If you give a girl a year…she might just ask for a word to go with it.
And if she asks for a word to go with it…she might just find herself undone by grace.
It’s that time of year again…renewed dreams, fresh commitments, and—my favorite—new “Words of the Year.” Every January, I’m excited to see the diversity of themes divinely placed on our hearts.
2015 was my year of not bowing down to fear, as the Lord loosened anxiety’s stronghold over my spirit. While still evolving, I’m grateful for the progress His power affords me.
As we invite Him into our days, with even the simplest of offerings—a “One Word” focus—He shows up with His relentless grace and does a supernatural switcheroo.
His Switcheroo theme for me this year is a comical one, considering airplanes are scary death machines and all. (I might need a remedial course in last year’s theme.)
In 2016, I learn to “fly.”
While I anticipate this focus drifting its way through every busy hat I wear, my favorite part about these “words of the year” is the stuff we can’t begin to fathom He’ll do. His heart, broader than our insight.
Tweet ThisAnd if we’re careful to give Him back the “words” he first gave, He’ll change us in ways that January is too young to understand.
The last 20-plus years have found me in Mom-mode, so, coming back to the writing table has been quite an education. I’ve spent the past year getting a grip on the ropes, learning about blogging, growing as a writer.
While I never wish to stop learning, this year my focus is in the air.
In a recent webinar by Michael Hyatt, he shared that in order to make an impact on our dreams, we need to operate from within our “Discomfort Zones.”
Wait, what?
He went on to say that fear, uncertainty, and doubt are emotions we should welcome, as they are positive indicators that we’ve crossed into the Discomfort Zone.
Well, isn’t that just all kinds of freeing? Rather than letting these seemingly negative emotions interrupt us, let us instead give a knowing grin, and keep on flying.
As this ground-loving girl is divinely escorted through Wings-R-Us, seamlessly altering her inmost vulnerabilities, I realize I can’t be the only one in need of some flight lessons this year.
So, friends, I’m excited to share my heart for Chasing Holiness in 2016. This year, I’ll be focusing on 12 practical attributes of the word “Fly” as monthly themes here on the blog.
Own, Arise, Calm, Confidence, Create, Accept, Free, Enough, Reach, Remember, Seek, and, this month’s theme, Jump.
I’ve saved you a seat by the window; I hope you’ll join me—right here in the Discomfort Zone—as we give wings to 2016.
Prepare for takeoff—this year, we soar. 
~ Blessed to link up this week with these lovely ladies: Intentional Tuesdays , Testimony Tuesday , Titus 2sday ,#TellHisStory , Coffee for Your Heart , Thought Provoking Thursday , #DanceWithJesus , Faith Filled Friday , Faith and Friends Friday and Weekend Whispers ~
Wow Brenda… I love the quote by Michael Hyatt! The”discomfort zone is somewhere I will need to venture into myself this year to grow as a Christian. Lord willing I will learn more about Him,myself , and become a better writer. May God be with you as you “fly free” in 2016! Blessings to you and yours.
Horace Williams Jr recently posted…A New Year is here and NO pointless Resolutions!
Hey Horace, great to see you. 🙂 Just read your “word” — love it. 🙂 Look forward to hearing how the Lord uses it in your life this year. May 2016 be a beautiful year for you, friend. 🙂
Brenda, my natural instinct is to turn away from the discomfort zone. But those are the moments God invites us to hold His hand and walk closely to Him. I can’t wait to see what God does in and through you through “Fly.” Thank you, friend, for sharing at #IntentionalTuesday. : )
P.S. I loved your intro reference to one of my favorite storybooks. : )
Crystal Storms recently posted…Intentional Tuesday Linkup {Week 48}
I hear ya, Crystal…I think that’s my natural instinct too. 🙂 Isn’t it just like God to provide growth in the darkness…very counter to growth’s natural preference for light. He’s the light for our growth. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for hosting today, sweet friend. ((( X0xo )))
I’m excited to see how this word will develop over the course of the year for you, dear friend. I’ll take that seat right beside you. (Mine is “Patience”. My zone is discomfited just reading it).
Have a beautiful Tuesday.
Hey Gleniece. Glad to have the company for the flight. 🙂 Hopefully, our wings will be fitting comfortably by year’s end. 🙂 You sure didn’t get an easy word this year, did you? Hope it is a great year of growth for you. Thanks for coming by and reading, today. 🙂 ((X0xo))
You brought a smile, Brenda. What a neat post and word as well. I can’t wait to see the year mature, your grip of “fly” maturing as well. Prepare for departure. Prepare for adventure, God-style. #tellHisstory
Ready for me some God-style adventure. 🙂
Thanks, Kristi. Hope your year is full of adventure as well.
((Blessings))
Great words here today! I find being in a discomfort zone is not the place I long to be. God, however, will many times have other plans. For me, I am learning to be a puddle jumper as I turn away from my comfort zone into the discomfort zone. I am looking forward with hope because I am learning that “hope changes everything”.
I love how you are learning to “fly” and the themes that you have picked for each month to teach us about this journey. Blessings to you!
Mary Geisen recently posted…Puddle makers vs. Puddle jumpers
I loved your post on Puddle Makers vs. Puddle Jumpers, Mary. In a way, we do have similar themes today, don’t we? Being a jumper takes courage and discomfort, doesn’t it? Looking forward with hope right along with ya. Hope is a game-changer, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing, today, Mary. Good to see you. ((blessings))
I’m buckling my seat belt, putting my tray table up, and placing my seat in an upright position. My carry-on is safely stowed away….I’m ready to fly with you!
Brenda…this was delightful and encouraging! Thank you!
Hey Jeralyn, so great to see you! (( Xx )) So glad to have you buckled in beside me. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and reading today, friend. (( Xoxo ))
Wow, Brenda! You have a great plan for the year! I love the word FLY. And how reassuring to remember that we need to feel fear and doubt sometimes. Signs that we’really in the discomfort zone!
Thanks for your sweet encouragement, Betsy. <3 Loved your post on verse mapping too...definitely going to finally give it a try. 🙂 Thank you for reading, sweet friend. (( Xoxo ))
Brenda,
Just had to come and stop by your corner of the world. Joining with you as you “launch” into a year of “flying”. I remember, as a child, I always had this reoccurring dream that I could fly. Jesus has given me wings…so in essence, I am able to fly in His strength. May we all be a little daring to enter the discomfort zone…that’s where we truly learn to grasp hold of God’s righteous right hand that never lets us fall.
Blessings to you,
Bev xx
Hey, Bev. 🙂 So glad you stopped into my little corner. What a neat dream that is. Isn’t that so true…we’re all able to fly in His strength…right into whatever He equips us to do. Thank you for coming by sharing. It’s been nice to connect with you. ((sweet blessings))
Love your flying theme! It sure is hard to embrace discomfort. Looking forward to your posts about it!
Thanks for coming by and reading, Judy. ((hug))
Hey Brenda, stopping by from Faith Filled Friday. I love this theme for 2016. God has spoken a similar word to me: OVERCOME. Pushing through those “Discomfort Zones” and going to the next level with Him. I love your humor and light heartedness. It was a refreshing read!
Overcome…that’s great, I like that. I’ll look forward to hearing what God does for you, with this word, in 2016. 🙂 ((blessings))
Brenda, I love this and the humor with which you tell your stories. Flying was a biggie for me when fear was ruling my life. Thanks for saving a window seat for me. I hate sitting on the aisle. 🙂 I’m coming along for the ride. Blessings my friend!
So glad you’re sharing the ride, Deb. Traveling’s always more fun with friends. Thanks for your encouragement. (( xoxo ))
Well, to a fellow ‘ground-lover’, I look forward to seeing where God takes you – as you follow His heart (always the right course!). UP – up – and away! Blessings to you on your journey!
Thank you, my ground-loving friend. 🙂 Blessings back at ya. ((hug))