I’m a words person.
My Christmas list, birthday requests, favorite surprises, etc., all have to do with words. The Lord’s Word is dear to me. I treasure phrases and conversations. God uses words to teach me, shape me, and grow me in Him.
So it’s no surprise when I think on 2016 that some of my favorite, most memorable gifts from the Lord have been comprised of words like these (in no particular order:)
Favorite Blog Posts
Clarify Your Calling by Micah Maddox
What the World Needs Now From Christians by Lisa Whittle
When You Need to Make a U-Turn by Debbie Wilson
Why Stuck is a Good Place to Stand by Joy Williams
Hope for the Heavy Seasons by Lois Flowers
Jesus is Not Your Cheerleader by Melissa Kruger
Waiting for Breakthrough by Lesley
Books
Peace for a Lifetime by Lisa Murray
Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung
A Foreign Devil in China by John Pollock
What on Earth is God Doing? by Renald Showers
Song Lyrics
Just Around the Corner by Martina McBride
Be Still and Know by Hannah Kerr and Mark Hall
Memory Verses
I know whom I have believed and am fully convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. –2 Timothy 1:12
Be still and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10
The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes His steps. –Proverbs 16:9
He must increase, I must decrease. –John 3:30
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will do this. –Psalm 37:4-5
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen – Hebrews 11:1
The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? –Hebrews 13:6
The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding –Job 28:28
What words has the Lord used in your life this year?
This post may also be shared on: #MomentsofHope #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #Heart Ecnouragement, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup, Faith-Filled Friday, Sitting Among Friends, and #SoulSurvivalLinkup.
firstandsecondblog.wordpress.com 
Oh my goodness, first, thank you for including the blog in your faves! I was so surprised to see it as I spent time today catching up with my favorite writer’s blogs! And to see so many others I love as well!
Secondly, I LOVE that you included scriptures in your list! Is there anything better than His words in His Word?
Lastly, I want to wish you all the blessings for 2017, bushels of good words poured from Him to you, and that He use you for His glory all the new year long!!! Hugs my friend! Keep shining for Him!
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So glad to know you Christine- your writing means so much to me! Glad you enjoyed the surprise : ) And no- nothing better than His Word!! Praying for you too- Christine!!
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What a sweet surprise to be included on your list, Bethany! It blesses my heart to know this post that meant so much to me also spoke to you. 🙂 I also enjoyed the rest of your favorites … such a treasure trove of good reading, listening and memorizing material! Many blessings to you in the coming year, my friend! I can’t wait to see where God takes you and your husband!
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Thanks Lois! I’m so grateful for you and all the Lord teaches me through you : ) So much encouragement and wisdom! Praying your new year is peaceful and joyful!
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What a great collection of favorites! Linked up next to you at Testimony Tuesday!
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Beyond honored to make it on your list of ‘Favorite Things For 2016’!!! You are definitely one of my favorite people of 2016! Praying God Blesses your 2017 with the refreshing of His Word to keep the ideas flowing for your blog and to fill up your heart 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Much Love,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
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So appreciate you and your prayers, Sherry! Praying the same for you : )
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Thanks for sharing my post, Bethany, and for this great selection of resources. Some I’m familiar with and others are new to me so I look forward to checking them out. Dear Younger Me is a song that has spoken to me a lot this year too. Hope you had a lovely Christmas!
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Absolutely one I’ve reread a few times, Lesley! I so appreciate you! Praying your new year is wonderful!
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