ABIDE: Special Guest Post by Caran Jantzen

More and more people seem to be exchanging the idea of a New Year’s resolution for a word that sums up a plan or goal for their year to come. Words like Enough, Abundance, Whole, and even Nope have been shared on friends’ and acquaintances' social media pages. While I resolved to abandon New Year's resolutions years ago, I had yet to embrace choosing a word to identify with and focus on for the year to come. I could blame it on indecisiveness, or bucking a trend, but if I’m honest with myself, it has more to do with the exhaustion I always feel around that time of year.

Looking back to when January 2019 began, I felt burned out. Instead of looking toward new and exciting opportunities ahead, I was drained from all of the times in prior months that I had said yes when I should have said no. As the new year unfolded, my body gave out, and colds and the flu consumed me for seven agonizing weeks. My body was forcing me to say no; it was forcing me to pay attention to myself and my needs--something that has never come easily for me.

If I could sum up my last year with a single word, it would be the word LISTEN. Last year, I began a journey through counselling on learning how to better listen to myself and my body. I began to dig deeply into my needs, and realized that I had been ignoring many of them in favour of helping others. In the process of talking about my needs, I learned that meeting everyone else’s needs was not the same as meeting my own--even though at the time it felt like it. (Enneagram 2, anyone?!)

I also began to listen to my emotional needs. I have been learning that I am not very good at asking for what I need, especially at an emotional level. I tend to be introspective, but not allow others into that quiet, often dark space. I’ve been listening more to what my emotions are telling me, and then opening up with my husband and others close to me about what I’m feeling, and what I need.

Most importantly, I started listening more intentionally to God speaking to me through the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe that the Bible is God’s Word spoken to us, but I also believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, speaks to us in a way I’ve learned to call listening prayer. The intimacy and joy I have experienced through listening prayer is a powerful testimony to a two way relationship with God--receiving from Him, as well as pouring out to Him.

As 2019 progressed, my burdens, emotional, physical, and spiritual, became lighter. I felt joy when months earlier I had felt heavy and depleted. Listening to my physical body, my emotions, and God my Father gave me a new outlook for the last half of the year. My incredible counsellor, a prayerful mentor, a supportive husband, patient friends and a Faithful God have all been instrumental in assisting me on this journey.

Early in December, I received an email from a friend about the idea of choosing a word for the new year--but with a twist. Instead of me choosing the word, I would invite Jesus, by the power of His Holy Spirit, to give me a word. In the midst of the bustle of the Christmas season I brushed this idea off. But one morning, with just days to go before the new year’s arrival, I decided to pray a listening prayer using the prompts my friend had provided. I asked Jesus, through His Spirit, to reveal His word for me for 2020.

The question had barely escaped my lips, when the word ABIDE sprung to mind. I followed up with another question. “Jesus. where in your Word confirms this for me?” Immediately the phrase, ‘apart from me you can do nothing’ came to mind. I had to look up this verse, as I couldn’t remember the reference. It is from John 15:5. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

This year, 2020, God has given me the gift of His Word, John 15:5, and a clear call to abide in Him alone. I look forward to seeing all that this year brings--in my family, in my writing, in my friendships, in my spiritual, physical and emotional health, and in all of the good gifts He alone gives--as I abide in Him.

Caran Jantzen lives and writes from British Columbia. 

A Focused Year by Susan Barclay

Although it's been a while since I've "done" a word for the year, when I was challenged to do so  for 2020, God quickly presented me with two possibilities: "Centre" and "Ready". I've opted for the former, figuring that if I centre my life and thoughts on Christ, I will also be ready for whatever comes my way.

As I began to meditate on the word centre, I thought it would be helpful to make a list of songs and scriptures I could use in my daily listening and reading. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list, these are some that came to mind, in no particular order:

Songs

• Jesus, Be the Centre
• How Great Thou Art
• How Great is Our God
• More Precious than Silver
• There is None Like You
• Awesome God
• What a Beautiful Name

Scriptures 

1  Corinthians 13:4-8a (because if God is love, I should centre on that fundamental quality of His).

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

2 Corinthians 4:18  

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

 Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I also thought about the different areas of my life and how I might  centre each of them around the Lord in a way that pleases Him. For example:

Family - I already pray for family members and strive to serve them well, but I can work on serving (making meals, doing laundry, cleaning and picking up after them) without complaint.

Friends - Continue to pray for needs and requests, but commit to freeing up more time to spend with them (sharing a meal, getting together for games or worship and prayer).

Church - Continue to act as our life group prayer coordinator and as a care meal team leader. Maybe take a class through our church's learning centre or see if there's a way to support an ethnic church that meets in our building.

Writing - Keep my word of the year in mind as I contemplate blog posts and personal experience stories. Try to write a devotional every day (or at least once a week).

Work -  Centre on Colossians 3:23-24, which says

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Online -  Continue leading an online prayer group and actively participate in a couple of Christian social media groups. Take advantage of learning opportunities, watching video teaching on Right Now Media.

Personal - Run a book club that focuses on Christian work. Encourage conversations. Practice scripture-writing and other spiritual disciplines. 

These are just some initial thoughts. I welcome your suggestions and ideas!

By the way, a lot of people have been joking that their vision will be perfect in 2020. Perhaps vision is their word for the year. I am totally okay with that, and leave you with this song, which is also an excellent one for centre. May each of us focus on the One who is our life.

_________________

You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

Fallen Lessons of 2019 by Lynn J Simpson

Sandi Somers’ words that started our 2020 postings at Inscribe Writers Online inspired me to reflect on my past year, too. First, I went back to my own words here from January , 3^rd, 2019.

For a decade now, my friend, Marne, and I have been meeting at the closing of December to review the past year and make new goals for the upcoming year. She’s called me her “goal queen.” But this time, as I sipped peppermint tea, my goal notebook unopened on her office table, I found my stomach tensing whenever she uttered “goals.” I’d bristle like I’d just leaned against the needles of a cactus.

Maybe my resistance was due to the incompletions of last year’s goals.  Or maybe the tension was due to my resistance of letting go and letting God take the lead…

How fascinating, especially considering I’d just spent, on January 1^st, 2020, a lovely afternoon with Marne to chat about —yes!—our aspirations for this new year. 

And what surprise did Marne have on hand for me? Well, an exercise of reflection, of course as that is how our God works, titled “A Look Back + A Look Forward.”

So, will you take this journey with me, my dear readers, on a few questions? I encourage you to grab your writing instrument of choice, cover my words on each reflection, and write down your answers. 

A Look Back

How would you describe your past year in two sentences? 

There were moments of complete joy especially while helping a friend create content for a cause I know will be a blessing for many, and when watching my granddaughter and her friend create cake creations during a Nailed It birthday party theme I planned. Much frustration, though, knocked me down and out this year, draining my energy and decreasing my joy.  

What made you feel energized/drained? What did you learn?

Energized: When connecting with others, either in engaging conversation that led to insights, or sharing my knowledge that helped build their creations. 

Drained: When work problems exceeded the successes. 

What did I learn? Service to others through sharing my knowledge, skills, or by just showing up fills me. And although an introvert, connecting with others is necessary to fuel my introverted activities like my writing.  My work problems can be easier handled if I fill my joy cup with service and connections to others. 

What were your joys/heartaches? What did you learn?

Surge of joy while practicing cross-over turns during skating lessons (figure skating lessons a bucket list item I was so happy to do at 54 years-old!) and chatting on ice with the other regulars at early morning public skating. Then heartache when a fall in the icy arena parking caused a broken wrist and no more skating for 4 to 6 months. What I have learned so far on this healing bone journey is why God wants me to be joyful in all circumstances as it is this joy He wants for me that fuels me to be my best. And also to be graceful even in life’s falling moments. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

A Look Forward

Describe your year in two sentences now that you’ve reflected on the highs, lows, and everyday moments of this past year. Although a fall caused a set-back and frustrations with work felt overwhelming, I was not crushed. I’ve learned lessons about myself through my trials of 2019, am more compassionate including toward those with bone breaks, and see how God is bending me toward His goals, not mine. 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm16:11

My word for the year? What do you think it might be?

What did God teach you in 2019?

Lynn writes on faith, hope and love at Lynn J Simpson. Although she can't hold a camera presently, you can find her past photography at Instagram and Photography

What is Your Key Verse or Word for 2020? – by Sandi Somers

Picture by Pixabay

As we begin 2020, our writers will focus on their verse or word for the year, and what it means for themselves, their faith and their writing.

Image by Psychology Today

Before I explain my key words for 2020, I want to share with you what I discovered through my verse for last year. While working through interpersonal and situational issues, God gave me the verse, “Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 31:24).

I decided to be intentional in keeping this verse in mind. I began a new process of reviewing every month my experiences and growth. I summarized discoveries and scriptures to understand more clearly what God was doing in and through me.

Then towards the end of 2019, I read both my journal and summary notes. This was an important step, because in the rear-view mirror of the year, I discovered that God was doing a larger and deeper work in me. Patiently step by step, He guided me in ways I didn’t always see at the time. 

From There to Here: Discoveries

Receiving an instruction and a promise: My verse came in two parts—I was to work at becoming strong, and God promised to give me strength, wisdom, and insight. Throughout the year He also stepped in with many encouraging words and promises.

Waiting on God: It took time, concentrated prayer and journalling to discern what was askew and to absorb what God was teaching me. I needed to wait in God’s presence. God was working in me to develop my character and maturity, to sink my roots deeper into God, and to find Him in the broken places of my life. I was amazed to discover just how specific and detailed were God’s solutions, solutions that had previously eluded me.

Focusing on God instead of my worries: In October I visited persecuted believers in Egypt. They reminded me how important it is to look to Jesus. “The enemy wants us to live in fear,” one leader told our group. “We focus instead, not on the persecution, but on our Faithful Father.” They were enthusiastic about God’s vision for their lives and ministry and what God was doing, rather than their persecution. What a wonderful model for me!

Forgiveness: How well I remember David Jeremiah’s words, “Forgiveness is always our turn.” As an important component of developing strength, extending forgiveness to others is becoming part of my prayer time. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.

Intercession: I discovered deeper lessons in interceding for persons and situations, and appreciated how much the Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray.

Helps to others: Towards the end of the year, others began asking me for advice in the particular areas I had struggled with. God does extend our struggles into ministry to others.

Gratitude:  I look back in gratitude for this year. I have seen God do what seemed impossible, and this leads me into my words for 2020: 

God is the Lord of the Impossible. 

Image by Quotefancy

These words come from Lloyd John Ogilvie who added, “The Lord constantly wants to surprise us with what he can do if we dare to risk, to accept his gift of faith and to leave the results to him.” [i] I pray to make this concept go deep into my life and writing.

I include with a prayer, which includes my prayer for you:

Dear Father, I invite you into my word or verse for the year. I long to accomplish Your plans and purposes for me. Shine Your light into what You want me to do and accomplish this year in both my life and writing. Build my faith to: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God” (William Carey). As I thank you in advance, I will give You my praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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[i] Lloyd John Ogilvie. Lord of the Impossible. Nashville: Abingdon Press. 1984, p. 10.