This Christmas holiday season has gone by so quickly, hasn't it?  Now we are just about to ring in the new year - amazing!  So much has happened in my life in 2013, and I'm sure you can say the same.  I'll be writing more in the coming weeks about some of the things I have learned this year while traveling through some difficult situations. There is incredible comfort  in the Lord!  God is always so good and there is much to be thankful for!  

My goal in 2014 is to focus on my blessings, to find contentment in the moment and to not be afraid to reach for my dreams.  And so, my word for 2014 is courage.  Courage to move forward...courage to stop looking back. Courage to step out of the boat and experience everything God is offering me...and asking me to do!


So, today, I invite you to link up beginning 6:00 p.m. for Sharing His Beauty and share the blessing that God is to you in your life.  Maybe it is the hope He's shown you or the peace you've received.  Whatever the blessing, I know that there are many who will be encouraged by reading what you share.  Simply click on the "You're Next" linky below and enter your blog information.

Be sure to visit some of the other inspirational sites linked up and be encouraged today!

Happy New Year! 

In His Grip,

17 Comments

  1. I love your word, Joan. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better this coming year. It is such a joy to see how God moves in each of our lives. I will be by on Wednesday to join your link up.
    Much love,
    Beth

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  2. Thanks, Beth! I just came to the decision on it this morning...I hadn't even thought of choosing a word until then. But, this kind of courage is something that I've been wanting to embrace for a long time!


    I'm looking forward to reading your post...the linky will be open until Wednesday night. Feel free to link up your new post or any "old" one. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better this year, too!


    Blessings, Joan

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  3. I am so glad that you have been encouraged by this link up over the past year! I have found it to be an incredible blessing, too. It is wonderful to see so many people serving God by sharing His word and the joy that He brings! The word "believe" is a great one! May we all come to believe more...to trust more and to grow more in our faith! I'm praying for the "courage" to do so!


    Blessings, Joan

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  4. bluecottonmemoryDecember 30, 2013

    My word for year - which never precisely starts on New Years is segwaying from Changing My Communication with my boys to Not Losing Ground in DIrect Confrontation Communication - which needs some of that Courage you are talking about! Wishing you much blessing in this journey.

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  5. It was funny...my word just came to me yesterday morning! I hadn't even decided to have one, and then *bam* there it was. For me, it is crucial, as it is the crux of every part of me that needs to grow (faith, trust, healing, stepping out of the boat, etc.). Blessings to you and praying that God lavishes you with courage, too!

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  6. I love your word! I could use a little more courage in m own life. I'm not choosing a One Word focus this year. I posted about it. I am believing for a beautiful and joyful 2014 for all of us!

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  7. May we all grow in the happy attention of our Saviour. I wish you and your family a happy new year!

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  8. Thanks, Barbie...this is the only year I've chosen a word! But knew I need a good dose of courage in 2014!! Fortunately, the Lord provides and I can trust Him to supply all my needs, including courage! I am believing that 2014 will be beautiful and joyful, too!!


    Blessings, Joan

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  9. Thank you, Anders! Happy new year to you, too!

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  10. Courage, a great word!! I'm revealing my word next week - and it surprised me!


    Today, beauty is found in a surprising Savior. One who never settles for our *status quo* - but one who always helps us along the sanctification way!!


    Happy New Year, Joan - and GOD BLESS!

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  11. Happy New Year, Sharon!! Christ's surprises are always wonderful gifts...full of beauty and wonder. Blessings to you for a fantastic 2014!

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  12. Joan, It's so nice to meet you. Thanks so much for visiting CMB. I'm glad to find you and subscribed so I won't miss a post. Courage through Christ has been the only thing that got me through some very difficult very dark days. He is always faithful! Glory!!

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  13. Thanks for popping over here today and linking up! I found you through Barbie Swihart of My Freshly Brewed Life... Yes, with Christ we can boldly step out in faith for He gives us all the courage we will need! What a blessing!


    Happy New Year, Joan

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  14. I can relate to having a sometimes challenging year , yet one full of blessings! Hope the year ahead finds you filled with hope and courage!
    Love, in Christ! Ann

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  15. Hi Joan, I love your new word for 2014. I look forward to reading all the Lord has taught you over the last year and how much it has drawn you to Him. God bless and thank you for being the encouragement to me that you have.
    Tracy

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  16. Thanks, Ann! May 2014 be full of blessings and joy for you!
    Love, Joan

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  17. Hi Tracy!
    Happy New Year to you! God has certainly been stretching me over this past year...I'm looking forward to where He is leading us and am holding onto courage for I know He is right by our side!
    Blessings, Joan

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