Hi friends! 2018 was not my best year on record. And I think the lack of writing here is evidence of that. I spent a lot of time discouraged and feeling a basically overwhelmed in almost every area of life. We had so many great things happen last year … but my heart and mind were in turmoil so much of the time.
As I began praying about 2019, I realized I needed to go back to the basics. By that I simply mean, I needed to refocus my heart and mind on those foundational things that God has for us. As I prayed and spent time in Scripture, I was reminded of two themes — love well and live full.
Love Well. Live Full. A Plan for 2019
These two ideas are resonating with my soul right now in a way I can’t even fully put into words. How do I love well and live full in the coming year?
And, how can I encourage you to do the same?
As always, it starts with understanding what God’s Word tells us. So, let’s look at a couple of passages to help us understand what these two things mean and why they are a necessary beginning .
Love Well.
One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which command is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is Listen, O Israel! The Lord your God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31 CSB
It all starts here. Whenever I get off track or start to feel like the wheels are off the wagon, I go back to these questions: Am I loving the Lord well? and am I loving others well?
One of the ways I am challenging myself in this area is by making a list of people I want to encourage that week. I add those names to my planner and throughout the week I try to send a text or make a phone call or schedule lunch with as many of them as possible. It’s a simple thing but it keeps me focused on loving the people in my life well, of being available for them, and of making a point to let them know what they mean to me and how my life is better because of them.
Live Full.
A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
John 10:10 CSB
If you’ve been reading here for any amount of time at all, you’ve read something about Lopsided Living. It’s this firm belief I have that we can live full lives even with a full calendar and that balance isn’t best goal for our lives. So, how do we live this full life God has for us? What can we do to embrace the abundance He’s promised?
For me, this starts with time in the Word. Always. When I consistently and purposefully start my day with prayer and Bible study, I am better able to keep my focus on the Lord and what He desires for me. It also helps me keep my heart aligned with His which also leads to my priorities being aligned with His.
So, what about you? What is your plan for 2019? Do you have one? I am excited for this new year … I can’t wait to see what God is going to do! I feel like this Love Well. Live Full. plan combined with my one word for 2019 (wonder) is going to give me a framework for seeing God at work in and around me but also for embracing the life He has given me in this season.
Every month starting in February, I’ll be sharing a little Love Well. Live Full. update and challenge for all of us. I hope you’ll jump in with me and make 2019 the year you focus on all the beauty and abundance God has for you!
Cheering you on!
Teri Lynne
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