Then, the next year, my heart was impressed with two little words: MOLD ME. This past year, although I didn't blog specifically about it, I am certain that my word was "FORWARD" as I needed to look forward to what lies ahead.
And, here I am in 2009 asking once again for a word on which to focus for this year. And this word LAUGHTER keeps coming to my mind and heart. I know that I get too serious. I get focused and although I LOVE to laugh, I forget to do it. It's like a muscle, and it must be exercised.
When I went to the Bible to really see if that's the word that God has for me. I thought, "No, God must want me to have the word "JOY" for the year." Cause over and over again are verses about silencing laughter. I looked at some different versions of the verse that most caught my eye and my heart in The Message version:
Psalm 30:3-5:
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.
And, then, because I know the Message is a translation---and sometimes considered inappropriate, I read the verse in the New American Standard Version (which was my first study Bible):
3O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;
You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.
4Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
5For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
So, here I am, at the beginning of another year knowing that "LAUGHTER" is to be my word...but also understanding that it's not the kind of laughter that is without pure JOY. And I'm excited to see what I learn as I seek those moments to rest, laugh, and enJOY my life.
Happy 2009, everyone!
11 comments:
I trust you will share with us what the Lord shows you on your word as the year progresses.
Susan
May you experience pure joy and laughter this year.
And I for one, love the Message version of the Bible. I know some don't, but I do.
Isn't amazing how we try to switch the words God gives us because they don't make sense, and then He comes back and says, "no, I said _____".
I love the translation for that verse in the Message. Praying for your laughter this year!
Blessings! Heaven
I have never asked God to specifically give me a word for the year...but how wonderful that He is faithful to do so when you ask!
Susan, that is awesome. I can see how this would be your word. You have such an infectious smile that lights up your whole face.
I look forward to seeing how this word is manifested in your life this year.
That sounds like a perfect word for you. I can't wait to see what the year brings for you. By the way - I accidentally DELTED my blog this morning. I can't believe it...I am just sick about it. All those years, posts, memories... I don't know what I'll do but hopefully it can be recovered. *ugh*
I love that idea!
You know, I haven't specifically prayed to be given a word, but as I think about it, the Lord has been impressing on me the idea of a time of rest. I've been thinking of the word "Sabbath" a great deal.
I just love the things I learn from you. I can't wait to see how this year is filled with the laughter and joy!
I love it! That is a great idea. I think that I'll "steal" it and also do it.
Thanks AGAIN for the lesson and leading!
Wow, I just read your post about Cooking Light which referred me to this post. What a great idea! May your year be full of laughter....it's a great word. I love to hear you laugh....your whole face lights up. Good hunting!
I really can't think of a better word to devote a year to!
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