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Happy New Year – 2014 – Courage

Courage for 2014

Here we are again; a new year and a clean slate. But then again, do we not get a clean slate every single day? Why is it so different on January 1st? Many people make resolutions for the new year. I have stopped that several years ago. You know why? Because if I make resolutions I will brake them within a month. I know myself too well.

One thing I do though every single year: I search for a word that will guide me through the year. This year, the word is courage. Guess what, I am not the only one with that word. I was happy that my friend Joan (also a co-writer at Laced with Grace) has the same word. How awesome is that?!?

Over the last couple of days I contemplated about the word courage. What does it really mean to have courage. Wikipedia defines courage as:

“Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.”

Yes, I want to confront fear and uncertainty, and go after my dreams with full force. There are several verses in the Bible that encourage me in my journey of 2014. One of course is Joshua 1:9, my focus verse for 2014:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9 ESV)

The other verses that really speak to my heart this morning are from Romans 8:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:37-39 ESV)

My dear friends, no matter if you make resolutions or have a plan for 2014, one thing is for sure: God will be with you wherever you go. Trust in Him and let Him guide you in 2014.

Love & peace,
Iris

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In Honor Of & The Winners

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” ~ Genesis 20:12 (ESV – emphasis mine)

Today, April 17th, would have been my dad’s 72nd birthday if he would not have passed away in 1991. In 2006 I wrote a tribute to my dad; you can read it here if you like.

My earthly father had much influence on who I am today. I was blessed that he didn’t shy away to share God’s love and truth with us kids. Yes, my dad was strict with me, but I am thankful for that. He taught me right from wrong. He taught me that life is not always fair; but if you trust God, all will work out. He was right – life is not fair, sometimes it is hard to keep going without getting too discouraged.

I guess that why the photography-book project is so close to my heart. To honor God and my earthly father. Both have (had) great influence in my walk of faith. The little detour I took when I was younger pained both, God and my dad. I often wish that my dad could see who I am today (Dad I am so sorry for the things I did and said – I love you!)…I pray that the book will glorify my Heavenly Father and would have made my earthly father proud.

And now to the two winners. I had a hard time choosing the title for the book, because all of them were perfect  (thank you all who suggested a title). I ended up choosing Debbie’s (author of “Heart Choices“) suggestion “Fill me to Overflowing”. Debbie – I will send you a hard-copy as soon as I have it published (hopefully by May 20th). The second winner of a soft-copy comes from this post. The winner was chosen by Random.Org 😉 :

Congratulations to Melanie from The Fruits of the Spirit for winning a soft-copy of the soon to be published book.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: trust God for today, tomorrow and especially life ever-lasting.

Have a blessed Sunday,