Dreams for 2007
Wow. I’ve been thinking about this a lot since it was announced. As I look back over 2006, so much has happened that I could never have dreamed. (German leaving a job after 18 years without a firm offer but trusting that God said ‘leave now’ and the tremendous blessings that the new job, and the new house, have been; beginning to home educate with Jewel and how much God is teaching me through that; new people in the Bible Study I’m leading; the blessing of blogsphere, etc.) It almost seems impertinent to state dreams. But I believe that God loves hearing the desires of our heart. So, here it goes:
In 2007 I want to grow more Christ-like in my speech with my children. I want to break the stronghold that my mother taught me that a raised voice brings calm. It doesn’t. It adds to the chaos. I want to not be the cause of chaos in my home. I want to embody Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:29 and Ephesians 6:4. I pray that our time of school is teaching Jewel and Flower, not only basic education but basics of living in a family and getting along with one another. I pray that our play time is making memories and setting an example of loving life and loving God.
In 2007 I want to display the gentle quiet spirit that German needs me to be in our home. I want to show him the respect that he deserves as my husband and the head of this home. I pray that God will mold me more and more into that wife that He knew German needed and that if asked to describe his wife, adjectives like “Godly” “supportive” “loving” and “giving” would be the first things that came to German's mind.
In 2007, I pray that the Ladies Bible Study will grow in numbers and in depth. I pray that those dear ladies who are coming each week, believing that being churched is the same as being saved, will see Jesus for Who He is and submit their lives to Him. I pray that I can be an instrument of truth. I pray that I will be careful in my speech and my answers. I want to grow in knowledge and impart that with honesty, sincerity and integrity. As we study the Patriarchs (study by Beth Moore) may I grow in an understanding of what blessing and covenant and being a chosen people is all about.
In 2007 I pray that my quiet time will be rich, deep and taking me to new levels. I pray that I will be more consistent and not allow the struggles of the day to intervene. I pray that I will have successfully memorized at least one verse a month that is directly applicable to what God is teaching me. I pray that my accountability and prayer time with a friend is consistent and honest and that she and I will enter into 2008 changed women because of how God has sharpened us with one another.
In 2007 I pray that this blog touches someone’s life. I pray that it is not just useless words put out there, but that I am cautious and responsible with my words. I pray that it never become a source of pride of what I can do, but that it remains a means for me to relay what God is doing. I pray that I will be a Biblical friend to those I meet in blogsphere, pointing them to Jesus in every word and action.
I do not believe in making resolutions on New Year’s Day because I believe that resolutions are made in our own strength depending upon ourselves to break the habits that we are resolving to break. I cannot break the habits in my life on my own. But I pray that 2007 is the year that I allow God to have victory in my life in my diet and physical well-being. I would like to look back on 2007 at a healthier weight and an even greater relationship with God as I allow Him to be my comfort instead of food.
Books I want to read in 2007 to help me on the journey:
1. Prayer by Philip Yancy
2. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
3. Forever in Love with Jesus by Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli
4. Shepherding A Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
5. The Joy of Eating Right by Dee Brestin and Peggy Johnston
6. Believing God by Beth Moore
7. Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes
8. What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa Terkewst
23 comments:
Miriam, I loved all the bible verses you linked to. I like your goals also, I need to work on my words here at home. I too am from a background of "loud women" and I try to break that mold (failing half of the time). When I had struggles with my oldest son, this is one thing both hubby and I had to learn; "how we responded to his behaviors". It made a big difference.
I also like how you pointed out that some women "believing that being churched is the same as being saved"
,I think we lose sight sometimes that one of our biggest miseries is the "lost" within the church, and it is not talked about much.
Thank you so much for participating, my heart is so full right now reading everyone's meditations. God is opening my eyes and touching my heart.
Happy New year.
MP - you always touch me with your words and I truly appreciate your insight and your friendship.
WOW
That is an amazing post! This is what I think is so neat about this New Year's Meditations thing! Because resolutions are so very often made in our own strength but with this our focus is on God and there is victory in ANY progress we make toward these "goals"!!
I've seen What Happens When Women Walk in Faith on several people's "TO READ" list so I may have to check that out myself!
Thanks for the visit and the sweet comments earlier today!
Beth Moore is one of my favorites and I've learned so much through her studies. I am in need of more "quiet" in our home too; meekness isn't one of my great points but if I am in Christ I CAN have it!
God bless you and Happy New Year.
That was so beautifully put! I pray that all of your goals and dreams come true. We can work on being more "quiet" in our homes together. I also come from a home where my mother was "loud", and I really need to break the cycle. My God bless you and your family in 2007.
Lovely. I too need to work on not raising my voice. I have never been a yeller, but this year my class has been such a handfull that on several occasions that instinct has bubbled up. It's ugly and I am alway so sorry afterwards. I have on occasion closed my eyes in the middle of a big noisy chaos and said a silent prayer. In a about a minute someone asks me what I am doing. I tell them that I am praying for patience so that I wont yell. It gets their attention (sometimes) and it models an appropriate way to handle stress. If working with children is a challenge and that's why it is so rewarding. Happy New Years!
By the way are you in Holland? I have been to Amsterdam and loved it. The Anne Frank House was one of the most moving things I ever saw. My father had business in Holland a few years ago and lived their for a couple of months. My mother loved being able to travel on the weekends by train. She also loved the quiet village where they stayed.
Thank you for sharing your New Year's meditation with us :). Your hopes and dreams are beautiful. I know that God will help you to fulfill your dreams and hopes for 2007.
Looking at your book list, I have read several of them. But I have to say that Love and Respect was the most live changing in my marriage...I pray that it will be a blessing to you as it has been to me.
Living in His grace,
Iris
Wonderful post and wonderful thoughts on the New Year! I highly recommend Terri Maxwell's Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit as it so helped me in learning to speak differently to my children. Love and Respect is the best book I have read on marriage. Bless you, dear friend.
Miriam,
Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing your goals. I, too, am trying to break a cycle of loudness. I am believing God for His spirit to remake us from the inside out, producing the "gentle and quiet spirit" that honors Him so, and nurtures our families as well. I have prayed for you today, that by God's grace you will accomplish your goals this year, both for His glory and your gladness. Happy New Year!
I loved this sentence.
"I pray that it never become a source of pride of what I can do, but that it remains a means for me to relay what God is doing."
That is what I want my blog to be as well. I hope that your year is full of love, laughter, and miracles!
beautiful dreams :)
may they all come true :)
We are going to do the bible study - Believing God at the local church here and I am so excited about that. This year I have been asking God to really help me with my speech, just as you mentioned...it seems just our tone of voice can either send our home spiraling into chaos or keep it peaceful...and respecting my husband..being an Army wife generally equates to being a single parent...now that we have "retired" from that lifestyle it has taken a few years to gel back into a partnership....this was the year where I made great strides...praise God!! I wish the same for you as we head into 2007! Here's to a great year out here in the blogosphere and may we continue to be "cautious and responsible" with our words! Happy New Year!
I'm seeing many similarities among my sisters-in-the-Lord. I pray that God will enable us all to walk closer and to hear His voice more clearly as we grow in our love for Him.
Wishing you a happy and blessed 2007 :) Happy New Year, my friend!
I want to break the stronghold that my mother taught me that a raised voice brings calm
that's what I'd like too!
happy new year!
Those sound like wonderful "dreams" and very achievable. I am looking forward to reading about and sharing in your journey this year. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for sharing. I felt the truth of your words when you wrote "In 2007 I want to grow more Christ-like in my speech with my children. I want to break the stronghold that my mother taught me that a raised voice brings calm. It doesn’t. It adds to the chaos. I want to not be the cause of chaos in my home. I want to embody Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:29 and Ephesians 6:4." Me too! Thank you for those verses, challenge, and encourage to commit this area to the Lord again. You also wrote, "In 2007 I pray that this blog touches someone’s life. I pray that it is not just useless words put out there, but that I am cautious and responsible with my words." Your prayer has been answered, as the Lord has used you to touch me. Blessings on you!
Yes, raising a voice. Ew. I am still working on that one and it is one that the Lord is going to have to remove because I don't have it in me to do it alone. I think you hit a chord with a lot of us with that one.
What beautiful words. They brought challenge and encouragement to my heart... all at the same time!
Thanks for visiting "My Quiet Corner" and leaving a comment! I so appreciated the words you left. Please know you are welcome anytime!
I too am a yeller. Your observation that a raised voice brings not calm but chaos hit home with me. I tend to blame upping the volume on my kids: "If they wouldn't push my buttons like that..." but really it is my fault and my sin. Time to take responsibility!
Hey, you will love the Patriarchs. I facilitated the study last fall a year ago. I never knew there was so much to learn in Genesis! I totally get your burden to reach those who believe they are Christian because of church membership or the way they were raised--this "cultural Christianity" is my mission field as well. May God show Himself faithful as you seek to serve Him in 2007...
Thanks for stopping by my site...I've enjoyed returning the visit!
Blessings,
Lisa
Ooooh, it's so hard not to raise your voice, isn't it? I really struggle with that one and your post will be a reminder to me to take a breath and whisper.
Believing God is one of my favorite books! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Blessings,
Terri
May God be glorified in 2007 as you see your hopes becoming realities!
thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful plans for the new year. I hope you stay inspired and on the path that God has for you. Thanks for sharing your dreams with the rest of us.
Stopped by from Writer...Interrupted!
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