My One Word for 2026: Sing

This one word came early for me...back in November.  So early, that I felt if might change.  But...the word remained with me and is My One Word for 2026:  sing.

At some point, I read this scripture and the visual of His singing over me stirred me, excited me.

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing" (NIV)

What an amazing image!

At some point last school year, I realized that I no longer sang to the kids at school as much...just one-liners.  The acoustics in our hallway are soooo good, and I just enjoy it...and watching the smiles happen on their faces when out comes their names.  :)

Why less singing?  That spring semester became quite the challenge, and the stealer of songs eased some of that from me, and now that makes me mad...and I want to continue to bring it back.  And...back this singing is returning!  Throughout the fall semester, the transition began.  Love it!

More than my singing, I want to be worthy of His singing, rejoicing over me.  He will take great delight in this (just imagine that!), and I want to be ever still enough to hear that singing!  

Yes, I see that word rebuke in that scripture, but this progression to sanctification involves that word, also.  As a parent I have learned that rebuking is done in love and for the betterment of the child.  I want to be better.

Choosing One Word has been a powerful journey, one I began in 2011.  I look at this list of words and am amazed ever at how He took one word, just one, and used each one in my life that year.

BUT!  I do not want to leave these previous words behind, so I revisit them, for if they were important enough for one year, each is still important in this year, too.  Last year, I designated a book/journal just to this.  (Now, to find the time to be "intentional" about writing there, too!

NOTE:  I have a friend who just cannot choose one word.  Then, this is not for her.  I get that.  I choose to NOT be involved in various movements and trends that come along.  Listen to that still, small voice and go with the ones that will bring us closer to Him.  That is the goal.

Happy diving into one word...shall we sing?!

 

Reading Plans for 2026

This year, I will host two on-going Bible studies:  one face-to-face that will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and another online with a year-long read of The Story, which I hope coincides with my chronological read of the Bible this year.

Face-to Face:  The following list are the selected reads for my Making Choices for Him Bible Study.  I had not planned to include the first one, but some asked for it after attending our Open Door Conference in November, so I added it to the list!

• I Surrender All by Priscilla Shirer
• A Jesus-Shaped Life by Lisa Harper
• 12 Daring Women of the Bible - various authors
• The Case for Christmas

Online:  I gave 40+ copies of The Story as Christmas gifts and am offering to host a year-long read-along in a private Facebook group.  We shall see!  

Bible Read-Thru:  I am returning to a chronological yearlong read of Genesis to Revelations, a read, a journey that I have taken several times, but not in a couple of years, and it is time!  

What reading and studying plans do you have for 2026?

Finishing One...Beginning Another

My Bible study group has spent several months in Beth Moore's David:  Seeking a Heart like His, resulting in a separation issues!  Just kinda sad to end one...but!...then, that excited about a new study beginning.

Ten ladies and myself met twice a month for Prayers and Praises and a time to reflect on the study and then a viewing of that week's video.  Two...or more!...hours spent talking Jesus and ever learning about him and drawing closer thru the process.  Precious memories and a time to which I always look forward.  Such a blessing!

Thru October and mid-December, our study shifts to The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, who has prepared this outline to further coincide with the study questions within the book and also includes connections to the movie The Nativity Story. Yay!

I do hope that you have such a girl-group as I do with whom the Lord has blessed me.  Prayers prayed.  Prayers answered.  Studies selected.  Studies completed.  May this cycle ease me right into eternity!

A Verse a Month

 Because a friend uses a from of this Bible Study, in Sept. 2018, I decided I wanted to draw closer to Him this way, also…choosing just one scripture a month. 

She writes her verse on an index card and places by her bathroom mirror…where she reads/studies it daily. Nice!

I chose to adopt a method I learned in an Anne Graham Lotz  Bible study.  See below. 

As the years have passed…as they do!…, I now have a book…a book of scriptures that have meant something just to me. 

This month, I chose (like to think that He nudges me just to the right one) Col 3:23…all about the heart this month…and is one of the memory verses from a Bible study our church is working through during our evening services. 

Is this the best way to study the Bible?  The best way 1) be in the Word anyway you can, and 2) be where He wants you to be. 

For instance, this year I really wanted to do/use what so many are…The Bible Recap…but!…I knew, yes, felt that gentle nudge that this year I need to really stay focused on The New Testament, so I chose a study of 

Joanna Weaver Books that takes us through, as we pull out a scripture each day. 

Whatever your way…isn’t it a blessing to have this relationship with Jesus?!

Blessed we are to be Jesus Girls!

Just One Word for 2025

Since 2011, I have chosen...no, one word has chosen me. What a journey.  Some words I wanted; some words I questioned; some words I dreaded...but!...all of these words were meant for me.

Last year, my one word was more.  Not a word that I wanted as I have a fairly busy schedule, but, sometimes, more is not more busyness. Or it may be more!  For example, I took on a brand new class just two weeks before school started, and, while I stressed much about situations, this class has been quite rewarding.  Very much.

For several years, asking my students to choose a theme word (aka one word) has been an assigned Writer's Notebook topic when we return after Christmas Break. This year, I shared this assignment so they might choose to ponder on a word...or maybe let a word choose them?

When I shared this assignment with them, I had to tell them that, at that point, I had no idea what my one word would be for 2025, as my word had not chosen me.  Then, that weekend, in our Sunday evening Bible study, the word renew nudged me...and would not leave; therefore, this word became my one word for 2025.

Along with the word, on the same page of this study, two scriptures supported this word and are two of the scriptures on which I will study as I focus on the word renew.

• Proverbs 17:3 - The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
• Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I am a bit excited about this word, as I know I want and need to renew relationships, studies, intentions...maybe, I just need to renew my commitment to each word all the way back to 2011...to all 15 words.  Hummm...maybe?

Bible Studies and 2025

After some discussion and prayer and quiet time, the following will be our studies for 2025:

1. Jesus and Women:  This will be the second time for for this study...just that good!  The author Kristi McLellend focuses on studying the Bible thru an Eastern lens...learning about the time thru a historical focus.  
2. David:  Sight and Sound will host David this year, so we wanted to read and go see and study all at the same time.  I appreciate Beth Moore's earlier studies.  Very in-depth.  As a teacher, summer is a good time to host one of her studies!  More time...with Moore!
3. The Women of Christmas:  I so appreciate Liz Curtis Higgs and read this one some years ago and think the ladies will enjoy diving into this study as we approach the Christmas season.

I always look forward to our bi-monthly meetings.  This group of ladies bless me so.  Just a group of women wanting to ever learn more about Jesus.  

I usually choose studies that are video-based, since my time to full as I am still a full-time teacher.  Maybe when I retire I will take a different focus?  

The Women of Christmas does not have author videos, but since I read/studied it last time, the author has added a movie that coincides with the women discussed.

____________________________________________

Just for the record, we sure did enjoy last year's studies.  Always a very good thing to fellowship and study and focus on The Word.

These all were amazing and timely and needed.  Isn't that just like God?  To give what you need in ways you might not even know you needed?  To give more!  Yes, more was My One Word in '24.  Turned out to be a very good work...although I was a bit concerned about that word in the beginning as I thought I had no more time for more!  Re-learned that sometimes less can be more.  Also, I discovered that He had more in mind for me...more classes, more books, more friends.  just more.

This year, renew is my new one word.  This word found me during our focus on the heart during our Sunday evening Bible study.

Early in December, I began encouraging my students to ponder on one word that each might choose in 2025, as this will be one of our first Writer Notebook topics when we return on January 2.  At that time, I did not have any inkling of a word.  Nothing.  Not even a small hint.

Then, that Sunday evening as we read and studied that word jumped off the page, and I felt that gentle nudge...and the word renew would not leave me.  Yes, my word had chosen me.  I like!

Whatever you do...just stay in The Word...even when you do not want to do so.  Just stay.

Happy New Year!

Choosing the Right Bible Studies

How should one go about choosing a new Bible study?  Why, through prayer, of course. 

This year's studies have been amazing...very!  We have just completed the second...much food for thought in that book.  I agreed with much of what the author presented...and what I did not really does not matter but did make for some great discussion.

Just this evening the UPS guy delivered my new Kristi McLelland book.  She is simply amazing, one to whom I would refer to as a scholar of studying through the Eastern lens.    Along with Luke in the Land, I will, also be reading her Rediscovering Israel.

When we studied her Jesus and Women, we decided then that we would revisit that study again...thinking 2025 would be a great time!

Just FYI:  if you are looking for a new study, please pray about a McLelland study...and maybe begin with Jesus and Women.  Currently, she is my number one recommended author.   Would love to hear your thinking on her studies!

In 2023, I felt to learn more about Paul, and just today, when I asked a lady in our study group what she might recommend, she mentioned Paul.  Going to pray about that...maybe he will be our second 2025 study?

Learning more about the Word is the greatest outcome of any Bible study.  Definitely.  Another benefit?   The fellowship with women around the Word of God.  I always look forward to this time.  For these two reasons alone, I strongly encourage all women to find a group, find a study...then enjoy what the Lord wants you to learn and become better acquainted with the ladies within your group.  Such a blessing.

Give the Lord No Rest

For September, I chose Isaiah 62:7 as my scripture of the month:

Give the Lord no rest until He completes His work,  until He makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

God wants us to pray unceasingly, to pray fervently, yes, until the prayers are answered.   Yes, He wants me to constantly pester him.  To give Him no rest.

1. For the Pastor Search Committee to find our next pastor.
2. For our church to not become stagnant during this time...or worse.
3. For the family who has no running water.
4. For the mom and dad worried about their child with mental health concerns.
5. For me to love my students as He does.
6. For my students to love me as He does.
7. For that quite long prayer list on the back of our church bulletin.
8. For the ladies in my Bible Study.
9. For Jay's feet and knees.
10. For my kids to have a closer walk with the Lord.
11. For ME to have a closer walk with the Lord.
12. For me to know which paths to take.
13. For revival to continue in me.
14. For revival to spread across this land.
15. For our nation.
16. For our nation's leaders.
17. And...the list is long and mighty.

And to praise Him during all these storms, during all the work He is bringing to reality, to fruition.

1. Thank you for my family.
2. Thank you for My Man.
3. Thank you for my job.
4. Thank you for my students.
5. Thank you for my salvation.
6. Thank you for this sanctification process.
7. Thank you for my the friends with whom You have blessed me.
8. Thank you for the rain we received today.
9. Thank you for the BER months.
10. Thank you...and thank you...and thank you!

For what will you give the Lord no rest?  Go ahead!  Be a pest!  :)

Where Does Time Go?

What a busy year...and so much for blogging more this year, right!?  Sooo...let's do a Take Two on that 2023 Goal!

First, Bible Study...I meet with the best group of ladies, a meeting I look forward to and miss much should we not be able to meet.  Now, that is a good sign that you are in the Lord's Will.  His Sweet Peace meets us there, always ensuring a grand time of fellowship with the gals!

We just finished our study of Esther, my second time to walk through Beth Moore's study of this amazing book of the Bible.  During the study, we traveled to Branson and watched Sight and Sound's version of Esther...just amazing!  Probably the best production I have ever watched.  Very seriously.

Traveling with me...ten other ladies who seemed to really enjoy the three-hour trip there...and back.  Isn't fellowship just a gracious gift?  I am so appreciative of the gift of these friendships.

Now, our Bible Study group has begun Experiencing God...may this title be answered in each of us.  My goal is that, during this very busy season of my life, I will take the time and purposefully place Him actively in every day.  In every encounter.  In every friendship.  In every relationship.

I shared with my principal yesterday, on our eighth day of school, that this year's group of students seem better than last year's?  Or...as I shared with him...could it be because I am praying that He helps me to love these kiddos as He loves them?   I am going to keep praying that prayer!  AND...think I might add that my students love me as He loves me.  What a win-win!  Just cannot help but be an amazing school year!

May I share and end with my verse (Ecclesiastes 5:18, NLT) for August?

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. 

It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun 

during the short life God has given them, 

and to accept their lot in life.

As this last weekend in August continues (defrosted a freezer this morning...yes, a win!) and as the last week of August begins, may I enjoy my work even more...and graciously accept where I am in my career, for my nature is to always want more...or to have what I do not.  But!  Through Him, this scripture can and will be lived through me!

Happy Saturday!  Happy weekend!  Happy August!

Jesus Did

 My week in comments (and observations) as said by others and myself:

• Asking who would like to serve our mission field…and witnessing the outpouring.
• Yes, I like seeing a junior so happy she just begins to skip down the hallway. Go, girl, go!
• “Listen. You are sounding like a teenager. You need to stop,” say I to that teenager standing in front of me imitating me!
• “Mrs. Gillmore, you sound happier. You are talking more.”
• What? More? Hummm…not sure that is possible?!
• Victoria Covington’s book is on pre-sale…and I am told I am in it. What?!?
• “Julia and I were talking about you singing in the hallway…and right then you began to sing, and we could hear you through door.” (Speaking of the ?!?)
• “Keep selling that Kool-aid.”
• “Mrs. Gillmore, are you in here singing to yourself?” (No…there’s a kiddo with me who I had just greeted.)
• “How about Gillmore Brownies?” (As part of a reward for scoring high on the ACT in March.) Alright then. Note to self: Buy stock in brownie mix!
• Teachers like to read. But…I read the most!
• “I’ll do that Wal-mart pick up for you.”
• Asking some to bring a dessert…and seeing the table is spread with more than enough. Of course.
• Gathering at the table is important. (Jesus did.)
• Dessert Buffets bring people together.
• “You are all unique. You all have a gift.”
• “He is at a 2.75.” - “But…everyone deserves three strikes.” (I am learning to appreciate a good baseball metaphor…and just maybe this time we will get a homerun…or, at least, make it to base!)
• Singing to Cadence one day and being told she cannot find her singing voice…then, being sung back to from my favorite Cadence in the whole wide world a day later. The music is in there.
• And…as I noted to my two passengers, my favorite part of a funeral is the drive to the burial…as car after car stops and pays that final respect to a life lived here. This one in particular would have been 95 next week and was a World War II veteran and whose family adopted me many years ago, further proving to me that not all family has to be blood related. Glad I shared those sentiments recently to him…for one is not guaranteed tomorrow. Yes, I am very glad I like to talk.

#MusicIsGoodForYou

#OneCanTalkTooMuch?!

#IEnjoyBoth!

Just Plan to Read!

 I began using this chronological Bible reading plan several years ago.  What a blessing this has been in my life...and what a learning experience.

Seriously, I would not know the Bible as much as I do without this guide on the side...and because I purchased a study Bible once upon a time.  Then, another.  Then, maybe a few more...until I also had a chronological study bible to go alont with the above reading plan.

I truly value this hard copy of this reading plan as this reflects that journey over the years, on I so encourage you to begin.  Today, yes, would be a good day!

My One Word: Intentional

Choosing One Word has been such a means to spiritual growth for me.  Oh, the power of One Word!  This word journey I began in 2011, with that list growing and nurturing...

• 2011:  Peace
• 2012:  Quiet
• 2013;  Fit
• 2014:  Smile
• 2015:  Complete
• 2016:  All
• 2017:  Diligent
• 2018:  Less
• 2019:  Birth
• 2020:  Restore
• 2021:  Ponder
• 2022:  Knowledge

This year, I have chosen...or shall I say...a word has chosen me:  intentioal.  With that word in mind, I have decided to, also, use this year to not leave my other words behind.  I am creating a journal (the hard copy kind!) with a doublepage spread for each word and plan to add notes and testimonies for each word throughout 2023.  Why?  Not sure...I just "feel" to do so...yes, that nudging.

May we pause and reflect on 2022's word:  Knowledge

• I knew this was a strange word for me, for, as a teacher, I am always learning (as we all should be).  Learn I have, though, as this year began with all my classes having new curriculums!  Wow!
• Life, also, taught me more lessons, most of which, at the time, I really just did not want to learn!  But...that's life!  In all areas of my life...family, work, and church, yes, I had lessons to learn.
• This I know...raising kids is just so much easier when they are younger.
• This I know...family gatherings are imporant.
• This I know...church can be place where people do not like you.
• This I know...studying the Bible always leads to more knowledge.
• This I know...teaching to students who want to learn needs to be my focus.
• Am I smarter now?  Hummm...still not smart enough.  Just another reason I need a doublepage spread for the word knowledge in My One Word journal.  As a matter of fact, I may need to give each word more than just the two pages!

Looking Ahead:  with intention

• This word grabbed my attention while studying Kristi McLelland's The Gospel on the Ground (learning so much knowledge from her!).  From that point on, no other word would suffice.
• What are my intentions?  At this precise second, I want to focus more on intentionally completing what I find important, for instance, writing here and in my journal (that I have never consistently kept).  I, also, hope to be intentional with completing house work, grading papers, reading books, all of which seem to pile up quickly if I am not careful.
• Be present in the moment by listening more, talking less, being visible where I should and need to be.

I hope you choose One Word...or that you allow One Word to choose you.  Then, watch for that word.  Listen for that word.  This word will find you, shift your thinking, encourage you to grow.

May your One Word Journey begin now.

Planning Ahead...for the Increase

One of my reads for 2022 has been Christmas Next Door, a collection of four short stories of intertwined characters, a read I meant to complete in 2021...but...just so many books!  (This book I gave as a Christmas present this past year....need to buy more to give for next year!)

Now, I am glad I waited, for here is one of the nuggets I gleaned from these stories:  each Christmas the town put together Christmas baskets...and each year that number grew.  This reminded me much of Samaritan Shoeboxes, for which I began collecting items throughout the year...yet we only filled two boxes, probably our family's smallest number ever.  Shame on me.

Based on the encouragement from this book, I plan to increase that number.  What if throughout 2022, I picked up twelve items for twelve months.  Not an amount that would break the budget.  So doable.  And!?  What an increase!

From what book have you gleaned an idea?  Please share!

Reading the Bible: Chronologically

Today, I began reading the Bible again using a chronological plan located here that I discovered several years ago.  Well, seven years ago, to be exact.  How do I know?  

• 2015:  Old Testament
• 2016:  New Testament
• 2017:  Old and New
• 2018:  Old and New
• 2019/2020:  Old/New
• 2021:  Old and New

According to this math?  2022 will encourage my reading the Bible chronologically for the sixth time.

Why again?  I have learned so much history and so much Bible.  Just that repetition is powerful.  AND...even though I have now read the entire Bible a few times, I will find myself thinking, "I don't remember that...at all."  Just revelation...as needed.  Yes, just another way that God speaks to me.  Therefore, I must keep reading...and re-reading!  Yes!

I recommend this plan to any and all who will listen, for the journey has been the reason that I have learned much of what I know about the Bible...yet I have so much to still learn.  So much.

This is not a slow read, as 3-4 chapters need to be read each day, consistently, to achieve reading the entire Bible in a year.  But...this does not have to be a reader's only way to study.  Focus on a verse.  Also, slowly read and study a book of the Bible.  Or reading just the Old or New Testament throughout a year.  But...I need this chronological read again as I need to continue to learn the history...of what happened to whom...and when...and how that affected those before and after.  Just.  So.  Interesting!

No matter the method...just keep reading!

My One Word: Ponder and...?

 I began choosing One Word in 2012...and what an amazing journey this has been. 

This year's word was ponder, with my theme scripture being Luke 2:19.  A quiet, calm, reflective word, this one stayed with me.  Yes, I should have pondered more!  I am learning though that sometimes less is more.  I just need to keep practicing this!

I have known 2022's word since October:  knowledge.  This seems quite the strange word for me, as I am in year 31 of teaching and have shared much knowledge (hopefully).  Where will this word take me?  I shall continue to share knowledge...and I will continue to learn.

This year's theme scripture is Colossians 1:10: "so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..."  

Growing in the knowledge of God:  Yes.  Please, Lord.

Here's a quick recap of my previous words:

• 2011:  Peace
• 2012:  Quiet
• 2013;  Fit
• 2014:  Smile
• 2015:  Complete
• 2016:  All
• 2017:  Diligent
• 2018:  Less
• 2019:  Birth
• 2020:  Restore
• 2021:  Ponder
• 2022:  Knowledge

I am looking forward to my continued journeys with all twelve words...for I do not want to leave any of them behind...and with an increased focus on knowledge.  

Here's to 2022...

Part of the Lord’s Army

The walls of Jericho fell! That’s right! Hands in the air! Success! (See Joshua 5.)

But first...

Joshua recognized and honored the “commander of the Lord’s Army.”

But first...

The fighting men had to march...without saying one word. Not. One. Word. For seven days. On the seventh day...they marched seven times. Not one word. 

But first...

The priests had to carry the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant.

But first...

The priests had to blow the trumpets. Not just any instruments. Those used in religious festivals. Reminder: this is the Lord’s battle. 

But first...

The people had to shout. As loud as they could. 

What does this mean to me? To you? The Lord leads and fights our battles...but...He expects us to follow orders, also. Had the above instructions not been followed, would the walls have fallen?

I know...I understand...I do...you have walls that are 25 feet high and 20 feet thick...just as those around Jericho were. Totally insurmountable. Nothing is going through them. 

Then, the Lord activates His Army...and those walls will fall. 

But first...

I have to recognize and honor the commander of the Lord’s Army. 

But first...

Sometimes...I have to be very quiet. Very.  

Sometimes...for days. 

But first...I have to march...for however long it takes. 

But first...

I have to be in The Word. 

Then...the shouting begins!

Hands in the air! Your victory is coming!

PS...still with me? REMEMBER...this battle began days before they crossed that river when two spies had an encounter with Rahab...a woman...an ancestor to Jesus...only one of two women mentioned in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews. 

PS...when those walls fell? Those spies kept their promise and rescued Rahab...and her entire family! Keep claiming your family!

Now God Has Given...

This morning I read this verse...which will not leave me:

"Now God had given the chief of staff respect and affection for Daniel."

In two weeks, I return to school...and this is now my prayer:

"Now God has given Mrs. Gillmore __________ and ___________ for {insert student's name/insert friend's name].

You know Daniel's story: Living in captivity, Daniel, a chosen one of God, his path cleared by this Babylonian official...because God...Only God...gave...used others to guide Daniel's way. (Here you might read Daniel 1:8 and watch how "God gave" is repeated...)

Would you pray with me?

Now God has given ([Your Name] _______________ and ________________ for [the person God plants in your path or places on your heart].

Today, I am thankful for His Word.

Where to Begin?

Today finds me at home...alone...with time to think and reflect...with much heavy on my heart.  You, too?

This week, in my Bible read I have been in Isaiah...the final 15 chapters or so...where the Lord seems to have much grief...and hope...  Yes, hope.  Sweet...

This summer finds me spending more time online as much of our professional time is now geared to online learning.

This final quarter of 2019-2020 found us ending our school year as never before, with our church closing for several weeks.

This year finds me shaking my head much in wonder, in question, in disgust, in amazement, in just a swirl of emotions.  Yet.  Right there in the midst of the storm, His Peace intercedes.  What a blessing.

What kind of battle are we fighting?  A friend said to me, "This is more than a virual battle.  This is a battle with the enemy who knows his days are numbered."

True.

My verses for July have been Nehemiah 1: 6, 11.

"...let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.

"Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Here, Nehemiah, burdened for the people, prayed to the God who hears and responds and confessed the sins of the people.  I have found myself praying this same prayer.  Please, Lord. I have found myself praying much, for I know how this story ends.

Through these months, though, I have helped lead two Bible studies online, joined a few other online studies, and re-started my Making Choices Bible Study as our state opened up more.  He wants us in His Word.  Yes, Lord.  Nehemiah went about the business for the Lord, and that is what we are to do.  Not worry.  Pray.  Listen.  Wait.  Then, act when He says move.  Or remain still.  Just doing His Will.

I hope this finds you healthy and safe and resting in Him.  Blessings!

 

Time to Restore!

Time to restore...so much...in my life in 2020...one of which is this blog.  Yay!

My One Word for 2020 is just that...restore.  Such an interesting word for me.  As I began to meditate on this word, my focus scripture for 2020 instantly came to me...Nehemiah 6:3.

"so I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?"

Remember what Nehemiah was accomplishing in this scripture?  Yes...rebuilding the wall.  What a job!  Therefore, while the end resort of restoration sounds sweet...I see where much work fall in between now and the accomplishment!

Another part of this scripture on which I hope to focus is to keep my eye on the goal of the day, the week, the month and not to be so easily sidetracked.  This past week, I have accomplished a bit of "deep" cleaning here at home.  I could have accomplished so much more had I not been so distracted as I moved from room to room!  Squirrel!  On this, I hope to work!

Have you chosen a word?  Please share!

Sanctifying...Every Day...

I hope your year is going by a bit slower than mine.  Wow!  We just completed the third quarter...and Spring Break begins in two days!  May I share how the Lord has been working in my life?

Women's Events

• Earlier this month, I helped transport pastors' wives from our association to a retreat...just for them...that our association's Women's Ministry Team (love being a part of this team!) felt led to host.  No, I am not a pastor's wife...and felt I needed to excuse myself from their times of devotions and chats.  So I did.  I was so blessed, though, to hear their times of quiet...and then their outbursts of belly laughs!  Blessed my soul!
• This past Saturday, I attended Inspire Women's Conference, hosted by the state association, and and was so blessed to mingle with 900 women!  Amazing!  My favorite session was on social media, where I learned our largest population is not China, India, nor the US...but Facebook, followed by YouTube...then China and India.  Much to ponder...on how better to reach this mission field.
• Near future events include a local evening at a neighbor church and Women of Joy in April in Branson.  Yes!  I am excited about this, as my daughter also wants to attend, and I was able to get her a ticket!  I have also purchased us tickets to return to another Women of Joy this fall.  Speakers for April are Christine Caine, Sylvia Harney, Angela Thomas Pharr, and Chrystal Evans Hurst.  This fall's speakers are Sheila Walsh, Liz Curtis Higgs, Karen Kingsbury, and Alli Worthington.  Yay!
• God is good! All the time!

Bible Studies

• My Bible Study gals chose to read My Utmost for His Highest throughout the entire year...a book I read through last year...and had decided to do so again.  So glad they chose to read along also, for they are being blessed.  (The Husband has also decided to read the book!  Yay!)
• I also felt that the Lord wanted me to read and get to know Paul this year.  I am working through Beth Moore's Paul:  90 Days on His Journey to Faith.  Not sure what I will read next about him...but he and I shall spend time together most mornings this year!
• For Lent, I am tagging along with the Lifeway 40-Day Easter Prayer Guide.  This week's fast is from spending money...so I have avoided Wal-Mart and Cato's...and the drive-thrus!  :)  I agree that this conscious effort to withdraw from something is a great way to draw nearer to God, which remains my utmost goal.
• God is good!  All the time!

Our Annual Women's Conference

• Over the last month, I have been praying and asking ladies to speak at our church's annual women's conference...two said yes...two declined...then another said yes...  God is continually teaching me to seek His Perfect Will...not mine...and I totally trust His Decisions.  I am excited...speakers are confirmed!  Let the creative side of me take over as I "play" with our theme and create flyers.  I really believe we will see a soul saved this summer during conference.  For this lady, I am already praying.
• More about this soon.
• God is good!  All the time!

My Prayer Request

• For several reasons, I need to lose weight:  both for health and spiritual reasons.
• Would you pray that I heed this still, small voice of God in this area of my life?  For, as you probably know, the more I want to, try to, the more I am tempted by the foods I enjoy the most:  sweets.  
• Confession:  Gluttony is the thorn in my flesh.  I know that (not just for food...but books, glasses!).  I hear myself talking about others' thorns and how they just need to resist.  But what do I do?  I eat that sweet treat and do NOT say no.
• I am praying...and this prayer request I know He will...has...answered.  
• Thank you.
• God is good!  All the time!

NEW Teaching Position

• I have accepted a teaching position at a nearby school, and I know that I know this is the Lord's Perfect Will for me, and I am sooooooooo excited!  This is a prayer answered.
• I began this school year...my 28th...asking the Lord that my last years be as my first years.  This year has not been that, yet at the same time this new job arrived on the horizon.  God just cleared the way.  Sitting in church, on Feb. 13, I received the text that the school board had approved my hire for 2019-2020.  
• Get this...I was hired in March for my very first job.  See that date...February...God is outdoing Himself has He answers this prayer request!  Of course, He is!
• I am already praying for my New Mission Field...as I continue to serve Him in my current teaching position. 
• God is good!  All the time!

This Month's Memory Verse(s)

• A few months ago, I adopted my friend Amanda's monthly goal of choosing a verse on which to focus.  What a blessing!
• For this month's verses, I (might be a bit greedy here)...have chosen Numbers 6:24-26.
• May I leave you with these verses?
• May He bless, make, shine, lift, and give you peace...as He graciously completes you.
• Dear friends, God is good!  All the time!