//Happy New Year everyone. Even though we are already 2 weeks into 2018, I feel like I'm still finding my way. I've had it in my mind and heart to write 3 blog posts already and have just not found the motivation (or headspace or time) to sit down and write. So, I'm finding the courage to write again and in order to simplify the process today, I'm doing all 3 in 1 post.

So what have I been trying to write about for 2 weeks?  I've been wanting to share my 1 word for 2018 with you all and get back to the 5 minute Friday posts. So, I'll break it down for you.

Last week's prompt was “motivate". We can either be motivated by something or to do something. I've been motivated by the Lord to make spending time in the word a priority BEFORE work and have gotten up earlier to study I Kings along with Proverbs 31 in the First 5 app.  and I'm loving what I'm learning about Solomon. (I'm also reading Annie F. Downs' book 100 Days to Brave, but more on that later.)

Motivate: "a cause or reason to act; incite; impel, something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a   certain thing, etc.; incentive, motion." I don't know about you, but sometimes I need some extra motivation, like coffee to get me going. 

This week's prompt was "simplify", so hence 1 blog for 3 things.// The dictionary definition is: "to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier." Wow, who doesn't want that? It seems as I've gotten older (or maybe just more aware) this whole world has gotten more and more complicated. However, looking back at Solomon and when he was building the temple, that looks pretty complicated too. The Lord reminded him that if he just kept his eyes on Him and was obedient and obeyed His words that Solomon would never fail to have a descendant on the throne. If you continue reading, you figure out that Solomon was not totally obedient and things didn't go well. I want my life to be marked by abiding in Jesus as the vine and seeing God's favor upon me and my family for the long haul. 

Finally, my word for 2018 (after some prayer and realizing I'm reading 2 books on being brave) is COURAGE: "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery."

Looking back on 2017 I found myself wanting to be comfortable and playing it safe. My word was peace and that was worked. However, sometimes that "comfortable-ness" led me to indecision and therefore not moving forward (see the definition for motivate).

The Lord wants me to be brave and have courage; to move onward in many areas of my life. I want to focus on what Jesus wants for my life. My decision doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to be a decision! Here are a few of my favorite about having courage. 

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right-hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

II Timothy 1:7 (NIV) "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) "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.”

What is your One Word for 2018? What motivates you? Are there areas in your life that you need to simplify? I'd love to connect with you in the comments below! 

This post is part of Kate Motaung's "Five Minute Friday," which she hosts on the Five Minute Friday website. Kate posts a single word each week and each blogger sets a timer for 5 minutes to write and then posts, with very little editing. Check out the other writers this week!