The Power of More and My 2013 Word Reveal

I want more. 

I need more. 

The goal of marketers is to entice us to move from wanting more to needing more, and for many of us they have been quite successful. 

I believe the desire for more causes much of our dissatisfaction, envy, exhaustion, and unhappiness. How many of our children are completely satisfied with their gifts until they talk to friends. What they had to have because is was cool, is now soooo yesterday and a new cool has emerged.

And if we’re completely honest . . . we do the same. We are guilty of playing comparison games. I want more. If I don’t have more, I want to appear as if I have more. We have foolishly bought into the lie that our value is based on the value of our possessions. 

Rev and I are joining ranks with those who are taking a stand against the power of more. We are going through every closet, corner, and cubbyhole eliminating anything that isn’t useful or treasured because of its history. We are purposefully throwing away and giving away. 

Those of you who know me, know I didn’t initiate this removal of excess; however, I’m so thankful Rev was determined to make it happen. All of this sorting and organizing inspired my….

Word for 2013 – Gratitude 

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. ~Melodie Beattie

Gratitude changes us. 

Gratitude replaces dissatisfaction, envy, exhaustion, and unhappiness with satisfaction, contentment, peace, and joy. 

A far better way to live. 

A God designed way to live. 

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15

Gratitude blesses every relationship, enhances every experience, and changes even the hardest heart. 

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. ~Denis Waitley

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts. ~Henri Frederic Amiel

Will you join me in a year of gratitude?
Will you consider taking a stand again the power of more?
Will you become someone who trades dissatisfaction, envy, exhaustion, and unhappiness for satisfaction, contentment, peace, and joy?

Father, please help us to make 2013 a year of living with gratitude. Help us to know the blessings of living with thankful hearts. Amen.