Why tears Lord? As I set about the joy of joining you in saying goodbye to 2020 I wonder why I was led to tears. And then I read this quote and realized these were tears of gratitude:

I think about words spoken to me on more than one occasion: “Maggie, God will never give you more than you can handle.”  Ha! Seriously? Do you think I want to hear that?  How many times did I blurt out, “Lord – don’t think of me so highly!”  Well this year adds new meaning to how much God thinks of all of us. We’ve faced challenge after challenge – not only globally but in our personal lives. And yet – here we are.

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Overwhelming gratitude and praises followed my morning tears. Such a welcome change. You see, I’ve battled depression throughout this year. Such heart-breaking sadness – I wasn’t sure how God was going to help me come out of it. But it was in those moments of despair that God led me deeper and deeper with Him. He was with me in the dark places. He saw my uglies and loved me anyway. He blessed me with fresh new beginnings each morning – full of Grace and Mercy.

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This past year took us all by surprise. The new year may also come with its own set of surprises. But we don’t have to react. Instead we can respond with intention. Every year I ask the Lord for a word for the year – His reminder to me of where I need to be focused.

2020′s word for me was “Trust”. Wow – did I ever rely on that. In the first couple of months I wondered but by March and April I started to get how much trust God was asking of me. I certainly wasn’t perfect at it. But God… I imagine Him saying, “What part of I AM don’t you understand?” followed by a deep <<sigh>>.

For 2021, with God’s help, I intend to do better. Never have I prayed through as much for the significance of my yearly word. In the past I was mostly satisfied that I knew that was God’s word for me. I had peace. But for 2021, God is calling for me to be more intentional – I’m not to leave anything to chance. I’ll share some thoughts He gave me with the hope that you be encouraged and also seek your own word (direction) for 2021.

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My Word For 2021 is: Create.

So, what does that look like Maggie?

It’s About Honoring God – Whatever I create will come from Him and is meant to honor Him. Do the work.

It’s Not About Me -  As I like to say, “Someone is waiting for me to show up in the fullness of my calling.” It’s about encouraging, bringing hope to the hopeless, causing others to ponder and to seek God’s direction. It’s about challenging others to come up higher – to live on purpose and authentically. It’s about you – the one reading this now. Do the work.

It’s None of My Business - I’m to let go of the outcome. It’s none of my business how God affects those I’m meant to serve. I simply follow His lead. Do the work.  
“It is not your business to succeed, but to do right; when you have done so, the rest lies with God.”– C. S. Lewis

It’s About Obedience – Trust and obey. He will direct my steps. Sometimes it will be just for me and sometimes I will share with others. Do the work.

It’s My Go-To Place -  When in doubt, challenged or distracted, go back to what God said about this year. Do the work.

It’s About Strategy - Structure is My Friend – As much as I enjoy the adventure of thinking outside the box and tap dancing outside my comfort zone, structure will provide the framework for success. God promises that He has plans for us (Jer 29:11). He also encourages us to make plans: “Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.”– Proverbs 16:9 (TPT) In Genesis we read about the plans He followed for creation. He was methodical and detailed – even made time for rest. Do the work.

Note to self: I don’t read anything in God’s word where He encourages distraction – frolicking after bunny trails. Also, it does not appear that He lacked focus. Jesus knew His purpose and He set out to accomplish it. Do the work. Just say’n…

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I pray you have a new year full of God’s favor and direction. 2021 – embracing lessons learned from the past and bringing them forward into God’s next best for you. “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 countenance upon you, And give you peace.”  -Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)   Amen

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Photo by Aliyah Jamous