Welcome back friends…and happy Friday! I have to say, for all those who stopped by on Wednesday and read Joyce’s link-up, it does not seem like anyone will have trouble seeing 67 banished. Gone for good and forgotten. The comments were just about unanimous and I found it funny! Several of the other answers were entertaining as well. But, that was Wednesday and time to move on to Friday. I had planned to (try once again) and join the Five Minute Friday community. I really want to do one of these five minute free-writes at least once a month. And the first Friday of each month seemed like something I could remember. Well, don’t you know, I was checking into it and I don’t think there is a prompt for this week. (Of course there isn’t.)
Not to be deterred (and don’t wanting to “mess with the plan” so soon into the new year), I was looking at some of my FMF posts from past years and came across one that really fits with my word for the year…and my focus lately. Here is what I wrote several years ago:
I’m at a certain season of life. Not necessarily a certain age, but, more appropriately, that my life is seasoned. Matured. And while it is true that we are always learning, I hope what I have already experienced along the way is not only shaping me but settling and grounding me. This is a season of life for applying what I know to be true and for embracing what really matters. For instinctively recognizing what is needful, valuable, and worthy of my time and energy. And for knowing what is important.
When I consider what exactly is important, my thoughts go in many directions. But, for the sake of this five-minute post, I would suggest that we all must “know what we know” and why. My faith is the foundation of my life. Bible truths impact just about every decision I make. But this is only a good thing if I know what I believe and why I believe it. I have been a Christian since I was twelve. Many decades. It can be easy to “do life” on auto-pilot, including my walk with Christ. Yes, I want prayer, Bible reading and other habits to be as easy and natural as many other aspects of my life, but I want more than an auto-pilot, go through the routine relationship with my heavenly father.
There is another truth that I am noticing about this season of life. Those times, situations or circumstances that test our faith – or even shake our faith – come more and more often. Perhaps I’m just more aware but, honestly, I believe they just come faster. Heartaches and hard times in my own life and, then, so many that I know and love facing loss and/or huge trials. Life can be overwhelming. I need to remember my sure foundation and then know why it is so. For my sake and in order to help others.
Not only do I hope what I have experienced thus far has shaped me but I also desperately need it to settle and ground me. To anchor me. I said then that I had to “know what I know” but, even more, I have to know, unwaveringly, to whom I am anchored. Who settles me. Secures me. And allows me withstand the storms. The hard…even the really hard. This post was originally written four years ago. I said life can be overwhelming. Well, I had no idea. But one thing that has not changed is the desire for prayer, Bible reading and close relationship with my heavenly father. Being daily in God’s word is essential; however, reading simply to check the box is not the goal. The same can be said for prayer, journaling, ministry or even serving others. I don’t want to do any of those “on auto-pilot” or to keep up with a new year resolution. I love some good resolutions to start a new year. They help to keep me focused. To help me improve my routines. They give me benchmarks to help me gauge my progress. But resolutions are simply the means to an end. The goal, the desire, is much more. And I want more. I need more.
I want to be anchored (securely anchored) not simply to survive storms (although I do want to ride the storms of 2026 better than I have), but I also sincerely want to enjoy this relationship with Jesus Christ. He delights to have real fellowship with me! That truth never fails to amaze me!! I want true peace and genuine joy to mark each of my days – sunny or stormy.
A little bit more than a five minute free write but just a glimpse into my thoughts here in the first week of January. I think “anchored,” and this whole word for a year concept, is going to be interesting. Thanks for reading along today. Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to blog visiting over the next couple of days.
Jennifer, I do love your word and this post. My desire is to walk so closely with the Lord that I don’t have to start and stop our conversations, but simply continue talking like we never stopped. I hope to ride the storms in a calmer, more trusting manner. Not panic like I normally do. Staying anchored to him, his word and constant prayer is the best resolution you (or I) could have. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
I enjoyed reading this- as always, your wisdom and clarity are appreciated. ¨True peace and genuine joy to mark my days- sunny or stormy¨- yes!
I think anchored is a great word for the year. I am still on the quest for “peace” and I think I can apply it to so many aspects of my life and see improvement. Happy weekend to you! (:
Jennifer, I love it that you are posting about your one word for the year and how beautifully you have done it! I so totally agree that our time in our Bibles, our prayer life any ministry that we are involved in, journaling…all of it should be done to deepen our relationship with our Father who loves us with the same love with which He loves His Son….never on auto-pilot or simply to be able to check off a box.
Hello Jennifer, I agree, reading simply to check the box is not the goal!! Last year was a very challenging year for me. I also set goals to ‘soak’ myself in the word. Not just read it to check the box. Last year I learned just how powerful prayer is. Sure I felt like I knew before, but it became so much more to me and I understood the power of it. I took the time to spend more time in prayer and plan to do even more in 2026… never ceasing.
Thank you for this post.
Carla
Yes, yes and yes. I agree whole heartedly. I want to walk with Him daily. I try to get to the kitchen table each morning within 30 minutes of getting up to start my day with Scripture. I do feel like I pray all through out the day, but I really want to do better about stopping and just communing with Him while not always asking for something.
I used to do the Five Minute Friday link-ups, and then lost track. I started again at the beginning of last year…and didn’t get very far. I got the email on Friday that the word was “mend” and I had no thoughts or time…so I still didn’t do it. I am hoping to get more intentional and back into regular blogging on my family blog, but I do spend so much time on my reading blog that this one often gets neglected…I hope you have a great rest of your weekend!
Oh, this is lovely, timely, profound. May your word bless you! Thanks, Jennifer.
Thank you, Karen! So glad you stopped by today!!