Ah friends. This is the third new year that our ministry has rang in while serving at the feet of Jesus.
It’s awesome. It’s exciting. And even after several years, we are still seeking to keep it F.R.E.S.H by finding the fingerprints of God on our everyday.
Get it? F.R.E.S.H Prints? You are welcome. #SoPunny
As you face this new year, perhaps with new God-sized dreams or a stirring from the Lord for your walk with Him, start off strong, then follow these steps to keep things F.R.E.S.H all year long.
Ready? Time to look for some F.R.E.S.H Prints in our faith.
F= FOCUSED PLAN: When we start out something new, like a new year with new goals or new calling, we start off strong, enthusiastic and motivated. But come February 15th… many of us have fizzled out like the last quarter-inch of a Christmas candle. Why? Because we try to do too many things too fast (And by we, I mean ME.) I am an activator– I LOVE starting new things– and finishing usually isn’t an issue, either. However… although I will get “it” done, many times I face my continued task with as much enthusiasm as a root canal. Instead of trying to do ALL THE THINGS RIGHT NOW, let’s take some time to pray and ask God these F.R.E.S.H faith print questions: Lord, is this for me? And God, is this for me NOW? Then, when we have our answer– we can move forward with focus.
R= RECHARGED HEART: This is a biggie for me this year, friends. I have totally sucked (can you say “suck” on a Christian blog?) at recharging and resting. The lack of recharging my heart by plugging it back into my Main Source (See also: Jesus) via rest and reflection can lead to not only stale ministry but a really stale life. This year, I am being intentional about resting and making time for regular sabbaticals from, well, kind of everything. Regularly recharging our hearts will keep us on track able to see God’s fresh fingerprints on our lives from now until next December.
E= EXPECTANT LIVING: We should acknowledge that God is constantly at work in our lives because He is. With this concept written on our heart, we can live everyday with spiritual expectance, knowing that He has plans and will reveal His love in a variety of ways. Think of every day as a five-year-old on Christmas morning: Lord, lord! What do you have for me today?!? I can’t wait to see what you have up your Holy Sleeves! (Or at the tips of your Holy Fingerprints.)
S= STEADFAST FAITH: It goes without saying that at various points in our year walking with the Lord, we will encounter the peaks of majesty and joy– as well as the valleys of questions, sorrow and weariness. It is in those valleys that remaining steadfast in our faith to remain fresh in our walk. After all– the valleys won’t last forever, and we can live expectantly (see previous point) for God to get us up the hill, holding our hand every step of the way.
H= HARMONIZE WITH THE SPIRIT: The final step to keep things fresh year-round in our faith is to harmonize with the Spirit. We should walk at His Pace, focus on His Plan and embrace all things in His Timing. This is all easier said than done of course. With harmony comes peace and with peace some excitement and with excitement comes year-round fresh faith revelations like never before.
So friends: With aspect of our F.R.E.S.H Prints speaks to you most? Which is easiest for you to implement? Which is most challenging? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below.
Because I all about making these concepts REAL for us, I have also created a printable for our F.R.E.S.H Prints of faith quest. Simply click on the blue PDF below the image, print, then post where you can see it daily.
Just think, dear readers. If we follow this plan, at the end of the year we can sing this chorus with joy:
Now this is the story all about how,
My life got flipped, turned upside down,
I’d like to take a minute, so just sit right there,
Listen how we discovered God’s F.R.E.S.H prints everywhere!
And now that this catchy theme song is completely stuck in your head for the rest of the day, my work here is done. #YouAreWelcome
Seeking His F.R.E.S.H Prints Daily,
Linking up today with Kelli via Unforced Rhythms, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, and Hazel via Tell Me a Story. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
