abide
dwell
reside
stay
live in
These are all words that describe my prayer for 2010…my prayer that God would abide in me…live in me…dwell in me. Abide is my word of 2010.
Many thoughts come to my mind as I ponder the word “abide” and all that it means. I think about the desire that God live in me. I think about my part in abiding in Him.
A big, big theme that God has impressed upon my heart over the past few months is SIMPLICITY. In reading books like Not So Fast: Slow Down Solutions for Frenzied Families by Ann Kroeker, I am learning that when I am too busy or too “cluttered” and overwhelmed with life, that I am missing out on the most important things. I do not want to look back on my life and realize that I was too busy to worship. Too busy to pray. Too busy to serve. Too busy to love. Too busy to sit at His feet. I am learning that I have to say no to many, many “good things” in order to say YES to God.
I almost chose the word “simplicity.” However, God is showing me that the reason He is asking me to simplify (my stuff, my time, my life) is so that I can ABIDE in Him and He in me. Simply beautiful.
Prayer…waiting on Him…meditating on Him and His Word. Time with Him. I have much to learn this year…this is just one way for me to focus my prayers, scripture study and thoughts. I’m sure God will show me things I’ve never imagined when thinking on the word “abide.” My hope and prayer is that not only will I learn more, but that as days turn into weeks and weeks into months, His abiding in me will be second nature. He will have taken over so much of the yucky “me” that only His love and His light shines through. More of Him…less of me.
Hello Candace,
I am reading your blog now for about a month. I find encouragement, joy and relevant ideas to my life and to my family.
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you walk with Him, as you dedicate your life to him consciously.
You have a beautiful family.
Peace and joy be yours in the coming New Year. The LORD is near!
In Him,
Sara MK
Hmmm… I wonder if the two transitions could go together? If he is interested in being a “big boy” you might be able to make a big deal about how big boys go to bed. Anything where you are removing a comfort is really exhausting… for everyone. Good luck to you! Remember that it won’t last forever.
Beware Smooth treadmills! I have a $3,000 machine, 6 1/2 year old, motor still running and still under warranty. The treadmill is useless. Console is shot, replacement console mfg. by bankrupt company and not available. Smooth’s response? Tough luck. Their warranty is useless, and so is their equpment.
Candace,
I appreciate you. I really, really do. Sometimes, I think you are talking to me. 🙂
how funny – I have been thinking about adopting your idea of a word for the year and abide and dwell have been at the top of my list. Your blog looks really cute with the winter theme.
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Oh, I love this one too. John 15 is one of my favorite chapters about abiding. And simplicity; oh my. We are on the same page I believe. There’s too much that way too often gets in the way. How much do we really need anyway?
Loved your post.
blessings,
Debbie
like an exclaimation mark on what He has been telling me. Thank you.
Candace,
I’m new to your blog…coming to you from Holy Experience. Your post today is speaking to me — I love your chosen word “abide,” and the reasons you have for choosing it. I’m thinking a lot about a word for the year today. Abide is such a good one.
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I love this “His abiding in me will be second nature.”, that is exactly what I want!!! Thank you for sharing your heart!
You’ve chosen well – abide is a great theme. Thanks for sharing this.
The maid of honor is resposibile for “coordinating” both events, and she and the bridesmaids are supposed to split the cost of the shower.Get together with the other bridesmaids and come up with a realistic budget. Find ways to cut back… Host it at someone’s house. Have each bridesmaid make a dish. Print your own invitations at home. You can still have a very nice shower for her on a very small budget.
Last year I visited a local vineyard and asked the owner to explain the concept of vines and what it means to abide. He took me out into the vineyard and explained how the vines must stay close to/abide in the branch in order to survive. And he explained the importance of cutting away the excess (simplifying) so that the vine would bear fruit. It was a wonderful word picture for me that I had forgotten…until I read your post today. Thank you.
OH to ABIDE in the VINE! ahhhh
LOVE John 15!
My Word… DESIRE
Hugs,
Traci
God spoke to me in the same way He spoke to you. I had been writing my post on what my 2010 name would be. I finished it off and decided to check the other entries at Ann’s. Yours caught my eye. ABIDE. Hey! That is one of my words! We have such a similar desire for 2010. My word is OBEDIENCE. For without me choosing it I can not abide, trust, or dwell. I have hearing God call me to do devotions early in the morning but have failed to obey. This is the year I want to obey, to see the joy of the Lord fill me up. I plan to post my name on New Years Day. Be sure to stop by.
You might like to go deeper:
http://www.centralpc.org/sermons/2002/s020602.htm
http://www.sermoncloud.com/redeemer-lubbock/abide-in-me/
http://www.rustyparts.com/wp/2009/05/14/abide-in-me-sermon-on-jesus-the-vine/#comments
I did not read yet her books, but maybe there is something more for you on ABIDE:
About this product:
Pages 224
ISBN 978-0310291220
Released 2009-10-01
Also available as:
Scouting the Divine Audiobook
Scouting the Divine DVD Study
Scouting the Divine Additional Workbook
Scouting the Divine Audiobook Download
Scouting the Divine and Workbook Combo
Downloadable Samples
PDF Sample
Audio Sample
Scouting the Divine –
http://www.margaretfeinberg.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1&category_id=9&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=8
Thanks again,
Sara
You’ve really captured all the essentials in this subject area, haven’t you?
Thank you for sharing this Candace. I just posted my word on our blog today.
Jag har åkt dem många gånger, fast bara en gång i Insane. Det var för ett år sedan, precis innan jag blev gravid med twinsen. Det var så lång kö (45 min) så man hann bara en gång.