Courage – Part 1 {you were meant to be courageous!}

What’s your word of the year?  Do you have one defined?

First of all, is this a new thing – defining your word of the year?  I’ve only seen this pop up in recent years, unless maybe I was not paying attention?!?

Don’t get me wrong, I do like it.  It gives me something to focus on.  Problem is, I can’t focus on just one word!  I’m on a journey full of twists and turns in all God is revealing to me. I’m picking two words in this season and I’ll share a devotional about each of them this month.

COURAGE and TRUST.

These two words are so appropriate as my journey progresses.  They are built on the foundation of my words from last year – NO FEAR and RESTORED.  I feel a strong nudging from the Holy Spirit to act on these two words this year.

COURAGE: (noun) mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

2 Timothy 1:7 For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power (courage), love and self-discipline.

I started mulling over in my mind back in December if I needed a word of the year for 2019.  I was going through a pretty quiet season as I recovered from my surgery – but God was definitely nudging my heart with two specific scary things!  Speaking and expanding my writing!

Seriously, God? Seriously?  I am just feeling victorious over “FEAR”, now You want me to go deeper with this?  Yes, it was clear it is now time to put what I’ve learned about fear into application.

To prepare my heart, He gave me a fantastic lesson from Jeremiah 1 (I blogged about this already here). After learning about how Jeremiah handled his calling AND arriving the same day at the “She Speaks Studio 2018” conference, I was somewhat willing to maybe consider the fact that maybe God wants me to speak up more about something.  Maybe.  Okay – He does.

(By the way, it took a lot of COURAGE to even go to the conference.  Alone!)

During December I was recovering from surgery.  I was going through a very quiet season on my blog, but prayers were not quiet for God to direct my paths heading into a new year.  I was in the Word searching and praying – what does this prompting of the word “speak” mean to me?  I’m not a speaker.  I don’t have any speaking experience, nor do I possess the gift of gab – I missed that gift in my Irish genes!

There is “no way, no how” I have the courage for speaking.  Or maybe God has something else in mind?

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

LO and BEHOLD, God gave me not one, but two back to back opportunities to speak my story to a wider audience.  I pray every day to inspire and motivate one person on their own joyful journey!  What a wonderful way to reach this one person.

I was contacted in the very beginning of January to be a featured guest on two popular Keto podcasts: “The Adventures of Keto Woman” with Daisy Brackenhall and “Be Well, Be Keto” with Tracee Gulhaich. (I would be so honored if you would take the time to listen to them and share with friends and family!)

My first public opportunity to speak about my Joyful Keto Life!  What a way to start a new year.  What a way to test my COURAGE!  It’s true, the nerves probably came through loud and clear – but I’m very happy with both podcasts and happy to have met two new fabulous Keto women.  They are both full of joy!

Being interviewed for podcasts, I know it’s not exactly the same as standing up in front of a room giving a speech.  But, oh, no worries, I was asked to speak at an upcoming women’s ministry event!   I have a few months to prepare for this and lots of time to dig into scripture to build my courage, prepare my heart, and settle my nerves.  Scripture like this:

Psalm 86:11 (NIV) Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

I want to encourage you (ha, see what I did there friends?) to dig deep and pray for God to reveal what He has in store for your journey this year.  Will YOU be courageous and walk this path with Him, even if it seems downright crazy (like it does to me)?  

I’m going to face this part of my journey with all the courage I can muster.  And the only way I can do it is with complete TRUST in Him.  And, that, dear readers, will be for my next “Bible & Beans” post.  Stay tuned.  While you wait – enjoy this song and worship HIM!

“You Make Me Brave” – Amanda Cook and Bethel Music

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And as always, CHOOSE JOY!

{Blog header image – my daughter, Kaitlin, showing her courage while crossing the Carrick-A-Rede bridge in Ballintoy, Northern Ireland}

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