It’s the last day of 2017, a time many of us are reflecting back on the year, taking into account the highs and lows, the mountains and valleys we have endured. Most of us are looking at 2018 as a clean slate and chance to start new, myself included.

Lately, I’ve been hearing about people choosing a WORD for the New Year, rather than setting resolutions. I love that idea. I’ve never been big on resolutions, but choosing a word as #Teambohl is something I can get behind, so here’s what we’ve been feeling over the past few days.

JOY. Not the “If your happy and you know it clap your hands.” stuff but the “Joy of the Lord is my strength” stuff. Here’s what I mean.

According to Webster’s dictionary one of the definitions for joy is: 1) The SOURCE or CAUSE of delight.

The definitions for strength are: 1) The capacity for exertion or endurance 2) The power to resist force 3) Power of resisting attack.

So to break it down:

The Lord is our Joy. He is the source and cause of our delight, and from that source we draw our strength. We have the capacity for exertion and endurance. We have the power to resist attack.

#Teambohl is heading into 2018 armed with Joy.

• Joy that gives us strength to endure the long days and nights of parenting four very distinct personalities.
• The capacity to exert ourselves, to give it our all even when we don’t feel like it.
• The power to resist forces that will try to affect our attitudes and thoughts towards each other.
• The Power to resist attacks of self-hatred, depression, bitterness, comparison, jealousy and isolation.

Will 2018 be full of sunshine and unicorns? NO. WAY. But, with the Joy and the Strength from the Lord I know we can push through whatever may be thrown at us. So to 2018 #Teambohl says BRING IT.

What’s your word for this next year? Write it down, memorize, and let it encourage you through the mountains and the valleys.

XOXO

Gena