Over the last 6 months, I have heard the steady rhythm of a voice whispering over and over “I have big plans for you”. The words change ever so slightly, but they have stolen my heart with new possibilities. The message is clear and plays on repeat reminding me my life is not my own. My life has been ordained by God to be His and now is my time to shine.

[Tweet “I heard the steady rhythm of a voice whispering “I have big plans for you”. “]

The voice causes my heart to race, my palms to feel clammy and uncertainty to flare. At the same time, I feel excitement hovering on the fringes of my future and a sense of anticipation that I want to claim as my own. 2015 arrives and with it the word “SHINE” enters as my word to embrace for the year.

shine post

Oh the possibilities, the adventure, the chance to claim God’s plan and the blessing of being His child! All things can and will work for the good of others when we embrace God’s plan as our own.

I started hearing the word “SHINE” months ago but have let it simmer believing that it wasn’t meant for me. Well you know what happens when you let something simmer – it cooks, flavors blend and a delicious food emerges. Shine is that tasty food wrapped up in God’s plan and it’s ready to be served. The word would not leave and showed up in many places.

I heard the word “SHINE” in my devotional:

You and I walk through our days shining like beacons of the everlasting. That is our goal today. To shine on.     Longing For More by Tim Willard

The word “SHINE” showed up in God’s word:

“‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever. Daniel 12:3 MSG
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

I found the word “SHINE” in quotes:

Do not shine so that others may see you. Shine so that through you others may see Him. C.S. Lewis

“There are two kinds of light—
the glow that illuminates,
and the glare that obscures.”
James Thurber

[Tweet “Do not shine so that others may see you. Shine so that through you others may see Him. C.S. Lewis”]

Finally, I was prompted to choose the word “SHINE” when I ordered my letterpress blocks from Dayspring. Coincidence? I don’t think so!

shine letter blocks

My challenge this year is to be the light- to shine for Jesus- to let His plan become mine! In the act of shining for God, I will strive to be a gift for others. Please pray with me that God’s light shines bright this year and when His plan is honored all will see the brightness of His love.

Mary G One Word Large copy

Do you have a word for the year? If so, will you share it in the comments? Perhaps God has been laying a verse or promise on your heart. I would love to hear from you so I can pray for you as we begin 2015.

Happy New Year to all! Thank you for joining me here and together we will shine in this new year.

Mary

I was blessed with the beautiful word button from Traci Michele. If you would like one, you can find her in the following places:

website: tracimichele.com
web design: tracimichele.com/web-design/
follow via facebook: click here 

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