When looking up various verses in the Bible containing a version of my “one-word” for 2016, I came upon Amos 5:5, “Seek me and live…” That simple instruction made me realize that the first and foremost thing I need to do on this journey to discover all God wants to show me about living, is to seek Him. I need to put drawing near God above all else! And, as I look to Him, intentionally listening for His voice, I know He will reveal much. I’m excited to hear what He has to say! 

It is not that I have wandered away from Him, or even stopped praying or reading. But, it is that I seem to have become a bit stale in my faith-walk. I’ve become lazy when it comes to intentionally coming into His presence. If I can give any excuse (though there really is none) it would be that I have been distracted with my circumstances and the lingering ache in my heart. But, as I wrote last week, that has to stop! So, I’m changing my outlook today…right now! I’m reestablishing my habits of the past, ones that were so healthy. Besides my Bible study and my online Christian group study I’m involved in, I’m also setting aside time each morning and evening to simply read His love letter to us. I will be listening and savoring each word, not because I should read the Bible, but because I want to spend time with my Abba Father. I will seek Him and live…

And now, it's time for the Sharing His Beauty Blog Link Up!  




Where has God shown you His beauty this week? Please join me to share the blessing that God is to you in your life. Write a post on your own blog and then simply click on the "You're Next" linky below and enter your blog information. You can find more information about Sharing His Beauty by clicking the tab in my top menu.

You can also Tweet your participation by clicking here: #Sharinghisbeauty

I'd also love to hear from you in the comment section of my blog! You may leave a comment on this post to tell of the beauty you have found in His hands. Be sure to visit some of the other inspirational sites linked up and be encouraged today!


20 Comments

  1. I don't know if I've commented on a link party post before - I'm so bad about commenting! Anyway, thanks for the party! I really appreciate link parties where Christian/spiritual posts are welcomed! Hope you have a great week!

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    1. I'm so glad you're here, Danielle! I can sometimes get lax on commenting, too...so, you're not alone! LOL Blessings to you and have a wonderful week as well!

      Joan

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  2. Our words, & desire, are very similar. My word is "See" as I want to taste & see that the Lord is good. May we both experience more of Him as we seek Him with all our hearts. Blessings to you!

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    1. Thanks, Joanne! I'm joining you in your prayer as we move forward in 2016!

      Blessings, Joan

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  3. I love the new look of your blog - it's beautiful! And I am enjoying your *return* to Blog Land. Your words are so encouraging, Joan. Yes, I have felt a bit stale myself, and I think one reason is that I've neglected a regular time in the Word. I'm joining you, and seeking Him once again, intentionally, in the pages of His Word.

    Today beauty is found in the way God uses people in His grand story of redemption. Even the ones who play *smaller* roles!

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sharon! It was fun (though challenging) to get it up and running! Now that it is, I love it! Yes, intentionally seeking Him within the pages of His word is a great place for us to be as we start 2016!

      Blessings, Joan

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  4. I recently discovered your blog and I love it! My goal this year is to be still and 'know that He is God." I love your desire to seek the Lord and I can add that to my desire to be still before Him AND seek him fervently.

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    1. Thanks, Valerie! I'm so glad you're here! Being still can be difficult at times, can't it? But when we are, God makes Himself known to us in new and beautiful ways!

      Blessings, Joan

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  5. Thank you for sharing how you are going to be intentional this year in seeking God first by starting in His word. It sounds so simple and yet can be the last thing on our list each day. Beautiful reminder as we begin this new year!

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    1. You're welcome, Mary! ;) You're right...sometimes the simple things escape us. I'm so glad to have reimplemented this "habit" into my day! Since I'm also going to end my day by reading in His word, I've ordered a special little book light that is supposed to be easy on the eyes (not hindering sleep following reading). I'm excited for it to arrive as sitting in bed reading His word is so comforting!!

      Blessings, Joan

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  6. Hi Joan! I so much enjoy your sharing and the beautiful website design. Thanks for the opportunity to linkup and be able to enter into this unique fellowship we all share as bloggers as we journey on our walk of faith. It is always refreshing and I love getting to know others this way. Have a really blessed day!
    Pam

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    1. Thanks, Pam! That is my hope...that as bloggers link up here, connections and friendships are formed, all while we serve God by praising Him! Thanks for stopping by!

      Blessings, Joan

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  7. Look at you rolling out a fabulous new blog look! Yay! Love, love, love it!

    That little phrase from Amos packs a powerful punch

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    1. Thanks, Lyli! I had fun figuring it all out! LOL But, I'm happy with the results! New things and a new look for a new year!

      Blessings, Joan

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  8. It is good to have a new year--and a renewed commitment to spend time with the Lord! I enjoyed reading your post. I'm glad that I found your blog today.

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping by! I'm so glad you're here. Yes, the new year brings fresh commitments and enthusiasm! What a blessing!

      In His Grip, Joan

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  9. Hi, Joan! I've been trying to catch up a bit, as I've been a little behind on reading posts and commenting. Amos 5:5 is such a perfect verse - short and to the point. Praying for your daily time in God's Word to be uplifting and provides the wisdom and understanding, as you seek to truly "live" for Jesus Christ.

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    1. Hi Ann! It's hard to keep up sometimes, isn't it? (Thanks for coming here!!) Yes, when I came across the verse in Amos I thought it was just perfect! Right to the point, you know? Thanks for your prayers, friend.

      Blessings, Joan

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  10. Hi Joan! I love the new look of your blog and I am cheering you on every step of the way as you refresh your relationship with Jesus! It is so easy to get to the stale kinda place. I applaud your intentional effort! Thank you for this beautiful space where we can come to join you each week!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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    1. Hi Lori! I'm glad you're here...and thank you for your encouragement! Being intentional takes work, but it is so worth it! Blessings, Joan

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