Friday, January 24, 2014

Michael`s Two Words For The Year


 

  
 
Let me first mention that I've always seen Linda sat at the computer, typing for hours and quietly reading  and looking for quotes, even after 12-15 hours of work, day in, day out on her group. Then she showed me all the work you ladies do,  the inspiring quotes, the bible verses, the lovely photos, the encouragement for each other, I totally understood why she's so engrossed in it, why she loves taking all the photos, all the scribbled quotes and bible verses on her table, the silence that descends on the house while she is busy reading your entries and  typing away, so please keep up with the good work encouraging and inspiring each other. I believe that God has brought you together for a reason, and it shows.
As soon as Linda mentioned the idea of choosing a word to use as a guide, to live by and sculpt our lives around instead of resolutions, I knew I had to participate despite the fact that am not a member of your group. My two words will not just be words for the year but hopefully for the rest of my life. Then on the journey again next year I look forward to "One Word" again.

                               Discipline

I chose this word specially based on previous years' experiences. I am very good at coming up with ideas and things I would love to accomplish, but unfortunately, I lack the urgency and motivation to get going until I get to a point where I have to force myself or circumstances force me to start..in other words I excel at procrastination.
Fortunately I always do end up accomplishing whatever I set out to achieve, but I would love to do it more promptly instead of rushing through things. This year, I have decided it's going to be different and follow the words of Charles Dickens who said " Never do tomorrow what you can do today, and that procrastination is the thief of time". I am striving to live by this everyday and the bible advises in 1 Corinthians 14:40..Let all things be done decently and in order.
I will set myself achievable goals, I will hold a deadline by which I must finish whatever I have planned,I will pray for God's help,  I will develop a routine, I will rejoice the completion of any tasks however insignificant.

Through the help of God who strengthens me, I can do all things and achieve excellence by the end of the year.
                                 Gratitude
 
My second word of the year is gratitude. I was brought up by the most loving parents. God fearing Bible believing strict primary school teachers who sacrificed a lot in their own lives to make sure we had the best upbringing. Very strict to make sure we maintained high standards of discipline and respect, very dedicated to make sure we didn't lack our everyday needs, encouraging to ensure we didn't fall in with the wrong crowd. Went without luxury to provide us with the best education and advised us to attend Sunday service to listen to God's Holy word. We were repeatedly lectured to live right, make the right decisions and always think about our future and to have God as the centre of our lives.


Having experienced this sort of selfless love, no amount of payment will ever be enough so I've learnt to show and give gratitude to my parents and to God for the blessing that my life has become.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us " In everything; give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Everyday I pray to God and I always thank him how blessed my life is; most wonderful parents and siblings, my sweet Linda and her loving family, precious family and friends, gift of good health, a place I call home, the blessing of a new dawn.
I will show gratitude in all circumstances, even in adversity. My belief is that in the midst of our struggles, discouragements and disappointments, there's a lot to be so thankful for!
I am showing more appreciation by;
  • Spending more time with friends and family and let them know how much they mean to me. Let them know how much I appreciate them and thank God for them!
  • Call and message those closest and dearest whom I don't see often.
  • Spend more time enriching myself spiritually..doing my devotions, reading the scripture, listening to Bible pod casts and K Love radio at home and while am driving.
  • Spending more quality time by myself and by this I mean studying God's word and being faithful with my daily devotions and with Linda going for walks, going for car drives, jogging. I am able to recharge my batteries and appreciate what a wonderful world we live in.
Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.

My hope and prayer is that these two words enrich my life, draw me ever close to God and make 2014 a more enriched and blessed year as I seek Him.
 
 

13 comments:

  1. Michael, it is so lovely to meet you through your post here. What wonderful words to live by. I'm with you regarding procrastination. I think I've got to be the reigning queen! I love the way that you have listed how you will live by 'discipline'. Linda is blessed to have you by her side! God bless.

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  2. Great words Michael! I love how you explained yourself. You need to get a blog to share:)

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  3. Enjoyed your post...I agree with Susan..you need to get a blog!! I can also relate to procrastination..I fall into that also...great to meet you!! Blessings!!

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  4. Michael, what a blessing & a treat to read your homework! You truly do have a gift for putting your thoughts into words, & I agree, you need a blog. Just think of the ones your could reach & influence! I love both of your words & I will be praying for the Lord to help you to learn & grow as you work on these areas. God bless you Michael...so thankful that you are my friend & that Linda says we are just alike. :) That's a compliment!

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  5. Michael, how wonderful to see you participating in this! Enjoyed what you wrote very much. God bless you.

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  6. Nice to meet you, Michael. I also enjoyed your words and thoughts. Seems the Lord has given you the gift of putting pen to paper, or I should say, fingertips to keyboard, to express deep truths and encouragement. Very inspiring.
    Blessings~

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  7. Great word Michael! You've chosen two words that all need to embrace. Some need to embrace getting a hold on procrastination more then others, LOL! You are very blessed man to have been raised by such a wonderful family. It's wonderful to have read and share that part of your life. So nice to meet you!

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  8. Wonderful goals for the year....May God help you and encourage you along the way...and when you fail to meet your own standards...May you give Grace & Mercy to yourself and get up and try again.

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  9. How great it is to have a focus .. your two words .. will be great prompts when you forget and start to slack off. God does give us much wisdom .. all wisdom that we need to live by. Your upbringing from loving, caring, dedicated parents is evident in your loving, caring attitude in your writing. Nice to meet you, Michael.

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  10. Discipline and gratitude...........oh how I could benefit from practicing both in my own life! I was so inspired by your writing, by you open and honest way of addressing your subjects. I sometimes find it most difficult to be that honest with myself. You encourage me and motivate to do better! Enjoyed your post so very much and look forward to more! By the way, it is very nice to meet you!

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  11. Wonderful words to live by for 2014 and beyond! How neat that you and Linda blogged about this 'one-word' focus together. I know the Lord will honor your commitment and give you the strength needed to follow through! God bless~

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  12. What fun to meet your Michael, Linda! I think it's wonderful that you have contributed to the blog here Michael. May the Lord bless you both in this coming year as you follow Him wherever He leads. Both words you have chosen, and the explanation of the why behind them, blessed my heart today. Many Blessings, Camille

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  13. so please keep up with the good work encouraging and inspiring each other. I believe that God has brought you together for a reason, and it shows. ......thank You Michael for these words..it brought tears to my eyes..tears of God's love for all of us...your right, we are linked arm in arm, NOT by chance. Destined by God Almighty....My word is change..change change change is what I kept hearing today while I was working at Walmart processing fashion, working with my fellow co workers, interacting with customers...and talking to Jesus as much as possible while I worked...God is good all the time and all the time God is good.♥

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