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| My son took this picture while walking in the woods with his dad. He printed it and framed it for me for Christmas. It sits on my desk as a daily reminder of God’s faithful presence that shines in unexpected ways. |
My friend Beth K. Vogt gave up making resolutions. Instead she chooses one word and focuses on that word throughout the year. She’s been doing it for a number of years and said it has changed her life.
I’ve chosen one word since 2009.
2009 was the Year of Change.
- Hubby lost his long-term job due to economic downsizing.
- I graduated college.
- Our older son graduated high school.
- Our son headed off to college.
- I finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest.
2010 was the Year of New Opportunities
- I signed with Rachelle Gardner.
- Hubby started college.
- Tina James requested my full manuscript.
2011 was the Year of Hope.
- I signed my first book contract.
- Hubby graduated college.
- Hubby started a new temporary job.
- I signed a second book contract.
- Hubby’s temporary job ended.
- My mother had major heart surgery & recovered well.
During our Ladies Christmas Luncheon, my friend Kathy spoke about Belief versus Hope. She said, “When we hope for something, we look forward with desire and reasonable confidence. When we believe, we are confident and have faith in something. Jesus is the Gift of Hope for all mankind. Once you accept Him, move beyond hope and into belief to show others who Jesus is. You may be the only Bible someone reads.”
I pondered her words for weeks after her talk. We talk about hope, but I love what she said about moving beyond hope and into believe to show others who Jesus is. Others are watching us and how we react to our situations. I have to admit I’ve been a poor model to follow. I spent several months frustrated and discouraged. I lost my joy.
But God is good. He reminded me of His grace, His goodness in many unexpected ways.
This morning I wrote my one word for 2012 in my gratitude journal given by my friend Susan as a Christmas gift.
2012 will be the Year of Faith for me. Faith in God’s promises. Faith in God’s provision. Faith in God’s protection.
Hubby is being considered for a new job. Our older son is making a new academic major change–leaving college to enroll in culinary school. Our younger son is a senior in high school and pondering his choices after graduation. I’m hoping to sell more books to my editor.
I wrote my OneWord today too! It is Forward. Whatever journey I am on, whether spiritual, writing, weight-loss, etc, I want to keep taking forward steps toward the goal. Forward motion is the key for me this year. No stagnation!
Sherrinda, I see more and more of my writing friends casting aside resolutions in favor of One Word. I love your word forward. Forward motion helps us to stay focused on what is in front of us than turning toward what is in the past. God's blessings as you continually move forward toward the goal.
Just answered this over on Katie's blog. Hope today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
Love that word. Can't get enough of it.
~ Wendy
My word for 2012 is emerge. It is time for me to "emerge" from all the challenges of the past years. I'm looking forward to what this year brings and decided to make intentions instead of resolutions. I believe if I set my intentions then God will find the way for me.
Wendy, hope is a solid word to focus on. God's hope shined all throughout 2011 for me. May you have a hope-filled year!
Susan, you are like the caterpillar in the chrysalis. Now it's your season to break free and fly. Praying for your strength and wisdom as you emerge and become the person God wants you to be!
Happy New Year, Lisa. I pray it is faith-filled for you. Another friend recently shared with me this idea of choosing one work. It has me contemplating one for myself. She chose "listen" which I thought a wonderful, challenging choice.
"I spent several months frustrated and discouraged. I lost my joy."
This was me at the end of November-beginning of December. And for no particular reason at all. Nothing like a spouse losing a job or major surgery. Just a general feeling of…blah.
But God is good and He practically shouted (in a happy way) that fact at me over these past couple weeks…He loves me (and all of us) so much. And so, in the past couple weeks I found my 2012 word (changed from what I'd picked earlier): Love. 2012 will be the year I learn to love Christ and others in a newer, bigger way. And I'm excited about it.
Love your word too! You rock, friend!
Sandra, listen is a fantastic word to focus on. I tell my Little Darlings to close their mouths so their ears will open. I think that's great advice to all of us.
Melissa, I get those feelings of blah. I'm so thankful God shouted his goodness. And I love that you picked Love for your word. It can be taken in so many different ways–Love God. Love your neighbor. Love yourself. Love the unloveable.
My word would be something like patience…something that signifies being OK with moving forward slowly but steadily toward my goal of eventually being published.
I just posted about my one word too! (GIVE!) By the way, I'm giving away FREE "One Word" blog buttons if you would like one with your word. Just let me know 🙂
Details here:
http://www.onlyabreath.com/2012/01/one-word-2012-veggietales-and-free-buttons-for-your-one-word/
Happy new year!
Melanie
I need to pick a word to focus on. I haven't yet. Instead, I've chosen a word that summarizes my 2011, and I've chosen a word that I think will encompass 2012.
In 2011, I learned a whole lot about TRUST.
For 2012, I know I'm in for a lot of CHANGE
As far as using one word to guide me….I haven't come up with one yet. I love yours. 🙂
Wow! All these one word comments are really thought provoking. The one word that keeps coming to my mind is OTHERS.
I said a prayer for you tonight! I read Lakeside Reunion and it was really good. Really makes one think about forgiveness and how freeing it is.
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