My 2018 Word - FULFILLMENT

The Second year, after beginning my blog, PENLESS WRITER, on January 31, 2007, I have always selected a WORD FOR THE YEAR.  My words for the past 8 years:  2009 Unity - 2010 Vulnerable - 2011 Persevere - 2012  Fervent - 2013 Expand - 2014 Forward - 2015 Steady - 2016 - Growth - 2017 - Victorious. These words have always been what I experienced in that year.  Victorious for 2017 has proved correct as Mickey & I both have walked Victorious through many, many health issues and are closing 2017 out in

My 2018 Word - Fulfillment

I had told Mickey, after our prayer time this morning, that God had not given me a word for 2018,  Then HE gave me Ful-fill-ment:  Noun - 1.The achievement of something deserved, promised or predicted. - 2.The meaning of a requirement or condition.  I knew it was my word because I truly have some promises from God's precious Word that I have stood on for years and am believing in 2018 they will come to fulfillment as predicted!

Since this is the 10th year for a word I looked up What 10 Means in The Bible..... The number 10 seems to reflect God’s authority or God’s governmental rule over the affairs of mankind.  Some scholars see 10 as the number of divine perfection.

I'm ready for God's divine perfection and FULFILLMENT in my life.  

My 2017 Word - VICTORIOUS

The Second year, after beginning my blog, PENLESS WRITER, on January 31, 2007, I have always selected a WORD FOR THE YEAR.  My words for the past 8 years:  2009 Unity - 2010 Vulnerable - 2011 Persevere - 2012  Fervent - 2013 Expand - 2014 Forward - 2015 Steady - 2016 - Growth.

My word for 2017 ---- Victorious.  

As always, I am very excited about my new word.  Victorious feels so "right" and when The Lord gave me this word it just felt "right".  What am I going to be Victorious in?------I have no idea!!  But I know whatever God has in score for me in 2017 I will be Victorious.  What is your word for 2017?  If you have one please be sure and share it with me. 

Since this will be my 9th year to select a Word For The Year I, just now, looked up what the number 9 means: 

Biblical numerology of number 9 is the finality or the judgement. It is generally when at the time of judging a person and his works. Also, number 9 is used to define the perfect movement of God. The biblical number 9 is a number of patience.

Yes, looking that up confirmed to me that Victorious is the correct word for me in 2017.

UPDATE ON MY 2016 WORD 

As the 8th month of  2016 is nearing the 2/3 mark, 

I thought it fitting to update my word for the year -

Growth

I am thankful God had shown me, the previous 7 years, how the word He gives me truly unfolds and comes to pass.

  

This has been an exciting year for me and I have experienced Growth

 in both good and bad ways.

The bad was a double mastectomy on February 9th, 

due to an unwelcome "growth".

The good has been spiritual growth in the area of 

Intercessory Prayer

 With great anticipation, I look to the remaining 

4 months and 4 days

as God's plans for my life unfold.

My 2016 - WORD

My word for 2016 - GROWTH

For the past 7 years God has given me a word for The New Year. 

2009 - UNITY

2010 - VULNERABLE

2011 - PERSEVERANCE

2012- FERVENT

2013 - EXPAND

2014 - FORWARD

2015 - STEADY

It has been amazing, to me, the way God has worked those very words into the events of my life.

Since this is my EIGHTH year of words, and "8" is the number of New Beginnings I find that fact very interesting.  

  

My 2015 - WORD

This is the 7th year I have asked the Lord to give me a word for The New Year.

On December 29th The Lord gave me my word for 2015 - STEADY.

The first thing I did was pulled out my Strong's to select a verse.  I was totally shocked that STEADY is used only once, in the entire Old & New Testament.

Exodus 17:12 (KJV) But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

Per Webster's STEADY means -  1) Firm, Stable, Not Shaky

                                               2) Regular, Uniform, Continuous

                                               3) Constant in behavior, Loyalty

                                               4) Calm & Controlled

                                               5) Sober, Reliable

It is an Adjective - meaning actions I must take.  

I love how The Lord speaks into our lives all the time, and just what we need.  He could not have given me a better word to guide and maintain me as
2015 is starting off rough for Mickey & me.  On January 8th Mickey will have the upper left lobe of his lung removed in order to remove the small cancer that was found during x-rays for an up-coming heart procedure.  Praise God we had gotten a NEGATIVE report on the surrounding lymph nodes on December 23rd.  The absolutely greatest Christmas gift we have ever received.  After the lung operation the plans are to proceed with the heart surgery within 6 to 9 months.  

Yes, I must:  1) Remain Firm, Stable, & Not Shaky in my Faith.  2) I must be Regular, Uniform and Continuous in my daily Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, & service.  3) I must be Constant in my behavior and Loyalty to my husband and family.  4) I must remain Calm & Controlled during the unknown and different issues we deal with.  5)  I must be Sober and Reliable in season and out of season.  

A BIG order, but I serve a Big GOD.

I find it very interesting that this is my 7th word - since in Scripture #7 means Completeness and Perfection. 

There were my words for the past 6 years ~~~~ 2009 Unity ~~ 2010 Vulnerable ~~ 2011 Persevere ~~ 2012 Fervent ~~ 2013 Expand ~~2014 Forward.  They have each lived out in my live for each year.  

If you make a practice of asking The Lord for a word each year please share that word with me. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2014!!!!

WORD for 2014

Since 2009 I have asked The Lord to give me a word for the New Year.  

2009 Unity

2010 Vulnerable

2011 Persevere

2012 Fervent

2013 Expand

My word for 2014 is FORWARD

for.ward (adjective) 1) near or belonging to the front part of something 2) moving or directed ahead or toward the front & 3) moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition

Oh I love this word!!  The first thing that came to me when He gave it to me, was definition 3 moving toward the future.  When I looked it up and saw definition 1, near or belonging to the front part of something, I really got excited.  

FORWARD feels right!!!  I'm not sure what God is planning to do in my life and walk with Him as He moves me FORWARD and EXPANDS His plans and purposes FERVENTLY. but. I determine to PERSEVERE, and continue to make myself VULNERABLE, as I strive for UNITY in The Body of Christ.

It is so amazing how these words have "built upon themselves" over the past 5 years and I am eager, and very expectant as I move FORWARD.

2014 here we go!!!! 

EXPANDING on my 2013 Word - EXPAND

I blogged the following in January 2013~~~~
Decided to do an ACRONYM for my 2013 word - EXPAND

                      E - xpect
                X - unknown quantity (in math)
                P - ray
                A - chieve
                N - onstop
                D - aily

EXPAND - 1) To spread out; unfold 
         2) to increase in size, etc.; enlarge 

As I close out 2013 I decided to look at EXPAND here at the end of these 12 months.

EXPECT - 2013 turned out not to be at all like I "expected" it to be!!!
X - the "unknown" has been front and center in my mind this entire year.
PRAY - The area of prayer, both personal and collectively with others has been            EXPANDED greatly this year.
ACHIEVE - I cannot look at 2012 as being a year I achieved much.
NON-STOP - This certainly describes the year 2013 for me/us as we seem to              go NON-STOP 90% of the time.
DAILY - My walk with Jesus, the author and finisher of my life is truly DAILY.

So, all in all, I'd say I have walked out the EXPAND word that God gave me for 2013.  I am now praying for MY 2014 word from The Lord.  Have you asked HIM to give you a word for 2014?  Do so.......HE WILL!!!

AGENDA

AGENDA - n.   A list of things to be dealt with.

I've been thinking a lot lately about people's AGENDA, especially on fb and blogging.  

As I look carefully at the various posts and entries of people I follow, I notice they seem to follow several main categories: 

1. Scriptures and words about various scriptures.  This consists of just words or pictures with an important message.
2. Our Christian stand. 
3. General quotations.
4. Daily happenings.
5. Family.
6. Church.  
7. Tips and advice on natural remedies,
8. Health issues and ailments.
9. Health advice and remedies.
10. Running, races, exercise.
11. The general state of our nation and the world. 
12. Political - either pro or con: democrat or republican; pro or anti Obama.
13. Gun control.
14. Recipes - ALL kinds.
15. Promoting a product.
16. Building a business.
17. Photos.
18. Funny pictures and jokes.
19. Complaining 

There are more, but these seem to be the bulk of what I see. The ones I post and blog about myself are usually

:  my faith, my family, my church and church activities, our friends, how blessed I am or God and what's happening in our live in general.  These are my AGENDA because they are my list of things to be dealt with.  

I would be interested to see if you see these's things as my AGENDA.  

I also wonder what you feel your AGENDA is and whether, from following you, I would see that as your AGENDA.  

Just some random thoughts. 

    

SPEAKING THANKFULNESS

Monday, June 3rd, my dear blog friend Kathy wrote:  "I did some thinking this morning while I was running a grocery errand. I wondered why I post my blessings. Is it that it matters to anyone else? Maybe or maybe not. For me, though, finding words that capture what I encounter, especially when it's *good*, is encouraging for me in motherhood. I *remember* and recall to mind as I write.

After my thinking time, this is what I found on my return: the children had tidied up the living room, and finished cleaning the kitchen, even so far as draping a towel over the unwashed dishes in the sink that didn't fit in the dishwasher, which is my own way (especially if we're having guests for dinner). I am thankful and blessed. I found them sitting side by side on the love seat, reading, and listening to the soundtrack for "The Empire Strikes Back." I could get used to this! ♥"

I started to leave a comment and then realized my "comment" was getting too long so decided to turn it into a blog post!!

As I was considering her remard I realized the I  for one, am always posting my blessings. As I was reading her post I was asking myself. "Why do I do that?". These are my reasons: 
1) because I truly am thankful that I am so blessed by My Lord.. 
2) I know I am encouraged to read of God blessings bestowed on others and I trust that by doing so I am an encouragement to others.
3) It makes me more aware of every little detail of my life that truly is a blessing and to not take them forgranted.
4) It is important that we speak things and typing is a form of speaking. 
5) Our "word" and "thoughts" are so important.

So, I was wondering how you, who read this blog, feel on this subject.  Do you post about your blessing?  If so, what are your reasons.  If not, what are the reasons you don't.   Remember.....

EXPAND - 2013 Word

Decided to do an ACRONYM for my 2013 word - EXPAND

                      E - xpect
                X - unknown quantity (in math)
                P - ray
                A - chieve
                N - onstop
                D - aily

EXPAND - 1) To spread out; unfold 
         2) to increase in size, etc.; enlarge 

PUT A ZIP ON YOUR LIP!

What does this mean? 


We had a Pastor that used to say this in reference to becoming more aware of and watching what we say and allow to come out of out mouths.  Thankfully due to this teaching, and this catchy little saying, Mickey & I became very aware of some of the things we were speaking.  Things we had said for years without even thinking about what we were saying, like~~~~"I'm freezing to death."  "I don't ever do anything right."  "I'm always making mistakes."  "You're driving me crazy." "I wish I was dead." "She was green with envy." etc., etc. just to name a few.

We knew that Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue:  and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." so we made a conscious effort to not only watch what words we were allowing to come out of our mouths, but also to call each other to remembrance of this fact by saying, "Put a zip on your lip."  Amazing how quickly we were truly watching what we were speaking over ourselves with this simple reminder.  

As we begin yet another new year, and some of us are making various resolutions and setting goals for ourselves, I just thought about this little, powerful saying and thought I'd share it.  Hopefully it might help you as much as it has helped us.        

   "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.  Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!"  James 3:5   

2013 WORD - EXPAND

For the past 4 years the Lord has given me a "word" for that year. 
            2009 - Unity
            2010 - Vulnerable
            2011 - Persevere
            2012 - Fervent

Here is what I wrote last year about the word Fervent:  "So, as I enter 2012 with my word FERVENT I am once again excited !   I intend to use every experience I've had to date to be even more Fervent for my Lord & Savior and the calling He has on my life."

My 2012 word Fervent was right on as the Lord truly built a "fervent" fire in my bones throughout the year.  He also opened up  broader insight and teaching than I had ever seen before.  I am so thankful for that.  I certainly intend to remain Fervent in my pursuit of His path for me in 2013.

The word He  gave me for 2013 is EXPAND.  I love this word and it feels just right.  I'm not sure what all God is planning to Expand in my life and walk with Him but I am very ready and eager and yes, will pursuit it Fervently, as I Persevere,  make myself Vulnerable, and strive for Unity in The Body of Christ.  ~~~~  WOW!!  I just realized, for the first time in writing this, how God has been using these yearly words as foundational building blocks in my life.

Just the other day some friends of ours, who we hadn't personally seen in about 9 years, came by to visit.  Before they left the husband prayed over me for an "expansion" of my ministry.  He had no idea that this was to be my 2013 word and I did not share that with him after he prayed.  I thank The Lord for His confirming  
word to me.

Pray and ask Jesus to give you a word for the year 2013.  He will.  "Ask and it shall be given."

Happy EXPANDING 2013!!! 

MY WORD FOR 2012

This is the 4th year that the Lord has given me a word for the year.  The previous 3 have been:  2009 - Unity
                                            2010 - Vulnerable
                                            2011 - Persevere


This year the Lord said the word:  FERVENT (fur'vant)Adj.

The definition, per the dictionary, 1) hot, burning
                                                       2) showing great warmth of
                                                           feeling; intensely earnest

Now, that I've had the 3 year history of these 3 words, I can reflect back and see how "right-on" the words have described my walk and journey with the Lord.  It never ceases to amaze me the way our Lord and God works with us.  

I was excited in 2009 with Unity because one of the desired of my heart is to see Unity within the Body of Christ.  I can say, that as I approach my 4th year I am truly seeing that Unity occurring in so many various places and ways.  That to me is so exciting. 

I was NOT excited, or pleased with the word Vulnerable in 2010 because none of us like to be Vulnerable and I had no idea what I was going to be Vulnerable to.  As it turned out, it was my daughter, Suzette's, diagnoses on September 28th of that year of stage IV lung cancer.

Last January 1st, as I happily received PERSEVRE as my word, I was thoroughly convinced that we just had to Persevre through the chemo/treatments/prayer and walk for Suzette's complete healing.  You, who follow me and our story, know that what we would be required to PERSEVRE would be her journey to Heaven on May 19th.  The hardest test of persevrence that not only I, but our entire family, would endure to date.  And, I might add, we had already
persevered through a lot over the years.

So, as I enter 2012 with my word FERVENT I am once again excited !   I intend to use every experience I've had to date to be even more Fervent for my Lord & Savior and the calling He has on my life. 

If you haven't ask the Lord to give you a word each year I encourage you to do so.  It is so exciting to be able to look back and reflect, once again, how the Lord truly holds us in the palm of His hand and how no detail is overlooked by our Lord is we will just have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear".  

Please pray about this and then let me know what word God gives you for 2012.

A SPECIAL GIFT

Last Saturday my husband came in with the mail and handed me a box.  I thought, "What in the world is this?"  Then I saw the return address and who it was from and was surprised and thought "How sweet of Leigh Ann".  Then I opened it and after taking it out of the box, carefully unwrapping the tissue paper wrapped around it and seeing what it was I burst into tears!!!

Only someone with the heart of Leigh Ann could have thought to send, not only me but 2 other of her blog friends, a handmade, precious pillows with our word for the year embroidered on it.

Therein, came the tears....for the past 3 years I've asked the Lord to give me a word on January 1st for that year. In 2009 the word was "unity".  Go here to read about it. Then in 2010 the word was "vulnerable".  8 months ago on 1-1-11 it was "persevere".

At the time I thought, "Oh, persevere - that means that we will persevere through Suzette's chemo treatments and she is going to be healed, cured and whole."  Little did I know that on May 19th we would be called on to "persevere" in a way that we had not, until the week before, even let enter into our minds or hearts. 

Yes, persevere we did, and persevere we are, and persevere we will because Jesus holds us in the palm of His hands and because God has plans and purposes for each and every one of us that we know not, nor can we question why because He is God and He is good and He is all sufficient.

So this precious treasure, from a most precious friend, sits here in my office by the computer where I spend so many hours blogging, in this basket that holds yarn left off from prayer shawls I have made. It reminds me daily that I not only HAVE but CAN and WILL persevere no matter what. 

Another reason this gift is so precious to me is because of Leigh Ann and who she is in my life and what she means to me.  When I began blogging on January 21, 2007 I wondered if anyone would ever read or comment on my little blog.  I had 1 comment on that post and 1 comment on 1/22 post and then on 1/27 I had 3 comments and one of them was from Leigh Ann, but she went under Momma and then LA and it was some time before she told me her full name :o)  

Whatever she went by, it was instant connection between the two of us.  Strange, because I had just turn 68 years old and she was in her early 30's.  Younger than all 4 of my children.  But there is no question that ours has been a God connection from the very beginning and one I treasure with all my heart and soul.  

So thank you Leigh Ann, you touched me at a level you will never truly understand until we finally get to meet some day in Heaven around HIS throne.  I love you and thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!  

PERSEVERE

I HAVE - I AM ------------------------------------------------WOW!!!

This morning I decided to go back and see what word God had given me for 2011.  Quit honestly, with all that this year has held for us so far, I had let the fact that God had given me a word as He has done for the past few years, completely slip from my mind.

Thank you Lord for prompting me to go back and re-connect with that word....persevere....you can read all about it here. 

Our God is so awesome and wonderful.  While I was still believing 100% for Suzette's healing, and while I was thinking we would be persevering in that, HE knew and was letting me know, ahead of time, that even though we were going to be facing the very worst thing we would be called to face we would persevere.

YES...........I HAVE.................I AM......................YES, I WILL!!!!

Thank you Father that you know my coming ins and my going outs, my past, my present........and my future.  And, that with you I will always...................................PERSEVERE.

MY WORD FOR 2011

For the last 2 years the Lord has given me a word for the year. In 2009 it was UNITY and I really liked that word :o) In 2010 it was VULNERABLE and I did not like that word. I knew that by being willing to make myself vulnerable I would be opening myself up to the unknown. Boy has that been true this year for me and my family!!!

As 2011 was approaching I kept asking the Lord what my word was to be. It did not come until last Saturday, which was January 1, 2011 and the word is:

PERSEVERE

According to dictionary.com:

verb

1. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

2. to persist in speech, interrogation, argument, etc.; insist.

According to my Webster's New World Dictionary (well it was new when published in 1971 )!!!

1. to continue doing something in spite of difficulty, opposition, etc.

I could not find the word persevere in the Bible but I did find one verse for:

PERSEVERANCE

per·se·ver·ance 
–noun
1.
steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2.
Theology . continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. KJV

Ephesians 6:13-18 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you're still on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than just words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.. In the same way, prayer is essential in the ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. The Message

WOW!!!!!

How great and loving my God is to give me this word!!!!! Thank you, Jesus.

Yes, I will PERSEVERE and I will have PERSEVERANCE and I will be shouting when it's over and I'm still on my feet!!!!

WORDS - Ours & HIS

How important are His words?

Psalm 138:2 ""You have magnified Your word above all Your name."

It's through the words of Jesus that we truly get to know Him and what He is like. It's the same with people. If we saw the person's face but they were wordless, we could never get to know who they really are. If you listen closely, you can tell who a person is through their words. Unless we truly spend time with Jesus, in His word and in prayer with Him & God we cannot possibly know them.

How important are our words?

Very important. Not only in person, but even through what seems to be frivolous, at times, internet communication on blogs, FB or e-mails we get a sense of that person from their words. Both what we write and how, and what comments we make or don't make. Are we uplifting or are we constantly complaining? Are our words based on the truth of His words, or are they actually contradicting the truth of His words? Because our words are so important....

Matthew 12:35 - "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

Let His words become our words.

We can only truly do this by staying in His words on a daily basis. By knowing God & His Son, not only as our Savior but as our Lord. By being lead, taught and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Then, being obedient to speak our His words as our very own.

Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

The Best Words Ever Spoken

John 19:30 "It is finished."

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY 2010 - #3 - SHALOM - Using a new word

Participating in Spiritual Sunday once again. Go here to read all the other Spiritual posts for this week on this site hosted by Charlotte & Ginger.

The meaning of the word "Shalom"

By David Silver

The Hebrew word SHALOM is understood around the world to mean peace. But peace is only one small part of the meaning of the word SHALOM. Here in Israel, even though we don't have much in the way of peace, we use the word SHALOM on a daily basis. We use it to greet people with, and we use it to bid farewell to people. However, SHALOM means much more than peace, hello or goodbye.

Strong's Concordance 7965 - Hebrew Shalom ..... A word study in the New King James version for SHALOM says: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.
Shalom comes from the root verb Shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.
Sar SHALOM (Prince of Peace) is one of the descriptive names the Bible uses to indicate the ministry and personality of the Messiah: Isaiah 9:6 - The Son of God is completely perfect in all things.

So in essence, when you speak out the word SHALOM - you are not only proclaiming peace, but all the above meanings of the word over that person - that's a mighty blessing!!!
Remember what the word of God says - "there is life or death in the power of the tongue".
We recently heard someone on a Christian TV program say: "No wonder the Jewish people are so blessed, because every time they say Shalom to one another, they are also allowing the full meaning (see above) of SHALOM to be pronounced over them. He humorously proceeded to say that this greeting word would be much more beneficial to the American people if they greeted each other with SHALOM instead of their usual "Hi" or "Howdy" greeting. As Josie and I adapted to life in Israel, we adapted to the SHALOM habit over the "Hi" habit....As Messianic Jews, we are called to bless you and we take that very seriously, by praying for you and by greeting you with SHALOM. Therefore, from now on, when we or someone says SHALOM to you, you should receive it as a tremendous blessing. And bless them back with a hearty SHALOM!"

Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His face upon you and give you SHALOM. In the name of SAR SHALOM - the Prince of Peace.

**********************

Our Tuesday night Bible Study, 3rd Day Sisters, are going to start using SHALOM now that Cindy brought us this information last Tuesday. I thought it was so insightful I wanted to share it here with all of you.

Shalom, dear readers!!!

ANSWERING A COMMENT

Bobbi left me this comment a few days ago on my post about God Knocks Our Socks Off.



"As Sister Rosalee use to shout out to Pastor giving a praise report, HALLELUJAH!!!



What a blessing, Susan! PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME, LORD!



Thank YOU for blessing this ministry and those involved!



Just another confirmation of GOD's faithfulness.



AND I love that You and Mickey are not slowing down and "retiring"!

Blessings!Bobbi"



There is no such word as "retiring" in our book. How could there be?!! When we are children of the LIVING GOD.

5 1/2 years ago Mickey & I had a word spoken over us. I won't repeat the entire word but the second sentence was: "You're never too old", says the Spirit of God. "You're never too young."

Our society tries it's best to tell us we are either "too old" - "too young" - "too busy" - "too dumb" - "too poor" - "too ill" - "too hurt"....... and on and on......just pick YOUR "too ........" and fill in the blank!!!!

It is a lie from the pit of hell !!!!! He has been a lier from the beginning but, I'm sorry to say and see, far too many of God's redeemed, by His own PRECIOUS BLOOD, buy into it .

The fields are ripe unto harvest but the laborers are few. SOOOOO - I repeat the closing lines of this word spoken to us 5 1/2 years ago:

"You're never too old. You've waited a long time but you're never too old," says the Spirit of God. "You've got a lifetime ahead of you, of following me, walking together with me and hearing my voice," says the Spirit of God. Amen...Amen...Amen...Amen."

PLEASE don't buy into satan's lies one day longer.

As for Mickey & I, as long as we have breath and life in us we will not retire

but PRAISE & EXALT HIS NAME.

VULNERABLE

Every year our Pastor gives us a Phrase for a Goal for our Church.

2007 - "Not without Jesus"

2008 - "I want more"

2009 - "I'm Here for HIM"

This year it is "Contagious Joy"

Oh, I pray my JOY is contagious joy.

The Word the Lord gave me for myself in 2009 was UNITY.

It was an interesting word as the year progressed and while we, here in Coweta, have not seen the Unity among the Body of Christ that so many of us are praying and believing for we have seen some inroads.

Within our Church we are entering this New Year 2010 with Unity and that Joy. In my personal life I am so thankful for the Unity within our family. I see, and hear of so many families having so much tension and strife and I am blessed that our family has love, respect and true concern and caring one for another.

I don't particularly "like" the word The Lord has given me for 2010..... It is

VULNERABLE

adj. (Latin vulnus, a wound)- 1) That can be wounded, or injured. 2) open to, or liable to be hurt by, criticism or attack.

As humans we don't want to be vulnerable. We want to protect ourselves, to not take chances, to be safe and secure. Sometimes to even hide rather than to be vulnerable.

As we enter 2010 our Nation and our World are very vulnerable. As Mickey & I continue to press into the gifts and callings on our lives we need to be vulnerable for God to accomplish all He has in mind for and with us. We need to be vulnerable to reach out and help those around us who need help.

So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: "Don't be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." Nehemiah 4:13 The Message

Lord I will be vulnerable.