Several years ago I began a New Year’s MORE and LESS practice. A look back at the year just ending and forward to the year ahead—in conversation with God.
What were some attitudes/actions/activities that characterized my life this past year? Which would I like to see LESS of, and what would I like to see MORE of? Gratefully, I have seen change in most of these arenas. Yet my list remains remarkably the same, adding or subtracting only a few each year.
I do set a few specific, measurable goals, as the life coaches say I should. Those goals will often come out of these heart desires. I know it is impossible to see significant change in so many areas. These MORE and LESS statements, thus, really reflect the ongoing work I hope God keeps doing in me. And they embody my commitment to cooperate with Him.
I have subtracted a couple of requests this year—but I still see needed growth in each one. And I have added a few that reflect some realities God has me in right now.
My list for 2013:
More of You and less of me.
More resting in your loving sovereignty and less thinking I have any control over anything.
More living on my face before You and less being in Your face.
More thanking and less grumbling.
More grace to myself and less focus on performance.
More grace to others and less judgment.
More asking questions and less making assumptions
More walking in the Spirit and less running on empty.
More Spirit-powered discipline and less self-serving procrastination.
More treating my body like God’s temple and less abusing it by my eating and lack of exercise and sleep.
More resting and less rushing around.
More WONDER—my word for the next few months at least—and less taking people and life and beauty and grace for granted.
And, because it is impossible for me to do all this, I desire to receive more grace from God for ALL He is doing in and through me.
C 2013 Judy Douglass
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More living on my face before You and less of getting in Your face…dear warrior princess, you have unveiled me. Yes, please…More on my face before the immortal, invisible only wise God.
My daily prayer. Not that I think I can’t get in God’s face–he welcomes my honesty, my emotions, my raw reality. But that then needs to lead to on my face. And it is joy when I can fall straight on my face. Blessings.
Yes, joy when I can fall on my face…and when I remember that there are others who are following…
Good reflections Judy…..all the best to you and Steve in 2013!
Thanks, Mark. May God surprise you with his blessings in 2013.
Oh, so many of these jump out and speak to my heart… especially the idea of wonder. It brings to mind the word the Lord has been pressing into my heart the past few months… delight.
Thank you for sharing, Judy. I think I’ll have to spend some time making such a list later today.
I am in awe of God so often. Looking forward to focusing on how awesome He is.
Reminds me of the old hymn “More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show, more of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me….” thanks, Judy.
It comes from a poem by Robert Munger at the end of his My Heart Christ’s Home chapter. It was an important motivation for me in my young Christian years.
even so, now!
🙂
A great way to pray for all of us. It certainly would pave the way for a good year. Thanks Judy.
Thank you, Mike. You always encourage me.
Beautiful!!!!!! More of being bold for Him, no matter who or what relationship I may lose. More of leaning on Him, less on me!!!!!!!
I could have made a much longer list…
Wonderful words of truth and encouragement, my friend. You inspire me as you focus on the One that is sufficient for us all. The other is just stuff and clutter! Thanks for your words of wisdom!
Thanks, Dayle. You feed so many with the truth of God.