January 12, 2013

Focusing on Life : Self Portrait + WFTY



Me
January 12, 2012

I'm late to the Focusing on Life party, mainly because I haven't been very focused on my own lately. That is due in part to "Please sir, anything but that.", but also because in recent months I've been reminded that focusing my attention on doing for others makes my own life worth acknowledging.

This cancer scare with my mom brought so much perspective.  I am a firm believer that every thing happens for a reason, and that whether I am in the middle of learning a lesson or reaping the benefit of a blessing what matters most to me in this world is being true to the truth in my soul.  To love, to comfort, to support, to tend, to nurture, to heal that which I can.

Everything else is a stage prop in the playing out of this human journey.

It was with that in mind that I selected my Word For The Year.



God.

I have fallen short many times in my life of acknowledging Him first.  Human nature is one of survival, of bared teeth when threatened with harm to ourselves or those we love, of strongholds on the things we treasure, of stumbling and falling.  But it also one of standing back up.  Of compassion and forgiveness. Of starting over.  Of taking a chance because faith not only makes it okay, but because it insists we embrace the wholeness of both certainty and risk.  Following a calling chances peril, but a life lived ignoring one guarantees it.

Everything that I am, have been, or will become is already known to God.   In spite of that, He is still with me.  Twenty thirteen will find me appreciating that more often and finding as many ways as I can to honor Him with my actions, my words, and my work.


~~


15 comments:

  1. This is a very thoughtful post and I admire you writing it. I do hope your mother is doing much better. This little beaded cross is divine. Your word and thoughts will serve you well throughout 2013. Blessings with Peace and Joy for all of 2013...

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  2. wonderful pics (lovely to see you!) to show your word.
    may you continue to see god in all things in 2013...
    i'm no. 21 on the list btw :o)

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  3. Great pics. Love your word for the year!

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  4. Yours is the last post I have read today - and it will resonate with me. A truly lovely post. I do hope your mother is doing well...

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  5. A beautifully said message and a wonderful word! Honestly I never thought of using God as my word for the year, though now I'm thinking it's something all Christians should do. Blessings to you for 2013!

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  6. Amen! Hope your Mom's news was only a scare and all is well now.

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  7. You are just gorgeous Juls - both inside and out! Very thoughtful post and love how you showed us your word! Big hugs to you in this new year!

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  8. Hi Juli,
    You are as beautiful inside as you are on the outside. Choosing God as your word is profound and knowing that he is always there with you and guiding you, even though at times one has a tendency to question the direction, you will not go wrong. Wishing you all the best in you journey with your Mom and knowing that she is at peace with herself and God makes the journey a lighter one.
    Therese

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  9. I love your faith! Even in the face of everything, your love is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing this! You choice of words is unbelievably strong and moving. I look forward to taking this journey with you.

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  10. What a perfect word for such a wonderful soul! Juls, may the God moments shine and rock your world this year! I'm dedicating my year to patience, and in this journey we call life I think God & Patience go hand in hand!
    Love ya!

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  11. Lovely photos and beautiful jewelry piece.

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  12. Although I didn't choose this word, I am choosing to work on my relationship with God this year. Your words have resonated with me today. And that beaded cross is so beautiful. Perfect for your word!

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  13. Beautiful self-portrait and beaded cross! When I saw your word it seemed like such an obvious one until I realized that I don't recall seeing anyone choose that before. Lovely, heartfelt choice.

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  14. A beautiful commitment, Miss Juls. I am happy that this cancer scare was just that, a scare. And that you allow yourself to find the blessings in that, well that is just pure poetry. We are called by God to be creative and I love that you are allowing yourself to be led to that path as well. I wish you joy in the journey in 2013. Enjoy the day. Erin

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  15. I beleive this is the absolute best word anyone could choose! Wonderful cross too.
    Sonya

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