brave & courageous

(via instagram) I enter the new year with focus on the word BRAVE // "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." // Nelson Mandela

Every new year I choose a word to help me focus my thoughts, prayers, actions, goals, intentions. This year I chose BRAVE. This is my third year doing this and it's always helps me transform a heart condition of mine. 

Being brave and courageous is something I desire deeply. Life isn't promised to be easy - it's actually the opposite but thank God that He promised us His love and grace. In fact, difficult life seasons and occasions bear much fruit. But we must be brave. We must face life with confidence. With courage. And I don't always do that. I don't always say what must be said. I don't always do what should be done. And why not? Fear! I hate having fear in my life. Fear that people will disagree with me or worse - not like me. Fear that I will fail and let down someone.

And that fear holds me back from living out God's will in my life. I wait for a sign, or answers to feel safe and know for sure. I want to do the things God has for me - and those things are scary and risky - it requires bravery.

Ah fear - I am facing you one-on-one in 2014!

I am ready to be brave. To say and do things in confidence. Because if I live for Christ, then His power lives through me. I want the kind of brave that makes others life richer and deeper. I want the kind of brave that isn't about me - or my pride.

And good thing I have a husband who pushes me all the time to be brave.

with joy,
aneta nina

ps - do you have a word or something you're going to chase after?

(via instagram) If I'm going to be brave this year, I'm gonna need to wake up with this every morning // be disciplined