For the past few years, rather than make New Year's resolutions, I focus on One Word instead of making those dratted resolutions that last about as long as Christmas turkey. Hmm. Maybe that was the wrong example.
Since 2011, I've chosen One word each year to focus on. I do word studies and search scripture verses that fit the word. I ask God to show me what He wants me to learn.
That first year my word was commit.Two synonyms for commit are obligate and entrust. I obligated myself to finishing my book, and committed to letting go and entrusted God to get it published. That's when I began enjoying the writing journey. One of the verses I focused on was Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
In 2012 my word was Listen, and I used the acronym STOP to focus on it: Sit quietly in His presence, Take time to Listen, Open my ears instead of my mouth, Pray for guidance.
This year, 2013, my word has been humility,not a word I accepted willingly. I am by nature a bossy person, and I want the last word, especially since I've only been wrong once in my life and later it turned out I wasn't actually wrong. Once again, God allowed me to learn that I didn't know everything, and that my way wasn't the only way. A few of the verses I focused on are here.
For 2014, I'm torn between two words. One is becoming. I like that word, reminds me that I am not a finished product. The other word is strength, as in the verse from Deuteronomy 33:2. "As your day, so shall your strength be." God will provide whatever strength I need for each day.
So, how about you? Have you thought about choosing a word for the year and focusing on letting God use it to draw you closer to Him? Leave a comment and let me know what you think about choosing One Word.
Patricia Bradley
www.patriciabradleyauthor.com
http://mbtponderers.blogspot.com/
@PTBradley1
Shadows of the Past from Revell February 2014
Available for preorder at CBD: http://ow.ly/qIx2k and Amazon: http://ow.ly/qIx90 and B&N: http://ow.ly/qKdSL
I asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write
www.patriciabradleyauthor.com
http://mbtponderers.blogspot.com/
@PTBradley1
Shadows of the Past from Revell February 2014
Available for preorder at CBD: http://ow.ly/qIx2k and Amazon: http://ow.ly/qIx90 and B&N: http://ow.ly/qKdSL
I asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write
I love your decision to focus on one word rather than a list of resolutions that are often broken. Thank you for sharing this, it is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie. I never kept my New Year's resolutions, usually breaking the ones about dieting by the end of the day. lol
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this post, Pat. New Year's resolutions...or for that matter, five-year goals...just seem to get in the way of day-to-day life. Listening with a sensitive ear and moving forward are more for my liking, so the word a year focus suits me also.
ReplyDeleteI've never made a five-year goal...:-) And I love your comment about listening with a sensitive ear and moving forward. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI've also used the one word focus for the year for at least three or four years now. God hasn't shown me His word for me for 2014 yet. :)
ReplyDeleteHe will show you. And when He does, let me know!
DeletePat, I also do this. This past year my word has been 'rely' and it has challenged me every step of the way! Last week in my journal and prayer time I felt Jesus reminding me the sheep know the shepherd and listen for his voice. I decided my word for 2014 will be 'listen.' Funny, I decided that before reading this post. But thank you very much my friend . . . I shall 'borrow' your little STOP thing too! Thanks for this post, it was perfectly timed and feel like a confirmation that I have picked the correct word for 2014!
ReplyDeleteChandra, I'm so glad that my blog confirmed your word! Humility has challenged me time and again.
DeleteWhat a great idea! God knows we're wasting His time and mine if I make resolutions, LOL. I'm going to have to get back to you on what my word will be, however...
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Teri. Let me know once you choose a word. pat at ptbradley dot com
DeleteOh, Pat -- you know me, I love choosing one word! 2014 will be my ninth year -- and I don't miss the whole "making a list, checking it twice" of New Year's Resolutions. And yes, then I lose it before January is finished.
ReplyDeleteMy word for 2013 was "confidence" and my word for 2014 is "think" -- and I always base my word on a Scripture passage and I always like to have some sort of visual too. This year, I made my own visual with a photograph and a quote.
Beth, you are the reason I choose one word! It was your blog on MBT Ponderers that challenged me to focus on one word for the year. Thank you!
DeleteFOCUS
ReplyDelete~ Carl Prude
Great one word, Carl!
DeleteGreat idea, Pat! I several words I'm trying to narrow down...possibly "trust" or "strength" or "balance."
ReplyDeleteTonya, all of those words are great words to focus on.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, but bossy? I don't find you so. Supportive. Wise. Patient. Encouraging. Sometimes others judge us better than we do ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dee. The bossiness comes out when something needs to get done and no one is doing it. I'll assign jobs to whoever is standing around. lol
ReplyDelete