In the past I have chosen words like:
Sometimes I have forgotten about the word as the days go by and other times it has been on the forefront of my mind. For the past several years I have made a piece of art that showcases the word (this has helped me to remember the word/theme as I see it in passing).
For 2015 I have selected two words. These words are found in Nehemiah 2:18 “…Let us arise and build. So they put their hands to the good work.”
It might seem strange that a woman like me (one who is trying to let go of all the doing and striving and wearing herself out to meet unrealistic expectations and battling that “not good enough” lies) would choose “Arise and Build” instead of something like “Rest”, “Grace”, “Deep Breaths”, or “Peace”. But I felt a tug in this direction and so I leaned in towards this idea.
I should not presume too much, but I think God is wanting me to focus more on the “Arise” part and trust Him with the “Build” part.
Arise is defined as “to begin to occur or to exist; to begin at a source; to get up from sleep or after lying down; to originate from a source; to come into being or to attention.”
Some definitions of “arise” in the Hebrew are:
to rise, to stand, to endure, to be persist, to fulfill, to carry out, to establish. To me, “arise” means to get up, to do what God has asked me to, to not put things off but to take the next step. Arise also means to wake up, to not live numb, but to see things from God’s perspective…to engage and feel, to be present, to make a difference, to stand up to the task at hand, to not play the victim.Rise up and fulfill the role that He has given, within the territory that He has entrusted to you.
Here are some ways I am planning to “arise” in 2015:
- Get up early on weekdays to read God’s Word, write my heart out, and greet my family with smiles and hugs.
- Be faithful to the duties and delights set before me (hubby, kids, homeschooling, managing our home, ministry).
- Live less distracted and more engaged (schedule tech time, more meals around the table, invite others over, monthly dates with hubby and quality time outings with each child).
- Get to bed earlier, create more margin, and rest well on Sundays.
How about you? Do you have a One Word this year? I’d love to hear about it!
Dry bones awake
New life in place
Proud mind turn meek
True voice now speak
O sleeper time to wake
Wanderer walk straight
Old chains be gone
Healed heart find song
Let us arise and build
Let us be wholly His
Let us stand for His sake
Now that we are all awake
Hard heart be tilled
Empty life freshly filled
Idle hands now move
On the cross love was proved
Foolish one be wise
Weary soul arise
Sinful flesh be freed
All things are new indeed
Let us arise and build
Let us be wholly His
Let us stand for His sake
Now that we are all awake
Let us arise and build
Let us be wholly Yours
Let us stand for Your sake
Now that we are all awake
All awake, all awake, all awake, we’re all awake!
-Copyright 2009, Katie Reid
Based on Ezekiel 37:1-6 and Nehemiah 2:17-18
Love, Love, Love! This is just perfect and I am excited to see it unfold. Love the art too! Happy New Year!
I love this post. It’s really interesting to see that, all across the board, God is calling many many many of His daughters to do something like arise, thrive (my word), bloom, awaken, or any word really having to do with doing in the safe confines of the Cross.
It makes me wonder how coincidental this is, and it makes me wonder what God has up His sleeve– maybe a revival of sorts? who shall know except for our Creator 🙂
Thank you for this post, though. really. I was in ‘sleep and struggle mode’ for 2014, surviving and renewal mode for 2014, and I really do hope that God does something big with my desire to thrive in His arms! 🙂
HI Jennie- So nice to “meet” you. Thank you for your words. Praying right now that this year is one of thriving as you follow His lead and abide in His Word.:) Have you heard the song “Wake Up” by All Sons & Daughters? I think you’d like it as it speaks to the revival you are talking about.:)
Hi Barbie! I’m excited to see what He does also.:) Happy New Year to you.
Wow! What amazing words. “Arise also means to wake up, to not live numb, but to see things from God’s perspective…to engage and feel, to be present, to make a difference, to stand up to the task at hand, to not play the victim.” To not live numb, oh yes! Arise…now I’m going to be thinking about that word a whole lot 🙂
Hi Alecia! Have you read the book “Waking the Dead” by John Eldredge? I think you would like it. Here’s the a year of waking up and truly living.:)
I just love this, Katie. Absolutely love! Your plan for 2015 sounds very similar to mine. 🙂 I look forward to sharing more in person with you SOON! Love you. xoxo
Yeah Beth- Can’t wait to hear about it, in real life!:)
Yes! I want this too: “Get to bed earlier, create more margin, and rest well on Sundays.”
My word is REST, as in sane, healthy Godly patterns of work and rest, with time to be refueled by Him, and also an attitude of rest and trust while I work and serve.
I really do like your “Arise and Build.” Lovely and inspiring.
Hi Betsy- “Rest” is a good one. I thought about that one too.:) In fact, headed to bed now so I can start the year off better than last year- I definitely did not get enough sleep or do a very good job of resting on Sundays either. Here’s to a great 2015!:)
Love the artwork you created for your words! Beautiful. Excited to see where this takes you, Katie. Beautiful post. My #oneword is “see.” 🙂
Thank you Abby. Happy 2015 as you “see” what God has planned.:)
I followed a link from Twitter and found you today. Oh my goodness, I’m glad I did! Love your writing and just now pausing to comment. My word this year is joy. I smiled when I saw it was your word for 2014. Joy is what I feel when I remember to fully trust. Trust is what God is calling me to this year with so many new things on the horizon. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Thank you for coming over Jenni! May 2015 be a joy-filled year full of wonderful surprises as you choose to trust the One who holds it all and holds you too.:)