I am excited to introduce the first guest blogger for www.patiencetodominate.com . LaTasha Diana is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and currently works in the social service field. She has a wonderful heart for people and God. Her walk is inspiring and uplifting. You can find her work at www.hisprincessdiana.blogspot.com She enjoys helping others, playing word games, reading and cooking in her spare time.

I was motivated by a post on the blog, The Writeous Babe Project called “Motivation Monday: Three Words for 2013.” Her challenge was to identify three words that would set the tone of the coming year. I interpreted this blog as identifying values/attitudes that I would like to exercise to set the tone for the New Year. The three values/attitudes that I thought of were as follows.

1. Contentment

The dictionary defines “contentment” as “mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are” or “assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc”.

The Apostle Paul went through some trying situations in his life. But in the midst of him circumstances, he learned the importance of being content.

A popular verse that comes to mind is Philippians 4 – “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (verses 10-13 – New International Version)

Paul knew that the people were concerned about him and he was able to find joy even though, the people were not able to physically express their concern for him. And that is what contentment means to me, being able to find joy regardless of how the circumstances play out.

2. Commitment

The dictionary defines commitment as “to give in trust or charge; consign.”

So often, I’ve signed up for things and did not follow through. And as a result of doing so, I felt really bad and had nothing but regret. I do not want that to continue to be the story of my life. I’ve grown this year in this area, but I’ve learned it is better to say “no” than to commit to something and not follow through.
A verse that comes to mind for this is Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (New International Version)

3. Courage

The dictionary defines courage as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.”

I think this goes along with the first two. In order to be committed to something, I have to know in my heart that I am able to carry it out. Again, I’ve done things and not followed through and when I look back, it was because I did not think that I could do. But God never places a desire in our heart or gives us talents that he thinks we will not be able to fulfill. It might be difficult at first, but I’ve learned that as I continue to trust God and walk in obedience to HIM not man, He will make my path clear.

This reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (New International Version)

Being a Christian requires courage! Faith is not knowing how situations will turn out but believing that the situation will work out for the best. God has promised to encourage my heart in every situation.