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...

2013 Family Prayer Verse and Vision

A post on our  2013 Family Prayer Verse and Vision BEFORE December. This is good. 

Michael, the kids and I all spent time considering where God had been leading us personally and as a family.  And it all just clicked! 

2013 Family Prayer Verse - to be prayed into the lives of each of our family"....I will pour forth my spirit on all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." Acts 2:17

2013 Family Vision - Live Courageously "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

We're excited to see how God will lead in 2013, and yes, we've already faced a few circumstances in 2013 which call for courage and are sure there will be more - how else would we learn to walk this out?  Nevertheless, we are filled with hope, believing God to infuse us with His dreams and the courage to follow those dreams. 

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

A Winter Day

Today is Jared's birthday on this side of the date line! Happy 19th birthday, son. A highlight of the day was an unexpected Skype from Jamin... Jared popped in for a bit, as well! 

Snow - lots of snow and more expected.  The neighborhood kids spent hours outside pulling each other around in the sled, building up the "sled hill," and starting the 2013 Snow Fort.... and when they were finally so cold they HAD to come inside.....Games and hot chocolate at the G's. 

Every little girl should have a BFF at this age...Stacia has been blessed with several. What a treat to have a friend right down the block. They created a secret handshake complete with a darling cheer. I videoed it, but I'm not sure I should post it. 

Older kids like games too. 

I baked bread for the first time in a year (they like English Muffins better) and discovered yeast really does have a shelf-life. They ate it anyway.

Dinner and a movie - Tin Tin - rounded out the day.

*Note there are now snow photos because I am dedicated to staying warm. ::grin:: I have contemplated ignoring the driving ban to go sit in the onsen or take the kids to the big sledding hill at Swan Park...but I behaved. 

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