Mary In Bloom

It's that time of the year again!  I will start out by saying that my one word last year was "Communion" and I wanted to spend quality time in the presence of God every day.  I can tell you that although I spent some wonderful time in our Creator's presence last year, it certainly wasn't as often as I had wanted or anticipated.  That's not to say I didn't talk to Him every day because I do feel I hold an ongoing "conversation" with Him all day every day, but I longed for something deeper.  And on a couple of occasions it happened -- because I made the time for it.  He is always there waiting to commune with me, but I have to meet Him halfway and I didn't always do that.  When I did, being in His presence was spectacular, life affirming, directing, humbling, and absolutely indescribable.  I DO feel as though I have scratched the surface of what prayer can be and I know that what I experienced last year on my knees is just the beginning of a deeper relationship with Jesus. 

Last year was a very eventful year for me and Brandon!  Sacred Willow Spa expanded into the next suite in July/August, I led my first small group at church, Brandon was promoted at Meadowlands, my brother-in-law, Andrew, married his long time love, Caroline in October, and we found out we are expecting our first child, a son named Everest Henry, due in June 2014.  God has truly blessed us!  Most who know us know that we prayed for a child for 46 months before finally getting pregnant.  It wasn't always easy, but I could see God's Hands at work in our lives in preparation for this child and I am thankful He made us wait.  And I can say it was a true lesson in patience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life and I will always trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. 

So.......with so much growth in our lives last year, it was easy to choose my one word for 2014.  Balance.  When I say "balance", I don't mean dividing my focus even-steven across the board.  I truly feel I need to keep my eyes fixed on the Lord for his leading and direction in every aspect of my life.  Adding a child to my already busy life is going to require close communication with God on how and when to invest my time.  With a family owned business, a full book of clients, and a God inspired passion for my chosen profession, I will continue to work.  I know I need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help me balance my time and energy between raising Everest, being a wife & companion to Brandon, a homemaker, serving in my church, being fully present in my business, and taking care of myself spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  I pray for God-balance and discernment this year so I will know when to scale back in one area to give more of myself in another.

Since announcing my pregnancy, I have found that a lot of people have strong opinions as to how my life should look after Everest is born.  What is important to me and what God calls me to do is not going to be the same as the next person.  I am going to be best mother I can be, but I also plan on continuing to be the best healer/massage therapist I can be because that is who God has designed me to be.  I plan on enjoying every moment of the six weeks of maternity leave I get to spend with Everest, but I know I will return joyfully to work (although I am sure I will be counting down the seconds until I get to hold him in my arms at the end of the day).  Today is the 2nd of two snow days we have had here at the beach and I can tell you that although I welcome the rest, my heart was disappointed I wasn't going to work today.  I don't know too many people who feel that way about their work.....I am blessed to have that passion.  So my prayer is to balance my time and energy, but also to listen God about what I should be doing and ignore what others have to say about my life.  Brandon and I will listen to God and He will direct the path for OUR family.  I pray that we will be a light for Everest, that he will grow to love Jesus as much as we do.  I hope he sees that everything we do is in worship of Him, our savior.  I want him to know that he is never alone, that God is always with him and that He has had a plan for him since the beginning of time.  I cannot wait to meet our little blessing.

I picked Romans 12:2 for my 2014 guiding scripture --


I particularly like The Message version of this verse (which actually includes the verse before it):

This will be the third year I have chosen "my one word" to help me focus on how I want my life to change in the coming year.  In the past two years the words I chose ("Bloom" in 2011 and "Stride" in 2012) were broad in their scope and did indeed reach into all the corners of my life.  There was a blossoming that took place in '11 and I can assure you that change really picked up momentum in '12.  And how grateful I am. 

It is truly supernatural - driven by the Spirit - how much different life looks today than it did a year ago. I met a woman who attends Port City Community Church (the church that "my one word" originated from) and we had a conversation about how God really does work through your "one word".  I know this to be true which is why I think I will always have a "one word", not just for a daily reminder of where my focus should be, but to ask God to join me. 
My one verse last year was Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

My year started with that verse, but it seems have come to a close with another - Romans 5:3-4
And that is the rock that I stand on today.  Who could ask for anything more?  Well, I am going to keep on asking (Matthew 7:7).  I know Jesus is my rock, but I want to know Him more.  I want to spend this year resting on that rock.

My one word for 2013 is:
com·mun·ion
I spent the early part of 2012 spending time with God every morning -- something I was encouraged to do in a class at Barefoot Church with Pastor Jonathan Lawson where I truly felt I was being discipled.  As my year progressed in a whirlwind and the class came to an end, I slowly let this special time alone with God fall by the wayside.  Having experienced the richness of what that kind of intimacy with God can be like, I certainly have felt that my days are missing something.  Don't get me wrong, I still talk to God ALL the time and I do hear Him, but I am thirsty for more.  I need our alone time back.  I want Him to speak into my heart through His presence and His Word.  I desire both rest and revelation.  I am ready to slow down, take a deep breath, and commune with Him every morning.  I will come to Him in worship, with thanksgiving, with longing, in supplication, and without expectation because He is my heart's desire.