Valerie Sjodin

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Reaching the Zenith with Zeal - A-Z Word Challenge



Zenith is the highest point or pinnacle; the time at which something is most powerful or successful; the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above the observer.

Zeal is passionate, enthusiastic action; eager devotion to a cause, ideal or goal, and tireless diligence in furthering the cause.[/vc_column_text]

Moving toward a zenith, the highest point in life, with passion and zeal sounds fulfilling and to me. I would like to live with such purposeful intention. My highest point and true happiness is when Christ is at the center of my life. Being grateful, and intentionally focusing on God helps me get centered and at peace.

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above;
it comes down from the Father of lights -the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens
in whom there is no variation or shadow cast by His turning -for He never changes."

~ James 1:17 AMP

"For as heavens are high above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those
who fear and worship Him -with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence."

~ Psalm 103:11 AMP


Another thing that helps me stay focused on what is important is having a word theme of the year. If I get stuck, bored, or discouraged it gives me something to go back to for encouragement, focus and purpose. Having a journal dedicated to the word with space for ordinary writing, a calendar etc. has been one of the things that has helped me immensely over the past 10 years. I have lots of blog posts about it and will be posting about my word and journal for 2020 soon.

I realize it might not be for everybody, but if you think it would help you, I encourage you to give it a try.

Questions to Consider

  • Did you have a Word of the Year for 2019?

  • If you have had a Word this year, how did it go for you?

  • What was a high point for you in 2019?

  • What are you passionate about? How can that manifest in the coming year?

  • Are you seeking a Word theme for 2020, or do you have one already?

My word for this year, Light, has been a wonderful theme of learning to be more light-hearted, light-seeking, learning, and full of zeal!

"Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor;
be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.
Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast in tribulation; be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of god's people...pursue the practice of hospitality."

~ Romans 12:11-13 AMP



Looking back over this A-Z journey, I am truly grateful. God is always calling us upward and onward, to be closer to Him and reach true fulfillment.

"God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much,
that even though we were dead because of our sins,
He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.
For He raised us from the dead along with Christ
and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms,
because we are united with Christ Jesus."

~ Ephesians 2:4-6 NLT

If then you have been raised with Christ - to a new life,
sharing in His resurrection from the dead -
aim at and seek the rich, eternal treasures - that are above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above -the high things...

~ Colossians 3:1-2 AMPC

Next time I will post a review of all the A-Z pages. I am looking forward to it and sharing the calendar pages for 2019.

Blessings,
Valerie


Living Your Word 2019 Opportunity

Bernice Hopper, and Mary Brack, and I share insights through blog posts for keeping an Everyday Calendar Journal. We will be using the journal to record events, experiences and relationships; to explore our word’s meaning in visual and fun ways. If you would like to connect with others in creative way about organizing your word, your ideas, thoughts, prayers, events, or your projects all in one place, you are invited to join our Facebook group: Everyday Journals ~ Living Your Word of the Year.URL for Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/203309083575277/

URLs for Instagram: #livingyourword2019

CHECK OUT THE BLOGS:

Bernice: https://newlycreative.com

Mary:  www.foundonbrighton.com

Valerie: https://valeriesjodin.com/blog/ (this one :-))