New Year's Values

Every year I choose a few words for my New Year’s values and make them my life’s anthem.

Think of them like a really, really, really long house or trance song that plays into the night with the same beats, but a different mix throughout.

For 2011 I chose THREE WORDS that defined my life.

First word: FRUITFUL.

This has been the most fruitful year of my life so far…

I finished Not Another Dating Book & signed book #3 on forgiveness.
I got married!

Since I started the life-mapping-new-year’s-values-picking process over five years ago, I’ve worked extremely hard to stay focused.

But it hasn’t come without a price.

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2, NLT).

Yep.
That’s me.
Broken and cut.
So I can grow more.

I simply want to say thank you God for seeing potential in me.
For thinking I’m strong enough to handle it.
For giving me your grace and making me even more fruitful.

Second Word: INHERITANCE

“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold” (Job 23:10, NLT).

This year has been the culmination of all my dreams, of waiting patiently on God to bring me one step closer to fulfilling His prophetic destiny on my life.

My reward is both a physical and spiritual inheritance. I am receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken–because of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I love that ever since I can remember–my parents have been in full time missions work.

Serving the poor.
Reaching others around the world.
Equipping the church.

It is and has been my desire since I was a little girl to do the same. I may not have the same calling as my parents, but I believe that I am walking in the inheritance that God has for me today!

Third Word: GLORY

I have asked.
And I have seen His glory in my life.

I am so incredibly grateful for everything the Lord has done in my life.

“Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed” (Joshua 23:14b, NLT).

As a self-employed writer and speaker for the past few years–I’ve seen how easy it is to want to desire glory for myself.

For my name to be recognized.
For my name to be known.

I’m so glad that God took the time with me this past year.

To beat it out to me.
To reveal my spiritual inheritance.
All for His glory.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who REMAIN in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit (See: FRUITFUL). For apart from me you can do nothing. When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great GLORY to my Father” (John 15:5, 8, NLT).

As I look forward to 2012, I want to continue on the straight path.

Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil (Proverbs 4:25-27, NLT).

First Word: INTENTIONAL

As my blog header reads above: Intentional Discipleship Meets Personal Devotion.

+I will continue to write and speak on purpose and on behalf of my generation.

+I want my passionate heart to encourages you to follow Christ with me (nobody likes to be alone).

Second Word: REMAIN

It’s kind of redundant to follow INTENTIONAL with REMAIN, but it continues the theme last year of FRUITFUL. In order to continue to bear fruit and be successful for the Kingdom I. Have. To. Remain. In. Him.

Enough said.
Just sayin.
The end.

I hope you’ll join me and my friend Alece Ronzino.

Pick your word or words for 2012 and let’s go!

[Photos taken from iStockPhoto & Pinterest]