Two Words

I have read several posts from other bloggers about choosing their one word for the new year. Honestly, I didn't think I could do it, just choose ONE word. I mean, you've seen all the words I've written, and that doesn't even come close to the number of words I've thought and spoken in the past year. How could I possibly choose just one?

After several days, I came up with a word. But, due to the craziness of life, I did not have a chance to do more than a jot down a few notes about it. Then, I read a wonderful post about a word, my word. Well, not actually my word, but the word I had chosen.

Since I didn't want to have the same word as somebody else (not a big deal, I know, but it bothered me), I thought of a new word. But, I couldn't get the old word out of my mind. I liked them both. I couldn't choose. 

Based on the title of this post, my solution to this problem should be obvious...I chose two words.

2013 will not be about just one word for me. It will be about two. These two.

I'm a realist. Some may even say, a pessimist. I've always found it more desirable to be surprised, rather than disappointed. In fact, I've probably dashed your hope a few times.

The realist in me has always thought of the concepts of hope and dream to be closely related, likening hope to that "last ditch effort," when everything else has failed. I hope it works out. Or, less than confidently saying, "hopefully." 

Maybe hope is not a pipe dream, but is a choice, like choosing optimism over pessimism. Not expecting the best, but expecting something. Not looking for the best case scenario, but going into a situation with confidence. Some of my favorite synonyms for hope are:  expect, trust, confidence, faith. 

The book of Psalms is full of verses about hope. Here are some of my favorites:

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you.

Psalms 39:7

We put our hope in the Lord

He is our help and our shield.

Psalms 33:20

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in him.

Psalms 62:5

The song, My Hope is in You, by Aaron Shust, came to me as I reflected on this word, hope. Here are some of the lyrics:

I meet with You and my soul sings out

As your word throws doubt far away

I sing to You and my heart cries

"Holy! Hallelujah, Father, You're near!"

My hope is in You, Lord

All the day long, I won't be shaken by drought or storm

A peace that passes understanding is my song

And I sing my hope is in You, Lord

I know that I lived a blessed life. So, why do I struggle to feel blessed? This year, I would love to be more aware of my blessings.

"You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." 

Luke 1:45 (NLT)

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 

Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT) 

Another one of my goals this year is to bless others. To fill them up with blessings, so that they feel special and loved. 

And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing 

is greater than the one who is blessed. 

Hebrews 7:7 (NLT)

I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 

1 Corinthians 9:23 (NLT)

The song, The Blessing, by John Waller, came to me as I reflected on this word, blessing. Here are some of the lyrics:

Let it be said of us

That our hearts belonged to Jesus. Let it be said of us

That we spoke the words of life.

Let it be said of us

That our heritage is blessing for life.

For your Kingdom, for our Children

For the sake of every nation

For your Kingdom, for our Children

For the sake of every nation

We will choose to be a blessing for life.

My prayer for 2013...to recognize my own blessings and live in the hope of the Lord...to bring hope and deliver blessings to others.

My first act of blessing others will be to join my friend, Rebecca, who blogs at She Becomes, in her goal of spreading cheer throughout this year. 

So, the first six people who comment on this post will receive some kind of gift from me sometime this year. What and when? That will be a surprise. 

If you would like to join us here's how:

Leave a comment on this post.

Send me an email to peaceitalltogether@gmail.com. The email should include your full name, address, and five interesting facts about you. 

Finally, don't forget to pass it on! If you pass it on through your blog, please use the button below. 

Happy 2013. May it be a year full of blessing and hope!

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