My Word of the Year: Discipline
January 4th, 2010
“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” 2 Timothy 1:7
I am the queen of self-non-discipline.
It’s bad. Very bad.
I’m great at making lists, planning, goal setting, etc., but the doing part, not so much. Well, the not so much part comes with the things that are less enjoyable…the hard things. The “roll-up your sleeves and just do it” type of things. The things we are called to do.
“If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self.” Napoleon
However, I refuse to give up.
I have decided to dedicate 2010 to self-discipline.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
Self-discipline is my act of worship this year, because it is in the sacrifice of self that I become disciplined. In addition to self-sacrifice, I am also going to give thanks as I seek to live a more disciplined life because I am so grateful that I have the ability to do the things that are hard – I am healthy and able-bodied.
In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.” Harry S. Truman
The other important thing to note is that if I do not acquire self-discipline in my own life, how will my children acquire it? They watch me. They learn from me. They are guided by me.
So this whole self-discipline thing is not only for myself, it is for them.
First order of business in becoming a self-disciplined woman – pray. I need His spirit in me, the spirit of self-discipline, to help me.
And then…
Obey.
“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3
What is your word for 2010?
I’m going to write a blog post on this later this week – but my theme word for the year is being “Connected”.
First I want to be connected to Jesus daily – he is the vine I am the branch. I must remain in him and without him I can do nothing. (John 15)
Second, I want to stay intimately connected with my husband – not letting other things take priority over him.
Third, I want to stay connected to my children – listening, looking them in the eye, reading and cuddling – keep them a priority.
Fourth, I want to connect in ministry with my blog readers and other bloggers. I love this community – which is really the universal church – all my sisters in Christ. I spent last year – talking a lot on the blog – this year I want to be a better listener.
So “Connected” is my theme word!
I love your theme word too!!!
Courtney
http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com
Courtney (Women Living Well)´s last blog post … Good Morning Girls Winter Kick-Off
Courtney – love it! Great great great!
You could have written this post about me my friend – we have the same struggle. I don’t have a theme for 2010, but I want to do “better.” I know I will not be perfect as I attempt to improve in time with the Lord, time with my family, homemaking/organizing skills, and getting healthier. But I want to look back at 2010 and see more successes than failures and a definite improvement over 2009. I want to keep growing in grace!
Hugs to you Sarah Mae! :)
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates´s last blog post … 9 Highlights From 2009
Sarah Mae,
I think self-discipline is the number one issue in my life and the number one thing I need to work on also. I have become so un-disciplined in the past year that there is really nothing that I do that isn’t absolutely neccessary. Granted, I spent half the year sick as a dog from my pregnancy, but honestly, I even gave up on prayer and Bible study at some point. And I had begun the year with so many plans and resolutions.
This year I will begin homeschooling my son (in the fall) so sometime between now and then I have got to get on track. Another goal is to become a runner, something I have always wanted to do. Of course, my daily quiet times should have top priority and my time with my children should be spent more deliberately doing things that are good for their development also. I have many goals of course and I am encouraged that you are also on a quest for more discipline. It has helped me to see that there are others who struggle with this also, and I hope that together we can all instill better habits in our lives this year.
Since I am having a baby the day after tommorrow, I am going to give myself a little elbow room at the beginning of the year. I hope that doesn’t derail my plans, but I know that survival mode isn’t the best place to jump in full throttle with lots of resolutions. I will however be reading your blog intently to learn from you and gain any advice I can on this mission of ours.
Thank you and Happy New Year Sarah Mae!
Misty´s last blog post … Owl Nursery
I’m sorry, but I’m not sure there can be 2 queens here.
Snort.
My year word would have to be “intentional”. Intentional worship. Intentional parenting. Intentional wifey-ness.
I’m hoping it’s the year I can ditch my self-title of “Queen of Good Intentions Gone Awry”.
Great “word-of-the-year” Sarah Mae.
Actually, I do not have a theme word for 2010, but instead, two theme statements…
1. Learning the unforced rhythms of grace…(Matt. 11:29 Msg)
2. Commit to my life – which involves 5 specific areas…discipline included in those. I too can plan and organize like crazy…implementing the plan needs a bit of work!
Thankful for God’s Grace!!!!
Have an amazing day. Thank you for sharing today.
kath
Kathy Butryn´s last blog post … Counting More Blessings…The Gratitude Community
I loved this my friend and can relate on so many levels.
I would have to say my “word” for the New Year is Nurture.
Sometimes I have the tendency to look around me but not see what’s right in front of me. My family. This year I want to concentrate on nurturing my family and really making sure I put them first (first after the Lord of course) in my life. I also want to concentrate on nurturing friendships. I tend to shy away from people for fear of getting hurt but I’m going to step out as the Lord guides me in this area.
Beautiful post my friend.
Hugs
Kim
Kim´s last blog post … Thrifty? Or Deeper Issues!
I’m much better at the lists than the follow through as well. :)
My word for this year is “sanctuary.” It has been on my mind a lot lately with all the displaced people, wounded refugees and other war-wounded that are in this area right now. We are also facing possible evacuation, and things feel very unsettled right now.
Sanctuary– This is what I want my home to be for my family. This is what I want to offer in my friendships. This is what I want our hospital to be to the hurting- physically and spiritually. I also want to look at various verses on sanctuary in the Bible and study those throughout the year.
Anna´s last blog post … Ian turns 10!
My theme for 2010 is to “Go Deeper.” To be intentional about my relationship with the Lord and go deeper with Him and into Him. To go deeper in my marriage and in motherhood. To go deeper in ministry and in serving others.
That’s a big deal for me – it’s easy to stay on the surface and “appear” to be involved when really I’m holding myself back. It will require self-discipline and intention and a lot of other things these ladies have mentioned. Going deeper means stepping closer to the fire and resting in the fire while the Master works on me. It’s scary on one hand – and exhilarating on the other. Being a useful vessel – one He can work through whenever and wherever He asks – that is the goal…
Debbie´s last blog post … Singing the Monday Blues…
This is my year for “follow through.” Following through on completing books. Following through on fasting from TV for 21 days. Following through on actually getting into the Word. Following through on praying.
Jen´s last blog post … Have a Little Faith
I never really thought of this “word of the year” before… but a friend of mine recently asked me what my favorite word is, and I had to think about it. But not for long… it’s,
“Blessed”
This is what I am (way more then I deserve) but I forget how blessed I am, way too often. I hope to ponder this word; this privledge of being blessed… a lot more over this year.
Bevy´s last blog post … New Year’s goal…
I really enjoy making lists. As a matter of fact I have piles of lists that I am going to have to declutter. :) I may not follow through on my lists, but for those little snippets of time when I am making them, it is so exciting to think of all the possibilities.
My word this year…and hopefully the rest of my life…Honoring.
Honoring.
Honoring God’s word.
Honoring God’s word God’s way.
Honoring my husband.
Much prayer and study will be needed, as well as self-discipline!
May God grant us the strength to follow through.
Love,
Robin
Robin´s last blog post … Question for myself
I’m joining you on the discipline theme. I, too, am quite undisciplined by nature. But I am striving to change that this year. To do everything I’ve committed to, and to do it well, I must be more disciplined. I’m SO glad you pointed out that the first step in this endeavor is to pray. Thanks for the encouragement this morning!
I’m a new reader and I really related to this post. I am great at the planning part, not so great always at the execution. I like your idea of having a word to focus on for the year, and how you said that self-discipline is your act of worship. Thanks for the entry!
Anna´s last blog post … A new year in a short life
Love this. I’m working on “Intentional” myself, but “Discipline” is really the flip side of that coin. How can you be intentional without accepting that you’ll have to be disciplined? How can you be disciplined without being intentional? Discipline doesn’t just happen. I plan to have time with the Lord daily, to order my home a little better every day, and to work on my children’s hearts. Oh yeah — and especially my own heart. :-)
Very awesome! I struggle with this often, too. But I struggle more with having a cheerful heart, so my word this year is JOY. To cultivate a life of joy – an atmosphere of joy. Not by doing, but by knowing what HE has done. :)
I love this ONE word idea! It has spread through blogs and I love reading about it!
Christin´s last blog post … Being Family
Love this and plan to do some of the same myself!
Bonita´s last blog post … Sabbath Rest- January 3, 2010
Hmmm…I haven’t thought of a word for my year, but that’s a neat challenge that I’ll devote some prayer too. I know that I want my relationship with Christ to go much deeper and intimate (there is always room for growth)…perhaps my word is Depth. :)
Kathy Charest´s last blog post … Bathroom Fixer-Upper
Love your word for the year!
Stopped in after seeing the link on the Relevant Conference at Holy Experience with Ann Voskamp.
I am so excited to learn more about this as its almost located in my back yard! I was so excited to learn it is being held less than 20 minutes away from where I live!
Thanks for sharing your word for 2010…and I look forward to reading more from you! :)
Blessings,
Julie
Julie´s last blog post … Looking back and looking ahead
Great post! I think this fits very well with my theme of the year which is to Be Intentional. It’s the “doing” that I have so much trouble with. But whatever I do, I want to do it with intention starting now!
punkinmama´s last blog post … ch-ch-ch-changes
YES… YES… YES!!
I spent 2009 coming to the realization of just how UNdisciplined I am. A week ago I was talking with my hubby about this – I think we both struggle with this one. What I have come to realize is how much my own lack of self-discipline has effected everyone and everything around me… (opening my home up in hospitality, getting meals together, schooling my kids, their own skills and attitude towards being disciplined, etc… could go on and on…)
I have been gearing up to be more disciplined this year… and, for me, it will start with joining the 5:16 club. I just know that even though I am a complete night owl – that I am being called to get up before my children and get myself ready spiritually and emotionally for the day.
Thank you for sharing… and for the encouragement with the scripture you shared as well… just extra confirmation of what the Lord is calling me to.
Appreciate you.
Jenni
Jenni´s last blog post … It is simply who I am
I cringed when I saw your word Sarah Mae! Oh how I fail at this repeatedly!!
I don’t know my word yet ’cause it has been really crazy around here(see my last post), but this is an area I really need help with.
I am also going to get on board with the FlyLady and get my house in order. I know “organizing” must be in my new year!
Cherie´s last blog post … When it Rains, It Pours!
THE THOUGHT CROSSED MY MIND, JUST HOW BLESSED WE ARE TO
SEE 2010, AND TO ONCE ANOTHER YEAR,HAVE THE CHOICE TO
CHOOSE OUR “WORD OF THE YEAR” AND TO BE THE WOMAN THAT GOD INTENDED US BE, “OH HOW AMAZINGLY GRACIOUS HE IS!!!!!!!
THE THOUGHT CROSSED MY MIND, JUST HOW BLESSED WE ARE TO
SEE 2010, AND TO ONCE ANOTHER YEAR,HAVE THE CHOICE TO
CHOOSE OUR “WORD OF THE YEAR” AND TO BE THE WOMAN THAT GOD INTENDED US BE, “OH HOW AMAZINGLY GRACIOUS HE IS!!!!!!!
I think my word for this year is…okay TWO words…Authentic Relationship. I want to be in a maturing, authentic, relationship with Jesus Christ. Prayer, bible study, and being self-disciplined most definitely play a major role…but so does grace. Great blog, my friend!
Kristine McGuire´s last blog post … Test the Spirit
You all are awesome! What great words…makes me what to use them all!
I struggle with seeing everyone elses ideas and wanting to implement it in my life all at once!
However, this year with a baby on the way I want to concentrate on growing in Gentleness of Spirit. Especially with hormones resulting in emotions close to the surface and sleepless nights on the horizon, I am reassured that God can and will give me the strength to develop a Gentle spirit. (All I need to do is draw near to him and ask).
Thanks for your thought provoking blog :-)
I would have to say my word of the year would be discipline, too. And organization – the two seem to tied pretty closely together. A lot of times, the amount of organization I accomplish throughout the day seems to depend on my discipline in getting up early enough to start the day by myself, reading and praying and just thinking through and planning my day. If I get up when everyone else in the house does, I feel like I hit the ground running and never get a chance to catch up!
For 2010, my one main goal is to be intentional. With my marriage. With my parenting. With my friendships. With my relationship with God. With my projects. With my blogging. With everything. Be intentional.
hi sara,
i’ll be using the word “abide” as i’m learning to walk through pain and grief of my father-in-laws suicide this past week. thank you for your words of encouragement on my post about abiding – knowing that my family is being lifted up in prayer is getting us through this pain.
kimberley´s last blog post … abiding…
My word for the year is completion … to finish the tasks the Lord has laid before me … giving them my focused attention and letting other things – even good things – fall to the wayside as I passionately and wholeheartedly pursue the Lord’s BEST for me, my family, my ministry, and my life.
TeriLynneU´s last blog post … WORD … Getting started
What a great word. I am needing the same thing. I haven’t figured out what my “word” for this year will be…yet:-)
Sam´s last blog post … Great ending to my day…
Amen!! I haven’t really thought of a particular word for the year, but I definately have self discipline on my mind. It encompasses every aspect of life and without it, you can’t accomplish much. And its sometimes scary to know that my children are watching every move I make. I don’t want them to have the struggles that I have had in adulthood because of a lack of self discipline. I know the time for me to roll up my sleeves and do the hard things, is now. I am right there with you…..
i love your blog! my word for 2010 is simple. i don’t want to wait for perfect, elaborate, or fancy. simple is what i can offer now.
Donna Lyn Watson´s last blog post … my word for 2010: simple
Oh, how I can relate to this post!…to the need for more self-discipline! I’ve tried & tried to “discipline” myself — even to let God help me learn self-discipline — but it just fails, time after time. But, I am determined to keep on trying! ;)
For the record (since everyone else shared their’s), my ‘theme’ for 2010 is “living the abundant life”. God has laid John 10:10 on my heart over and over, and so I’ve made it my verse for the year! :D
~MizB
MizB´s last blog post … “One in a Million” study: Week 3 notes
I am right there with you! I love this, “Self-discipline is my act of worship this year.” Me too!