#ShineYourLightin2019 by: Julie Wicker
My scripture for 2019 comes from Eph 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. Some inspiring words that I plan to adopt for 2019, came from a recent post of Toby Mac’s; “Never speak words that allow the enemy to think he is winning”. Just as we are God’s handiwork and with Toby Mac’s inspiring words, we need to be positive influencer over ourselves, our family, our community, and our social network because we are here for a purpose. Which leads to my word for 2019; INFLUENCE!

So, what does Influence mean? The capacity to influence the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. Why did I pick the word, Influence? In October I had started a fast, so I could prayerfully know what my influence needed to be with the blog, my writing, my social network, my family & friends, my school district job & my Origami owl side gig. In that 40 day fast, I discovered that God was working in me, preparing me for 2019.
Biblical influencers for me have been the story of Hosea & Gomer, in Hosea 1:2 where he is instructed to marry a promiscuous woman, the perfect story to show God’s redeeming love and how we should reflect that love. Peter walking on water, in Matt 14:29, his faith to step out of the boat has encouraged me to take on new adventures. Esther’s three days of fasting, in Esther 5, she demonstrated courage to stand up for her people inspires me to continually fast for situations in my life. Then there is the story of Ruth and Boaz, in Ruth 2:3, where we see her gleaning in the fields waiting on a harvest which reminds me of our different seasons in life.
If you are anything like me, you thrive off personal development. There are many authors and speakers that have been influencers for me in my life. Most recently an influencer has been Rachel Hollis with her book Girl Wash Your Face and her Last 90 Days Challenge. In turn I want to make an impact on other people’s lives through my writing, my speaking, and my relationships with Origami Owl. I’m looking forward to starting a new planner for 2019, setting and reaching goals.
I received a designer charm set from Origami owl founders, which included a candle with a burning flame and a message; “Keep shining, beautiful one! The world needs your light! Don’t let anyone dim your light – especially when it’s worth shining! I am reminded of the scripture from Matt 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. How can you and I shine our light for His glory in 2019?
In 2017 my word of the year was “Flexibility” because I tend to get upset if my to do list doesn’t go as planned. I also made a Mantra based off the word Joy; “Dance through life, seek joy in His presence”.
In 2018 my word was Rejoice, to carry the Christmas Spirit with me throughout the year. Again, I made a mantra for myself to “Be Brave” because I knew 2018 was going to be a big year.
What word, scripture, and/or mantra have you picked for the new year?