments.

Blessings this day of grace,
patricia

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Preparing To Soar

When I feel like I am going nowhere and doing nothing of any significance, feeling weak without strength and want to give up I sit on my balcony and look at the sky. Often while gazing at the heavens I think of the verse in Isaiah;

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isa 40:31

It always makes me feel better because I trust in the Lord and know that what He says to me is true. In my weariness, He will give me the strength to look forward and to continue on the path where He leads me.eagle-1029908_640

Recently I wrote this in response to a challenge I joined on my other blog, Patricia’s Place

The sharp fragmented pieces wildly scattered about
have gathered as soft feathers to fill this soul
preparing it to soar in the heavens.

What a wonder it is to contemplate the day when the restrictions of this life will be replaced with the freedom of Heaven and we will soar high on wings like eagles.

Blessings this day of grace,
patricia

Posted on by Patricia

Wait Expectantly

After you have prayed what are you thinking and what do you do?  If you are like me when amen has been said that’s pretty much it for prayer time and the business of the day begins. But when amen is said is that the end of the prayer? Reading Psalm 5:3 has made me aware of a weakness in my prayers.

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This verse tells me I fall short in a vital part of my prayer life.  It tells me to wait expectantly.  I can’t say I do.  I know the Lord hears my prayers. I don’t doubt that and I do know prayers are answered. But do I wait…expectantly?

To wait expectantly is to wait eagerly and energetically, confidently and positively, and actively. To be honest, most often I simply wait; just the verb wait with no adverbs attached.

I guess I thought the active part of prayer was the praying but the activity doesn’t stop at amen. Maybe expectantly waiting is part of what pray without ceasing means.

Isn’t is it a wonder how He gets our attention?  I was just reading a Psalm and a verse jumped out at me. A verse I have read many times before but this time it grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

I wonder how many times I have missed something the Lord had for me because I just said amen and went on with my day not expectantly waiting for anything to happen?

Blessings this day of grace,
patricia

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A Servant of the Lord

We are children loved by our Father. We have His attention at all times. He wants only what is best for us. That does not mean He pampers us or gives us everything we want. As members of the Lord’s family, we are given work to do. We are not only His children we are His servants and have responsibilities.

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He is clear about how we are to behave and how we are to go about our work. I have to admit I don’t always find it easy to follow Jesus’ example.  I fall short more often than not. This time of year can be troublesome and challenging for this child.

I would like to say I rarely quarrel with anyone but that’s not quite true. I just have arguments with them at home when I am by myself.

I like to think of myself as kind but too often there are needs that I just don’t see. Then there are those two words after be kind…to everyone. Everyone? That’s what the Word says.

As for teaching, I have little talent for instructing others though I do try to be a good example. But sometimes I fail in that big time.

Then we come to being patient with difficult people. I am fairly patient with them, except when I am not…and that does happen. Maybe I would be more patient if I would remember…I can be difficult and need the patience of others.

This time of year I find myself asking for forgiveness in all the above more often than in other seasons. I wonder why that is? I can rationalize my behavior but the bottom line is being a servant does not come naturally to me and during the Christmas season I am often the difficult one wanting to be served rather than serve.

I am trying not to quarrel, to be kind and teach,
to be patient with difficult people.
It takes time and thought and prayer.

I am thankful that I am loved. I am thankful that I am forgiven.
I am most thankful that there is a Christmas season.

Blessing this day of grace,
patricia

Posted on by Patricia

A Quiet Place With Jesus

Jesus said to His disciples,

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We are now at the beginning of a very busy time of year. A season of shopping and socializing, decorating and dining, sending cards and making calls. Lots of places to go,  things to do and people to see.

Jesus is with us in the busyness of our days wherever we are; at work, home, out doing errands. He is with us while we are cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, baking, wrapping gifts, checking off the myriad of things on our to-do lists and in our weariness at the end of the day. He knows that the busier we are we need more of Him not less and He invites us to come away with Him to rest.

In the midst of all the busyness let us remember to
find a quiet place to rest and be alone with Jesus.

Blessings this day of grace,
patricia