REAL | my word for 2017

It's kinda hard to believe that 2016 is over. It was a good year -- filled with many joys and also many struggles. God was faithful through it all.

The months and years may change, seasons come and go, but God is always the same loving, faithful God. He doesn't change. How thankful I am for that!

As I thought about 2017 and all the new opportunities it may hold, I took time to pray and ask God for my "word" for 2017. Not long after I prayed He gave me my word: real. It may seem a little funny, but God has already been using this word (and the idea/thought behind it) to work in my life.

My desire with this word is to be that very thing: real, authentic. Seeking to 'live in the moment,' to be all there. I love the quote by Jim Elliot that says: "Wherever you are, be all there."

I think so many of us in our culture today are consumed with social media, checking text messages and watching movies. I really want to work on being fully present when I'm with people.  I want to be able to look others in the eye, show them that I care, truly listen to their heart, and remember what they said.

I really appreciate when people look me in the eye when their talking. It shows me that their focused on me and talking with me, not scrolling through Facebook or texting a friend while at the same time trying to have a conversation with me. And I don't mean this in a selfish way where I need other's complete focus because I have awesome things to say! I simply mean we need to be fully present and genuinely excited to hear what others have to say.

My prayer is that you, as well as I, would seek to be all there. To live in the moment. To cherish the times spent with family and friends. To take extra time in listening to God's voice.

May God bless you as you continue to seek Him and His will for your life in this new year!

~Tashia Nicole