Here we are, you and me, in 2023! I hope you have been experiencing hope, joy, love and peace in abundance throughout the holidays and into this new year! In my last post, I mentioned how I was going to intentionally try to be more present with The Lord and my people, and have a more relaxing season. And I’m happy to report that it worked! It was truly one of the best Decembers I can remember. And it is not because of anything in particular or specific that happened, but because of my attitude and perspective about everything. I sought The Lord and I found Him (just like the Bible promises), in the big and little moments. So I am carrying that same approach with me right into 2023!
If you are feeling discouraged reading that because that has not been your experience the past month(s), you can start now! We should be celebrating Christmas all year long anyway! Did you know most scholars agree that Jesus was probably born in either April or September? I’m considering leaving one of our nativity scenes up all year as a visual reminder that it is always an appropriate time to celebrate Christmas! And to be intentional with Him and our loved ones.
Historically, I’ve always loved the feeling of a new year! I think my personality is made for it… the goals, the focus on fixing, changing, improving, etc. And above all, hitting that invisible “reset” button. Oh how I love a good clean slate! But this time is different. I am stepping into 2023 with less of a desire to “reset” and more of a desire to hold onto what has been learned and gained over the past year, and build upon it.
In my health coaching program earlier this year, we learned a lot about setting goals…and I think it caused this shift in my mindset. Most of us tend to set really big & unrealistic goals that we are likely to fail at, and then ultimately get discouraged and quit. But I was taught that a healthier approach is to make smaller goals that can be expanded upon.
With that in mind, I have been thinking and praying about what my word of the year is going to be. I am personally very fond of doing this and find it super helpful! Some years it comes to me easily and some years it takes more time. I was really leaning towards the word “balance,” but just couldn’t fully commit. Then yesterday morning during my quiet time with The Lord, He made it clear: wisdom!
And come to find out, balance and wisdom really connect!
“All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.”
Proverbs 16:2
There is some symbolism between honey and wisdom, too:
My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 24:13-14
Which is cool because this sheet of stickers was tucked in the front cover of my new planner that I recently got! I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with them, and I’m still not, but now they feel like a sweet sign from God pointing me towards wisdom.
Over the past few years, there has been a huge intake of knowledge in my life. I am someone who loves to learn, and I keep finding myself in some kind of schooling! In 2021, I took a functional medicine course, in 2022 I completed a health coaching program and I am now in a discipleship program that started in August and will end in May. There has been no lack of very good and helpful information pouring into my brain! Things that have required a great deal of time, effort and energy to take in. Not to mention all the things I’ve learned through church, trials, relationships, experiences, bible study, counseling, books, etc. over the past year(s). I don’t want to wipe the slate clean and start over, but I do want to figure out how to best use all of this hard earned knowledge… and that will most definitely require wisdom!
So what exactly is wisdom? The commentary in my bible in the introduction of the book of Proverbs says that “wisdom is the skill of living a godly life as God intended man to live.” I spent some time in the back of my bible reading through all the verses that contain the word “wisdom”, and it became clear I will be spending lots of time in Proverbs this year!
These popular verses are about knowledge and wisdom:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and learn not on your own understanding. (knowledge) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (wisdom)
Proverbs 3:5-6
As a nurse and health coach, I also love the next two verses:
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:7-8
The New Testament has much to say about wisdom as well. For example:
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
1 Corinthians 3:18-20
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Colossians 2:8-10
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5
Whether you have been taking various classes like me or not, we are all constantly having an influx of information we are processing. Thankfully there are two reliable places we can go to process and filter all of it and to gain wisdom… Christ and His Word!
One area I am specifically praying for wisdom in my life is in my new job! I am excited to announce that I accepted a position as a health coach here in NW Arkansas at a functional medicine clinic called Holland Health! I pray for wisdom to guide me as both a coach and co-worker. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity! Click here to learn more about the practice and the services we offer!
Dr. Holland and his team have spent a lot of time preparing for a detox event that is happening tomorrow. Detox is such an important topic and involves much more than most people realize! I’m excited to go, and will be doing a blog post all about it soon…so stay tuned!
Chelsey I love to read your blog! I am excited to see where your new life role is going to take you to. May God bless you with many successes and enjoyment helping the people that He puts in your path. I will have to look you clinic up and keep in touch.
Thanks, Kay! That means a lot! Eric is doing some great things in the functional medicine world as well! I hope to come visit his clinic sometime soon! Happy new year 🙂
I want to be you when I grow up! Eager and excited to continue to glean from your wisdom and influx of knowledge. Love you!
PS — reallllly digging leaving the nativity set up year round. Need to go dig it out of the attic!