COMMIT...

.. To An Amazing God This Year!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

In my last post--Heaviness Hopes-- I wrote about the interplay of joy and grief during the holidays, precipitated by a friend’s entrance into hospice. I’m aware of several other friends battling life-threatening situations, and I plan to write more to process that grief soon. But for now, I need to give God some gratitude!

It’s New Year’s Eve!

The New Year is upon us! In the spirit of celebration, I want to write the obligatory “Let’s reflect back on our year!” post.

So, have you done some reflection yourself yet? Do you pick a “Word of the Year” (WOTY), and if so, how did that work out for you?

To be honest, this year started out quite difficult for me, but ended quite remarkable! I’m convinced that my WOTY (COMMIT) was the right one for me.

“How so?” you ask. Well, I thought I’d just lift this page right out of my journal entry yesterday to share with you friends:

Dec. 30, 2024

So, God. My “Word for the Year” (WOTY) for 2024 was COMMIT, based on Prov. 16:3, in the NIV:

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish our plans.”

And WOW!! I can’t believe it! God, you’ve done some incredible things this year!

• After emotionally and physically tanking last spring, we finally figured out another medical issue was affecting me alongside the SIBO—MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome). Blocking histamines for most of this year was key to soothing gut and body reactions.

• Finding a Christian counselor helped me reframe my situation— the positive side of dealing with illness at home is that it enables me to embark on this new writing adventure.

• Discovering my gut wasn’t making one of my neurotransmitters brought understanding about my low energy and mood. Replacement medication elevated my mood within a month, and restored my motivation.

• I buckled down on the outstanding home projects I’d started that needed finishing and finally accomplished them all. That felt great! Thank you, God!

• I began writing from the “middle of the mess” which prompted me to (finally) set up a spot to write--my “Soul Singings”. To do this, I had to confront all my fears about writing in public. (Unhidden! Exposed! Yes, I had fears! But You said it was time to stop letting them control me.)

• I was asked to share my testimony story with a local Women’s Ministry group in January, so I’m currently preparing for that. (WHAT?!?!)

• I finished the first round of edits on two stories for the Guideposts editor; the first one is slated for a book called “Beloved by His Faithful”, due out next July.

• This past month, I’ve had writings self-published twice in other books, one with some of my poetry just for fun (Living Lights), and one a mini-version of my story along with other contributors (The Road to Victory. Local friends, I will have some copies of this soon if interested). AND, I’m working on my own book of poetry to be available soon.

WOW. Thanks, God. Thank you, Jesus. I love you! Thank you for walking with me through the darkness and back into the light again. Thanks for the writing wins, motivation to finish house projects, and courage to write and speak out in public. I can’t do any of it without you! Oh, and thanks, Lord, for my praying groups of friends that grabbed ahold of me this year and lifted me ‘up and over’-- I surely needed them!

Lord, you’re so good. And you’re amazing! What a journey you’ve taken me on this year!

Like always, you have my heart!

**Now**. . . what should my word be for 2025? Lead me to it!!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor. 5:17

How about you friends? Do you pick a WOTY, and if so, have you picked yours for 2025? I’d love to hear what it is, and why, if you’d like to share!