Fruitilicious: One Word 2013

Our neighbors have fruit trees.  They are close to the fence.  My husband likes to longingly gaze over there and say, “Look at our mangoes.” For the first couple of years we lived here, the house next door was empty — so the fruit fell to the ground uneaten.

On January 1st, I started my year by reading Psalm 1.  Here, God challenges me to stay rooted in the water of His Word so that I may be a fruitful tree always in blossom.  A growing tree provides sustenance, shade, and strength. 

So for 2013, my one-word focus is to be “fruitilicious” — a bright, tasty, juicy morsel shared and given away to sustain life in others.   I will not hide behind the fence in fear and apathy.   This prayer from Paul’s letter to the Philippians has fertilized my spirit: 

“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.  Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God” (1:9-11, MSG).

Q4U:  How do you fertilize your soul?  Do you have a one-word focus for 2013?

Joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Thought-Provoking Thursdays, One Word 365, Playdates with God, Hear it on Sunday: Use it on Monday, and Soli Deo Gloria.

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