Lisa Notes: My one word for 2012. Really, God?

My one word for 2012. Really, God?

One word for 2012.

I’m a little scared of it.

I should have seen it coming.
2010 was “Breathe.”
2011 was “Depend and Delight.”

I think God’s been working me up to it, even though I’ve yet to master the other themes.

This year?
“Venture.”

Isn’t that what should come after a year of learning to depend more on him, delighting in his ways?

Trusting more and worrying less should lead to a willingness to take more chances. Live more courageously. Step out more in faith.

So here goes. I can’t plan it out. I can’t even study it out.

I just have to live it out.

Where will he take me? Maybe more “out there.” Maybe not. I can’t go ahead of him and scope out the places I’ll end up.

I’ll just have to follow his lead.

It’s a new season.
Ready or not.
I’m venturing out.

     But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
     And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
     He said, “Come.”
     So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
Matthew 14:27-29

* * *

Have you chosen “one word” for 2012?

Apologies to all those who left sweet comments before 9 a.m. this morning, which have since disappeared.

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

Sorry for all who left comments earlier this morning! They disappeared around 9:15.

I can't retrieve them, but I think I've fixed the problem for future comments anyway... Maybe???
My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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Amy Nabors · 691 weeks ago

Oh that word would scare me too. I wrestled with the one God has given me for this year a lot before I gave in and settled with it.

1 reply · active 691 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

I wrestled with mine, too, Amy. (Well "fought" might be more applicable. ha) I hope that's a good thing. Maybe I should have chosen "submit" instead. ha. I'm going to keep your "sufficient" in mind with my "venture."
My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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Pain to Purpose · 691 weeks ago

That's a good one, really. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through you! Mine is 'hope'. That one is a long time coming after a couple of hard years! And I'm thrilled! :)
My recent post Why is prayer necessary?

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

"Hope" sounds so refreshing. It will be exciting to watch how the Lord will work in your journey this year. I need to add it to my resolution list each year; I can be too quick to give up my hope.
My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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edcyzewski 51p · 691 weeks ago

What a great word! I love. The idea of venture. We are sent out after all, so it's quite a fitting thing for you to explore. I pray that God will give you the wisdom to know when to venture out! I'm not sure what the Hebrew or Greek equivalent of "Really, God?" would be, but I'm sure a lot of people int he Bible said something similar quite often!
My recent post Disconnecting: 3 Lessons from a Season of Rest

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

Ah yes, wisdom. I need to remember to pray for wisdom every time I'm praying for venture. :-)

My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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Craig · 691 weeks ago

Venture - an excitement packed word! I can't wait to see how this unfolds. God bless you LIsa - and Godspeed to your year of "Venture"
My recent post love names a year

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

Thanks, Craig. And I'll look forward to your year of "See."
My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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Julie · 691 weeks ago

I LIKE it!!...Since living a life of Faith in God is one of the clearest examples I can think of to define an ADVENTURE....then I have to say "venture" most certainly is a bold and faith-filled word Lisa!!!! Making plans and stepping out every day KNOWING that anything is possible with God gives me courage...yet going forth and also KNOWING that ANY thing can happen unexpectedly because we do NOT hold the "control button" over our lives...makes me reach up - stretch to reach that hand of Christ my Savior, the One I believe has gone ahead of me to prepare the way, both here and now, and in my everafter. He beckons us to "Come on!...I have it ALL cleared on the path ahead"...and He also reassures us that He has our backs..."nothing can separate us from the love of God..." I hold fast to this thought many days to gain peace....
Venture out girl...and Do Not Fear...He holds you in "the palm of His hand". ....Recline in that! :-) oh..my word is Intentional. :-)
My recent post Still singing and smiling in the Blues...

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

What a power-packed comment of encouragement, Julie. I will return to this when I need a boost in the year. I'm thinking that "Come!" is a word I need to keep closely with "Venture" too. If it is Christ doing the bidding, I'm safe to follow.
My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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Lynn Severance · 691 weeks ago

As I was seeking the Lord for what "word" / action He'd have for my focus this year, what came was "Sing"!
He wants me to "sing" to Him, He wants to hear my voice facing the battles not with questions or anxiety - but singing to Him.
Wow - loved this one. Then I found myself being anxious or retreating to the internal thoughts that can mess me up.
Ah - His message is coming clearer as I remember to turn the negatives into a song - to Him.

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

That is beautiful, Lynn. Singing is so personal, so relational. I can imagine Him sitting still to hear your every breath raised towards him, smiling, humming along with you.
My recent post My one word for 2012. Really, God?

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floyd · 691 weeks ago

Good for you! If it means more than something like your mission trip, Wow!

Your word is making mine seem like, "loser"! Just kidding, I'm encouraged by your courage. I'm praying for you for this year, may God be honored by all of our actions this year.
My recent post SOME MISTAKES ARE BUILT TO LAST…

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

If it makes you feel better, I really don't WANT this to be my word. I'm still kind of fighting against it because it leaves me feeling so inadequate. I'd rather choose something that I can plot out and open a book and read about.

But with this one, I'm at God's mercy. Maybe it will be something scary, or maybe it won't be hardly anything; maybe it will be to "venture" into waiting mode. I just can't predict. But I want to have eyes open for whatever.

I appreciate the prayers. Really. I need them.
My recent post 5 things about pleasure

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Katie · 691 weeks ago

Venture is a great word!!!!!! I did post earlier but that is for the computer world to figure out. It is a word that takes trusting God to a whole new level.
My recent post New Year/One Thing

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Lisa notes 103p · 691 weeks ago

Thanks, Katie. I am going to have to get out of the boat for this one, if/when God asks me too. And I admit I'm not comfortable with that...I will definitely need to learn to trust him more.

My recent post 5 things about pleasure

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ShaunieFriday 84p · 690 weeks ago

Wow! Good word!! I'm thinking it's kind of a nice companion to my word for the year, CHALLENGE. Sounds like God is taking both of us into new territory!! Very exciting to be out of the boat!!
My recent post My Word for 2012: CHALLENGE

1 reply · active 690 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 690 weeks ago

Yes, our themes definitely go together, Shaunie. When I get intimidated by mine, I'll click over to your site and see what you're up to. :-) This should be interesting!
My recent post “Just as I Am”—it’s the only way you can come

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Monica Sharman · 690 weeks ago

Isn't it thrilling?! ("Thrilling" containing both "exciting" and "scary"!)
Looking forward to seeing what God does with this new word for you.
My recent post A Minute Forty-Six

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Lisa notes 103p · 690 weeks ago

Thanks, Monica. Yes, thrilling is both exciting AND scary. :-) We'll see what God has up his sleeve for all of us this year...
My recent post “Just as I Am”—it’s the only way you can come

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Debbie · 690 weeks ago

Lisa, yes we do have similar words for 2012. I have to admit it is a bit scary for me too. I pray that we can encourage one another through this year of living a bit outside of our comfort zones. It's always a pleasure to visit you and read your words.

blessings and love,
Debbie
My recent post One Word for 2012 ~ Adventure

1 reply · active 690 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 690 weeks ago

I'm happy to be on the same team as you, Debbie. I echo your prayer--let's encourage each other on. You are a blessing to me.
My recent post “Just as I Am”—it’s the only way you can come

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Caroline · 690 weeks ago

That example with Peter and Jesus is a such a great example of your previous words of depend and current word of venture. What a hopeful word, too.
My recent post Ten Books on My 2012 Reading List

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Lisa notes 103p · 690 weeks ago

I haven't thought about it being a hopeful word, but I definitely need it to be that! It's kind of funny how it's playing out so far. Had another tiny "venture" tonight--none of my ventures so far have been what I was envisioning them to be. ha.
My recent post Talk to God with His words

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Sheryl · 690 weeks ago

Venture does fit as a logical next step. I think you're going to have an exciting year!

My recent post One Word for 2012

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Lisa notes 103p · 690 weeks ago

So far it has been an exciting one already, Sheryl!
My recent post Talk to God with His words

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Faith Barista Bonnie · 689 weeks ago

Ooh... I wonder what you'll be venturing out into? ... tell us? ;) Or maybe you have yet to discover this? Thanks for being a part of my online fellowship. Appreciate *you* and the One Word you shared with us in the jam!
My recent post { Faith Dare } Open To Love

1 reply · active 689 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

I'll tell as soon as I know! :-) I'm trying to be open-minded, waiting to see what God has in store.

I appreciate that you're so welcoming in your online fellowship. It and you have been a blessing to me.
My recent post Can different be delightful?