It’s our first Five Minute Friday of 2016.
Hmmm… and wouldn’t you know, that’s our word for this week! But just in case you don’t know what Five Minute Friday is, allow me to explain. It’s a flash mob of sorts, where many of us write on the same one-word prompt for five minutes straight. It’s free-writing at its best. We gather to share our five minutes at Kate Motaung’s blog, where encouragement and fun is aplenty.
I invite you to try it… either on your own blog or website, in the comments section below, or on a scratch piece of paper at your kitchen table. It’s fun and freeing!
As I already mentioned, this week’s word:
–FIRST–
GO.
The first week, of the first month, of the new year. Here we are.
Are you and I off to a great start?
Sometimes I feel so much pressure in having something “new” to focus on in each new year. Like a resolution or a one word or a goal or whatever. And oftentimes I just desire to grow as a daughter of God in the new year and forget about all the other stuff. Not that any of it is bad, mind you, but if I’m not growing as a person, what’s the point?
Okay, I digress.
I do have a “one word” for my year. And I’m excited to see what God’s going to do through it.
But what if you and I would put first things first this year?
What if we would put our faith and God first, and let everything else come in behind?
What if we would be first to do one kind act every single day?
What if we would smile more and frown less?
What if we would say the compliments we think in our head, instead of keeping them to ourselves?
What if you and I would be a blessing to everyone we meet?
What if we first believed the best in others. Always?
What if we dug deep into God’s Word, and allowed it to transform us from the inside-out?
What if we helped the homeless? Aided the widow? Gave to a stranger? Blessed the fatherless? And shared our faith with others?
What if we extended hope, encouragement, love and compassion?
What if we were fully present in every moment?
What if you and I first loved each other, even if our opinions differ, and be the example for others to follow?
I’d love for 2016 to be that kind of year.
What if we would fear less and trust more?
What if we would follow that dream that’s simmering in our hearts?
What if you and I would take that gigantic step of faith, knowing God’s got us?
What if you and I would risk making a difference in one person’s life this year?
Let’s be first.
Let’s be the ones to lead by example first. Let’s be the ones to make the change we desire to see.
STOP.
What a difference we can make in this world. What a difference you make in mine.
Happy first week of 2016!
Much love,
Julie
I accept the challenge! I know I need to work on complimenting people more and being more encouraging. It’s a habit I’m trying to form :).
I may think compliments, by oftentimes I leave them in my head. The person never knows what I was thinking. How selfish of me! Praying God blesses your year with everything of Him! Thanks for being here.
I want this new year to be full of those wonderful firsts. I’m all in too! I’m parked in the #6 spot this week.
I’m in too, friend. I’m praying God blesses you this year in special ways. May you embrace all He has for you!
What a beautiful list of firsts. So many I need to keep first in my life. Joining you from Five Minute Friday.
Thanks, Debbie, for stopping over. Yes, let’s be first! Blessings on your weekend.
Julie, so joining you in being “first”. Can we even imagine how different 2016 will be if we live this way! Thank you, for this challenge!
I agree, Joanne. I desire a year like that. Thanks for joining in the charge! Bless you, friend!
Excellent “firsts”…
Thank you, Susan! Happy New Year!
Julie, I wrote on the word First in my journal today. I wrote about the idea you gave of keeping out an item to capture the Christmas spirit all year long. One day I ended up seeing an item that I just knew was going to be The item. She is a silver angel with a gold halo and wings, holding a cream colored candle in a gold cup. I am so glad I chose something because the item I found left out yesterday, I would not have been willing to leave out! A stuffed Santa Claus!
Your angel sounds beautiful, and the perfect reminder to keep the Christmas spirit for the next 11 months. What a great place to write your five minutes also! You made me smile with the stuffed Santa Claus! I kept out an ornament that says “believe” on it. Have it hanging in my kitchen. So glad you stopped to share, Kim. You bless me each time you do! Have a wonderful week!
Love the forward-looking faith, hope and love of this post, Julie.
About all I can hope for in 2016 is to keep showing up. Courage is at an end, but participation’s still a choice.
And I’m here.
I’m glad you’re here, Andrew. So very glad. God’s got you.