New Year’s Resolutions Or One Word?

Are you a Resolutions person or a One Word person?

At the end of one year, people often begin to think on the next.

Changes they plan to make . . .

Getting fit, losing weight . . .

Changing jobs . . .

Eating more healthily . . .

Making resolutions for changes they plan to make in the coming year.

 I’ve tried the “Resolution” thing. I wasn’t, uh, very resolute in sticking with the changes I’d mapped out to become a better person. I was great at working out for a month . . .

Okay, maybe two weeks.

But then I’d slip into the old habits. Again.

A few years ago, Beth Vogt introduced me to the idea of meditating on one word.

Focusing on one word offers freedom in the growing. Growing and changing as God speaks to me about one word for the year,

. . . rather than me trying to change myself in my own strength. 

He knows the word I need each year. During every 365 day period, circumstances enter my life that teach me more about this one word. God uses “one word lessons” to prepare me for circumstances that come my way in that year.

What I’ve done to prepare for a year of meditating one word, is the following:

1. I write out definitions for the word in a journal
2. I list synonyms and antonyms to better understand the nuances of the word
3. I write down and study my focus verse for the year
4. Through the year, I add things I learn about my word. These are great reminders.
5. I make or buy something that reminds me what I’m focusing on.

In 2012, my word was PASSION. God showed me passion can be more than a fleeting impulse. It’s sometimes lived out in agonia, the Latin term, like Jesus experienced on His journey to the cross.

I learned humility is the change agent for passion to grow and be productive.

PERSPECTIVE is my 2013 word. When I walk through circumstances, if I can do it remembering God is trustworthy—even when things look bad this side of heaven—I’ll walk through them with His peace in my heart.

I’ve been praying since September that God would show me my word for 2014. It is:

ENOUGH

My meditation verse is Hebrews 13:6 ~ “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”

God has lessons for me regarding what “Enough” looks like to Him, how He wants it to reflect in my life.

I’m looking forward to seeing how He works through this one word.

What about you? Are you a “Resolutions,” or a “One Word” or a “something else” sort of person? If you are focusing on one word for 2014, what is it?  

***Due to life circumstances, I have decided to cut back to blogging one day a week for the time being. I hope you will continue to stop by on Tuesdays and share your thoughts with me!***

Other Resources:

• My One Word by Rachel Olsen
• A few posts by the ladies over at Seekerville about My One Word