Friday, January 04, 2013

Courage


It's time to announce this year's word/memorial stone. You can read more about my practice here, click and dig around a bit.

This has been a big year in my life. You can read more about it here.  As the fall approached I began to pray about 2013's word.  I thought I had a word....then the family stole my word... in the end there is simply no other word I could choose; and they all agree I can focus on this word. ::snort::

God has been whispering it (the gift of a dog whose name is Yuuki - courage), sharing it through other's observations, shouting it at me in the word....

Via Google Images
Courage. I've allowed others to convince me I'm shy, timid, fearful...and 3 1/2 years ago He led me smack into a situation which required more than I had to give...and began to teach me He doesn't see me as I see myself.  I managed to get 5 kids to Misawa, Japan - alone, having never stepped a foot in Japan before.

As I look back over my journals I see the concept popping up over and over throughout the spring of 2012 - as we faced Michael's health issues, unexpected travels, more health issues and my food issues.  

In October, in one of my morning trysts with Jesus - as I read Revelation -  He clearly told me HE HAS NEVER CALLED ME FEARFUL, TIMID, INSECURE.  It was loud in my spirit...."I CALL YOU COURAGEOUS."  It took my breath away. It was a sacred moment - and I could not doubt. I had learned about private intimacies in the secret place...and I kept this close and pondered. 

In November Michael shared some incredible words of affirmation when I was expressing some fear over thyroid/weight issues. "You have faced this monster down and you're winning. I'm proud of you. You've got COURAGE." Not only affirmation - but confirmation. 

2013 will bring challenges - doesn't each year? I know I'm facing some new transitions in my ministry role - courage. I know we will be leaving a land we dearly love - courage. I must continue to battle my personal eating monster - courage.  

Courage - it's a work HE has done in my life as I  follow Him on this journey to freedom - deep healing - breaking strongholds - hard work - but so worth it. Courage - it's what He sees in me. It's what is required to radically obey as He births new dreams in our hearts.

Via Google Images
Courage Initial Verses to ponder: 

 I walk by faith, not by sight  - I am of good courage - I prefer His presence more than life itself - my ambition is to be pleasing to Him. Based on 2 Cor 5:6-9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

3 comments:

berrypatch said...

Praying for you to face the year to come full of courage!!

Anonymous said...


Sis: Good word. Love the quote from CS Lewis. LOVE YOU MORE!

May God richly BLESS you this year as you proceed thru it. Know God has always and MORE SO now has HIS hand fully on you and has/is always working thru you.

love/prayer -- mom t.

Laura said...

I love this... Every bit of this. Thanks for sharing so deeply and openly.