My One Word 2013

Happy New Year Reader!

By this point we have been hearing all about new year resolutions, new you, new starts, restarts, refocus, refresh, set measureable goals, time to get serious, make a commitment, purpose to change, and on and on. Something happens in our minds when we turn the calendar, or touch the smart phone, with a new year. Like a blank slate, um rather a dry erase board or IPad that is ready to be filled with fresh thoughts, goals, plans and ideas.

For me, it a selecting a new word for the year; a word to live into each day. Last year it was thanksgiving and I will strive to keep a grateful heart.  My One Word for 2013 is HOPE.  The Greek meaning for hope is "confident expectation in the unseen future" or "the happy expectation of good." For some a wish is hope. Like a thankful attitude, hope launches a positive outlook. Hope tells you to hold on in anticipation and expectation. Helen Keller said, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

Today was my father-in-laws 85th birthday. As we sat with him, at the nursing home that he has been living at for over 2 years, listening to him babble like a child, not really understanding what was going on or that it was his birthday I thought about hope.  I hope that the faith that "Pops" talked about before Alzeimers is a faith with knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. (Titus 1:2)

I hope this is the faith that my mom has too; although it is common for her generation to keep their deepest feelings and thoughts private so she does not talk about her faith.  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24-25)

I have many hopes for 2013.....

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. (Romans 15:13)