Tuesday, January 31, 2012

One Word 2012

So..
Have you figured out that I am a little behind? Seriously, its ok, since there are a few more hours left in January.

Since my word for 2012 is CONTENT, I am just going to be content that I had a few minutes to post on my word. I kept thinking, I have so much I want to post about my word. How God gave it to me. What I was going to do with it? You know,  the who, what, & whys of the whole concept of ONE WORD.

I wanted it to be profound and share some things that have been on my heart. But, that's just it, I don't actually know how to share some of it. I am going to be content in what I am going to post. You see, God has been working on me in this area. Am I there yet? No, I still have my tendencies to be all things to all people. But, I there's a lot to celebrate even in the small victories. 

Content- from www.dictionary.com 
adjective
satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
noun
the state or feeling of being contented; contentment
 
I would love to say that I am content and I live in a state of contentment every day. Unfortunately, I am not content in many ways. I borrowed the below from a devotion on Proverbs 31 Ministries and its me (with more added in red)  
Lord, how can I become content with just who I am, nothing more and nothing less?(wow, me in a nut shell- just be content with who you made me to be)
I’m certainly prone to want to be more, or less than I am. To be smarter, prettier, funnier, fitter. To be more productive, happier and higher energy. And then also to be lower key, calmer, more level-headed and focused.
To be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, worker, servant, teacher , etc....
I want to have better self-awareness, see others as you do,  and yet I want to be less concerned about what others think of me.
I want to be a better cook, to sing on key, and to keep the house neat without so much perceived effort. And did I mention fuller, thicker hair would be nice too?(well, I can say, I don't need thicker fuller hair, but less gray would be nice and good hair days every now & then)
I want to be a better writer – one that’s both highly creative and meticulously organized. And I want fewer propensities to run late, slack off or procrastinate.(maybe just a better blogger or at least one that doesn't ramble so much)
Yes, I want to be both more and less of me.(yes Lord yes!!)
 
 
Below are some of the scriptures that have really spoke to me....
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:11-13, KJV

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Hebrews 13:5, KJV

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
1 Timothy 6:6-11, KJV

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
1 John 2:15-17, KJV

In looking to HIS WORD I find great peace and contentment. I know that this is a work in progress.

When He gave me this word, He gave me two ways to look at it and work towards it...... 

1. I definitely need to learn to be content with the things that I have, that I am, and who He says that I am.  

2. I that I should never be content in my walk with HIM. I must strive to be more like Christ every day.  

For those of you that are content and find pure contentment in your lives, would you please share ways, steps, desires that led you to where you are?

And are you content with your walk with the Lord? 

I know this post was a bunch of rambling, but you know I think I will just chose to be CONTENT with it!! I will post more as God works in this area of my life! 

5 comments:

Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.com said...

Dear Piper, Such a good word! Contentment is so important to our lives...it has so much to do with trusting God with things in our lives we can't change. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. I also struggle with contentment.
I pray that God will bless your writing, your blog, and your life!
Thanks for joining Bless a Blogger Friday!
Gail

Tirzah said...

Hi Piper... Great post. Love how are you working to be content on what you post. That can be hard sometimes. I know I tend to want to make sure it is perfect, just right, etc. Just being content is an awesome goal. Allowing God to be God and work everything else out. I'm visiting from Bless a Blogger Friday!

Blessings,
Tirzah

Laura Hodges Poole said...

I enjoyed this post, Piper. Very insightful! I love the comment that we should never be content in our walk with HIM. I look forward to reading more of your blog.

Mandy said...

What a lovely blog, and your post is a blessing. Contentment is something we should always strive for. It keeps us grounded and keeps satan from gaining a foothold in our lives. Looking forward to receiving more encouragement from your blog!

Rosilind Jukic said...

Hi - My husband I were just talking about contentment the other day - and the importance of learning to happy with what we have and where we are in life. I love that word for 2012! I am popping over from Bless a Blogger Friday (it's still Friday, right? Although on my side of the Great Pond it's Saturday morning already) I pray that 2012 is a blessed year for you and that, as Paul said, you learn to be content in whatever state you are in! Many blessings to you from Zagreb!