2011 Word of the Year

As is custom I like to spend some time reflecting on the year that is coming to an end and setting some new goals for the upcoming year. This year will be a little different though. Rather than setting New Years Resolutions I have decided to follow suit and set a one-word goal for 2011. I got the idea here. (Thanks Sandra!)

The way it works is that one spends time in prayer and together with God's help and perhaps time spent speaking to someone wise who knows you well, select a word that you would like to focus on in the upcoming year. It's generally a word that you do not plan to perfect but would certainly like to invest time growing and learning how to be a better at it.

For me it is pretty clear that I would like to concentrate on self-control. I realize that it is an area that I am lacking in my life. Whether it comes to my emotions, attitudes or actions there is definitely room for improvement. Self-control applies to time spent on social networks (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Blogger), as well as my tone of voice when I am slightly irritated, and even in the every day decisions I make in life.

This morning I looked up in our concordance a few verses that mention "self-control" and I was a little disappointed that there were not many listed. Perhaps I need to get better acquainted with our concordance. I did however, take the time to write the two that did apply to me and have committed not only to memorizing these verses but consciously applying them in my daily walk with Christ.

The first verse can be found in Galatians 5:22-26 and it reads, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

The second passage of scripture is 2 Peter 1:3-9 which states, ³ His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

I don't feel the pressure of making and following through with resolutions this year and I am loving it. This will undoubtedly free me up to focus on a specific area in my life that will not only benefit me but those around me as well. It will serve to enrich my relationships, nurture my ministry and prepare me for motherhood.

2010 has been a good year but I am ready to welcome 2011. I know God has so much more in store for me and I am excited to begin walking this journey following Him.

Happy New Year!

My favorite dessert in the whole wide world. A perfect picture of my need for self-control. ;)

Image courtesy of my lovely sister, Danielle.