Happy last day of 2016! Looking back on this year, I'm so grateful that the Lord walked with me every step of the way. I know He is always there, but in 2016, I really focused on seeing Him move in my life and in the circumstances around me.

The last few years, instead of making a new year resolution, which I don't usually keep, I've focused on asking the Lord for my "one word" for the year. My "one word" for 2016 was "focus".

This one word was both liberating and challenging. I found myself finding new life in Bible verses and reminding myself that I needed to focus on Jesus instead of the storms of life that circumstances brought my way.

Some of it was hard...I left a job of 15 years to say "yes to His best" for me. It meant leaving a place where I was comfortable to go somewhere that was definitely out of my comfort zone. It forced me to focus on Jesus and ask Him what I really wanted as I moved forward in my life. This letting go and grasping something new has brought about a new confidence in my hearing from the Lord and a new sense of being brave and courageous in Jesus!

Joshua 1:9 "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.”

I feel like I have learned again how to dance with Jesus, as I allowed Him to lead. It t was scary taking a leap of faith, but I'm reaping the benefits of learning new things about myself, God and the new position. I'm also meeting a lot of new people and finding a renewed sense of compassion as I ask the Lord how I can pray. This year I learned how to enjoy the journey, instead of rushing through life. I've slowed down some and put more focus on Him!

I have learned that although I do not necessarily like change, change is necessary. My friend, Tina Roach recently blogged about "Change Ahead". 

"Change can be scary; it can be challenging; but it is inevitable. To grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually means there will be change in our lives.  Change shouldn't take place just for the sake of change. But, it does need to take place. It also needs to be God directed! What we think needs to change may not align with what God thinks."

The changes in my life this year, I didn't see coming in January, but God did. I am so grateful that He knew I needed to stay focused on Him. I love Hebrews 12:1-3 in The Message:

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

So, what will 2017 bring? I don't know, but I know I'm excited to see what God has in store! My prayer for 2017 is that we won't give up in our faith and that we will stay focused on Him!

Happy New Year!

(I am currently reading the "One Word That Will Change Your Year Reading Plan" from You Version. I am expectant that Jesus will lead me to my "one word" for 2017. (blog post to follow soon)

For more information go to: My One Word Website or Facebook)

Please comment below if you are joining me this "one word" quest.