One Word 2025

 

For the last few weeks leading up to the start of a new year - a BIG year in our lives, I was listening for my one word.  Practicing the skill of discernment that I have been perfecting over the last year.  Looking up some of the words that resonated to me in the dictionary, popular culture, and most importantly, their context in the bible.  There were about 10 that stood out in one way or another. Then I narrowed it down to 3 that held my attention. And finally, THE ONE. 

ONWARD.

Not the Pixar movie. Or the VR video game. Nothing to do with Penn State.

THIS type of Onward: Continually seeking spiritual growth and maturity; Remaining steadfast in faith during trials and uncertainties; Actively participating in the mission to spread the Gospel; Trusting in God's guidance and provision for the future.

First of all, it is one of those words that after you say it about a dozen times, it starts to sound well, awkward. Weird, even. Not like a normal word in the English language! But once we get past the quirk of semantic habituation (look it up; its real!), the word has a lot of meaning, impact, and value for goal setting. Perfect for 2025!

I investigated the word "onward" and its impact on my world, and I found myself using the concepts I studied in a "looking forward" lens.  This upcoming year is BIG.  Jake will graduate high school, pick a college (most likely far from home), and go there to play basketball and get an education.  Finn will be thrust into only-child status - with OLD parents.  The girls are getting deep into their adult lives - and change is inevitable.  And all the other family factors we are experiencing play into this as well.

Progress over Perfection

This concept was introduced to me in Graduate School a few years ago, and over the last year as my job became both more challenging and more demanding, I was forced to lean into it again with new reverence for the idea.  Which was hard for me - I am a bit of a perfectionist.  But with a husband that I strive to be a great partner for, 4 kids ranging in age from 22 - 13 with various needs, wants, desires, time commitments, problems, and performances to tend to, plus elderly parents, it has come to my attention that I cannot do all of these things at 100% all of the time.  But, I CAN make progress.  I can do what is needed, what is required, and make my expectations and boundaries clear.  I can show up as much as I can show up - as long as it is healthy, wise, and it honors God.  My boundaries matter, but it is my job to protect them.  And it is also my job to communicate to everyone on my team, and in my tribe, what those lines of demarcation are - no one can read my mind.

Onward

A new beginning won't always feel like a giant leap that happened overnight. That's where I find myself today. 2024 has brought about MANY little steps, short walks, a hike or two, and even a couple of marathons along the way.  There are times when moving onward looks like entering a new space where everything is practically a blank page, but then there are other times when we carry pieces of the past with us. I am bringing a LOT of things from 2024 into 2025.  Most I am grateful for, some need to find their exit this year.

Focused on the Goal

Philippians 3:12-14 - The Message:

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

 

So, how do we perpetuate this forward progress?  Press forward with steadfastness in Christ by having faith in Him. Make Him the central focus of your thoughts and actions. Moving onward is a powerful call to action. It’s about working towards the future with intention, guided by the divine purpose God has laid out for each of us. I will continue to use discernment this year as I make decisions in all of these pivotal areas of our lives, and most importantly, I will strive to the balance and joy God promises.  I wrote last year that comparison is the thief of joy - and it still is!  Knowing I am pressing on, walking closer to God, and discerning his intentions for me and my family is what will bring me my ultimate joy.  Onward in infinite and the goal is always clear.  

Philippians 4:8 advises us to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. By filling our minds with such thoughts, we cultivate a mindset that reflects God’s goodness and propels us towards His plans for us. Taking every thought captive and aligning our focus with virtues that resonate with God’s nature is essential in pressing forward. It enables us to sift through the noise and distractions of life, identifying and holding onto what truly matters.

May you never forget the good things worth carrying with you, and may your gratitude for them only grow over time. Pace yourself into this new beginning, prioritize closeness with God, and continue in a forward direction. Onward.

As I do every year, it is time to look back over my one word posts from years past to see how I came to use them as my focus for the year and to assess outcomes.  How well I was able to maintain that focus.  What God brought me to or brought me through because of my one word.  How my family changed and grew from my yearly focus.  Here is a list of the previous posts, if you are interested:

2024 - Discernment

2023 - Celebrate!

2022 - satisfied

2021 - hope

2020 - breath

2019 - listen

2018 - welcome

2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)

2016 - greater

2015 - brave

2014 - joyful

2013 - resolution

Here is to 2025.  Onward - progress, perseverance, and the forward movement towards God. Always moving forward and continuing the journey. Always going further rather than coming to an end or halting. Onward is an attitude that continually propels forward movement and resists stagnation. The call to move onward is a call to live a life of purpose, faith, and obedience, ever pressing toward the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate hope of eternal life with Him.

One Word 2024

2023.  Lots of ups and downs.  Lots of adjustments.  Lots of new things for everyone.  It was a leaning lesson, but there was so much joy and accomplishment!  I think a lot of growth occurred as we navigated parenting 2 young adults, a full-fledged independent teenager, and a tween still finding his wings.  All of that at once it a lot, but Britt changed jobs half way through the year and some how we are still adjusting to me being in a different town most days of the week.  But all in all, it was a decent year.  We lost Britt's dad, I had 2 surgeries, and Lara had one, plus some of us got Covid again, but overall we are healthy.  We are all ending the year in good places - looking forward to what 2024 has on the horizon.

My One Word for 2024 is “Discernment.” When I was younger, I was blessed and honored to learn that discernment is one of my spiritual gifts.  As a teenager and young adult, I leaned into it, but probably used it in a less than mature way.  As I got a little older, I was able to be more careful, thoughtful, and intentional in how I used this gift.  What is discernment?  Let's start there

Some dictionary definitions I found:

• the ability to judge well
• the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure
• (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding

For a Christian, discernment is a process by which God helps an individual reach the best decision. The Latin root of “discernment” means to “separate” or “set apart.” In Christian life, it is the ability to separate good from evil, truth from falsehood, wisdom from foolishness.

There have been many times in my life where I just "felt" the answers. I had an understanding of what I should do and how i should do it without knowing the why behind it. I am able to read people and their intentions better than most. This often leaves me a bit guarded and reluctant to be vulnerable, which exhibit itself in extreme anxiety. So, along with my goal this year to focus back in on, and strengthen my discernment "muscle," I am also going to try to curb my anxiety reflex. I have been on ant-anxiety meds for years, and I know my triggers, but I feel like working the tool of Godly discernment with the battle against my human angst, I may come out on top more often!

2024 will bring MANY big decisions for my family. A few I can foresee, but I also know there are probably more I cannot even fathom or begin to prepare for. This is my second factor in choosing 'discernment' as my One Word for 2024. Sometimes, just knowing these decisions are coming created a wash of anxiety over me - and sometimes that is overwhelming. I think that is why God laid this work on my heart. When I feel anxious about these decisions, I will TRUST GOD to show me his truth while uncovering the world's lies.

Discernment acts as a means of protection, guarding us from being deceived spiritually. It protects us from being blown away by the winds of teaching that make central an element of the gospel that is peripheral or treat a particular application of Scripture as though it were Scripture‘s central message. This year as I focus on this, discernment well serve as a catalyst to spiritual development: “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning” (Prov. 14:6). The discerning Christian goes to the heart of the matter. 

My three focus verses for this are:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10).

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

 

As I reflect on these verses, and seal them on my heart, I also have 3 specific prayers to help me focus on this skill, hone it, and cast out all fear:

• Lord, God, please give me an understanding heart and a sensitivity to Your ways.

• Lord, help me to distinguish between the truth of Your Word and the lies of this world.

• Lord God, help me to discern between Your voice and the enemy’s voice. May Your gentle warnings be louder in my ears than the enemy’s empty threats.

I want to grow closer to God, and lean on his understanding  I want to me less anxious, and more certain in the decisions we have to make this year.  I want to listen, and not speak.  I want to have peace with the decisions we are making as a family, and I want to care less what others think of me, my family, our motives, and our path in life. 

As Christians believe that our ultimate source of wisdom and truth comes from God. We know our hearts are deceitful, and that we cannot stake our life decisions upon our feelings (Jeremiah 17:9). 

Gaining discernment does not come from gazing out over the ocean and looking deep inside ourselves, but rather it comes from setting our eyes on God's wisdom.

As I do every year, it is time to look back over my one word posts from years past to see how I came to use them as my focus for the year and to assess outcomes.  How well I was able to maintain that focus.  What God brought me to or brought me through because of my one word.  How my family changed and grew from my yearly focus.  Here is a list of the previous posts, if you are interested:

2023 - Celebrate!

2022 - satisfied

2021 - hope

2020 - breath

2019 - listen

2018 - welcome

2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)

2016 - greater

2015 - brave

2014 - joyful

2013 - resolution

Here is to 2024.  Discernment - Knowing not just what is "right," but what is ALWAYS right in the eyes of the Lord. Comparison is STILL the thief of joy - choose to rejoice in all that is good and glorifies God!

One Word 2023

2022 was ROUGH. Brought out the worst in me more times than I can count. Life-changing decisions were made in many areas of my life. All of which I am so thankful for in the ways I have been able to grow, lead, and adapt. But there were moments - DAYS - when the transition wasn’t pretty. The trap I found myself in often was the comparison trap. I am the first person to tell you that comparison is the thief of joy. But I forgot to tell myself. 

So for 2023, my One Word is “Celebrate!” I want to celebrate and not compare. I want to acknowledge and embrace my and my family’s own unique strengths and accomplishments without holding them up to see how they measure with others. My path is my own, and it is my responsibility as a mom to show my kids how to applaud the accomplishments we each make. God has granted us this beautiful life, and even on the messy days, we should praise his faithfulness and goodness. 

“They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7

Looking back at 2022, and my word of "satisfied," initially I felt that I fell short of being satisfied last year.  As a family, we made so many changes - home town, schools, jobs, and roles in the family.  My job, as a new role in a new department with a new boss and a team who had no higher education experience, was anything but static.  All of these changes, unknowns and new adventures left me feeling anything but satisfied.  But with the gift of time, hindsight, and fresh perspective, I see how I was able to embrace and manifest a sense of satisfaction in 2022.  Satisfied that despite all the rumors and chatter and attempts to make me feel bad about my family decisions, I am extremely satisfied with how the second half of 2022 panned out.  Despite the daily uncertainties in my job, I ended the year with a prestigious award recognizing my role and the ways I impacted our students and staff.  My children, all four of them, faced with change and adversity and nerve-racking challenges, are THRIVING!  Both girls are on the cusp of college graduation and jumping into the "real world."  The oldest son living his DREAM and wearing that 42 with pride - always coaching from the bench and being a leader.  And that baby boy?  He has blown us all away!  Maturity, joy, charisma - all of it!  He is a completely different kid than he was 12 months ago.  And ALL of it with the most amazing man right by my side!  Pulling me up when I am down, walking beside me in the dark, and cheering me on from the sidelines.  He is my best friend, and the past 17 years with him have been nothing short of amazing.  My marriage leaves me immensely satisfied - daily.

As I do every year, it is time to look back over my one word posts from years past to see how I came to use them as my focus for the year and to assess outcomes.  How well I was able to maintain that focus.  What God brought me to or brought me through because of my one word.  How my family changed and grew from my yearly focus.  Here is a list of the previous posts, if you are interested:

2022 - satisfied

2021 - hope

2020 - breath
2019 - listen
2018 - welcome
2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution

Here is to 2023.  Celebrate! Comparison is the thief of joy - choose to rejoice in all that is good!

(Also - this did not get published on Jan 1 due to BRINGING MY DADDY HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL after a 2 week stay.  I was busy getting that taken care of!)

One Word: 2022

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22! 2022, that is.  And for me, a new year means a new focus.  I choose a word every year to help focus my accomplishments, to remind me of my purpose, and to help me grow in some way.  Some years, I feel like I choose the word, and many years, it feels like the word chooses me.  Before I start writing, I pray about my life, my areas of opportunity for growth, and what I want to accomplish in the coming year.  I entered 2020 with the nativity we all had - completely unaware of the rough seas that were on the horizon.  We opened 2021 with hope, plans, and the promise of things turning around - only to not see it turn out quite that way.  So, we enter 2022 with more of that hope for 2021, but also the reality that this is the new normal.  Supply chain issues, inflation, masks, Covid variants, vaccines and boosters, uncertainty.  So, with all of those thoughts in my prayers, the one word that found me this year is SATISFIED.

The first word that came to me, honestly, was "content."  As in, "in a state of peaceful happiness."  Gratified, fulfilled, happy, pleased.  But, because of the social media, streaming services, internet connected world we live in hears "CONtent" and thinks immediately of the created content we consume every waking moment, I dove a little deeper.  thought more about the meaning of each of these similar words, and what my goals are for 2022.  That's when I landed on satisfied.  Contented; pleased. Content, fulfilled, quenched. I love the imagery there!

As many of you know, I struggle (STRUG. GLE.) with depression.  Sprinkled with an inappropriate but omnipresent amount of anxiety.  I usually have it under control with medication, self-reflection, writing, and the loving support of my AMAZING husband.  But some days, it is overwhelming.  I have physical, as well as spiritual, and emotional responses to this - and they're not always positive.  And are never in the best interest of my overall health.  So, I work on this every day.  Somedays, I win.  Many days, the demons do.  So, for 2022, after all the negativity, struggle, and unevenness of the last 2 calendar years, I am looking toward finding ways to be satisfied.  With everything.

Not perfection. Not necessarily happiness  But peace; contentment; fulfillment.  A feeling of my thirst for life being gratifyingly quenched - no matter the circumstance.  I have let my CIRCUMSTANCES determine my resp0nse for way too long.  I am going to focus on how blessed I am, WE ARE, in every way.  

The timing of the global pandemic, the end of my Master's degree studies, and a seismic job change have left me a little lost.  Parenting 2 adult children, a strong-willed teenaged boy, and a tween who just wants to find his place is TOUGH!  Add to that aging parents for both me and my husband, a home to maintain, etc etc etc.  And, mourning the perceived  "loss" of my girls.  While my nest isn't empty, my girls are not here to keep my Mama Cup filled in the way only a daughter can.  I miss them SO DANG MUCH!  But, I also LOVE watching them fly!  I love the maturity that comes with this stage in life.  I am enjoying hearing their stories - triumphs and rough patches alike, but I miss being able to hug them, share silly stories, or just watch a TV show together on a whim.  I guess I need girl time more than I thought!  Add to that, in my old job position, I had 2 BEST FRIENDS in the office.  We talked every single day - multiple times a day - about EVERYTHING.  Work, husbands, kids, dogs, our families, our dreams, our goals.  We just "get" each other.  And we are working diligently to maintain that friendship, but it's a lot harder when we are not all in the same place 9 hours a day.  Add to that, in my new position, I am the only woman on our very small team.  It's an adjustment, for sure.

There is satisfaction in ALL of it, and I am choosing to find it, and EMBRACE it.  I tend toward the negative, and I know that, so this is a stretch for me.  I am here for it!  I want to be satisfied.  I want to feel content.  I yearn to drink from the fountain and feel quenched.  2022 will be this for me.

Like 6:21 (NLV) says, " God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh."  This speaks to me as I enter into this new season of my life.  The last two years have left me hungry.  So now, it is a time for satisfaction.  There was weeping, so now let there be laughter. This is one of God's faithful promises.

I also enjoy looking back over my one word posts from years past to see how I came to use them as my focus for the year and to assess outcomes.  How well I was able to maintain that focus.  What God brought me to or brought me through because of my one word.  How my family changed and grew from my yearly focus.  Here is a list of the previous posts, if you are interested:

2021 - hope

2020 - breathe
2019 - listen
2018 - welcome
2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution

Here is to 2022.  Welcome! May you be satisfied in so many ways!

.

The Thrill of HOPE (One Word 2021)

 

A look back on 2020: Well, THAT escalated quickly!

Global Pandemic will do that to you!  2020 was rough.  In a lot of ways.  Too many ways.  But while there was loss, and missing out, and pain, there was also growth, resilience, and closeness.  As I sat down to write about my One Word for 2021, I reviewed last year's word, breathe,  and reflected on how it impacted my year.  This is the closing paragraph of the blog from last year: 

A new chapter, a new year, a new DECADE!  So much will be changing in my life over the next 12-24 months.  And while I cannot wait, I also know my anxiety will be high.  I am working hard this year to stay in front of it.  Medication, prayer, and just breathing.

Man!  Talk about prophetic!  Changed my meds early in the year - for the better.  Endless prayer for so many situations over the past 12 months!  And, because of the lockdowns, closures, remote schedules, and distance learning, I was able to breathe.  I didn't always recognize it in the moment, but it was there.  I was reminded over and over I was not in control.  GOD is in control.  It was my job to pray, listen (One Word 2019), and just breathe. 

The year 2021, for so many, is a year of HOPE.  Hope for a vaccination so we can get back to a more normal routine.  HOPE for families to recover financially from the stress this pandemic has caused.  HOPE for growth and development from the lessons learned over this tumultuous year.  HOPE for peace from all the divisiveness in our world.  HOPE for a break from the stress and strife.  I know where to find that hope - IN JESUS!

This year's word came to me over the Christmas season.  I have always loved the song "O Holy Night."  The line "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices" spoke to me every time I heard that song this past month.  The THRILL!  A sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.  We all want that for 2021!  And HOPE!  A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.  This year is ripe with expectation and desire. "For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."  2021 is a new,  and glorious morn!  There is HOPE!  We can fall on our knees, and love one another! We can live in His law of love and Gospel of Peace.  

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  He knows!  He knows we are weary, broken, and looking for more.  REST in him.  LEAN IN to the hope he has for us.  Hebrews 10:23 says "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."  This is your call, too!  Profess your hope; God is always faithful.  He will continue to strengthen you while you are in a place of waiting.  Isaiah 40:31 tells us "those who hope in the Lod will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

So, in 2021, I will stand in my faith.  I will HOPE for my future, my family's future, and the future of our local community, our state, and our nation.  I will take action when guided by the Holy Spirit, and I will pray for discernment in all my decisions.  I will continue to listen to God's whispers, and I will also breathe through the tough moments.  

"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14

Welcome to 2021.  I hope you have a GREAT year, and you can renew your strength from the lessons 2020 forced us to learn. Sing sweet hymns of joy and Praise His Holy Name!  There is a THRILL of HOPE!

I can see HOPE in 2021

New Year, New WORD 2020

As we embark on a new year, another trip around the sun, the time has come for me to find my ONE WORD.  One word to guide my course for the year.  One word to help me focus, to remind me who I am and WHOSE I am.  One word to ground me, center me, and keep me from spiraling out of control when life gets crazy.  And although I struggled with "finding" my one word for 2020 when God finally revealed it to me yesterday, I knew it was RIGHT and I was excited to start praying over it, researching it, and finding my focus verse to go along with it.

My word for 2019 was Listen.  I wanted to be slower to speak.  To really hear what people were saying to me instead of waiting for my turn to talk.  I did not perfect my craft, but I did make great strides.  I can now remind myself to listen when I need to, and I don't have to remind myself as often as I did 12 months ago.  I still want to work on this skill, but I also want to grow in another area this year.

My ONE WORD for 2020 is BREATHE.  In all senses of the word.  First, to breathe, slow down, and calm down when life gets crazy.  The past 4-5 months have been very intense with 4 kids in 7 schools and all their activities, my full-time job which is constantly in flux it seems, the responsibilities and pressure of being a Graduate Student, and trying to be an excellent wife to my amazing husband, sometimes I forget to breathe,  So much so, that I have been to the doctor and added a new medication to my regime to help combat the panic attacks and general anxiety. 

But also, to breathe in what's happening around me.  My 2 oldest kids are graduating high school and starting college this year.  All the while I will still have 2 more kids who need my attention as well as continuing my own studies.  Being present, in the moment, means so much to my children, and I need to breathe that in.  More "In Real Life" and less "Fear Of Missing Out."

Breathe in God's peace and presence.  I always feel the most at ease during worship at church on the weekends.  I feel God's comfort in that space while singing words of praise to Him.  I want to breathe in that peace, and then remember it, replicate it, and revel in it throughout the busy weeks.  I pray that being cognizant of this will help it become a reality.

And to actually, physically, breathe.  Fill my lungs, exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide.  Inhale, Exhale (Jane the Virgin, anyone?).  It is amazing the GOOD a deep breathe can do for you.  It calms, focuses, and centers you.  It just feels good.  Doing this more, and keeping the spirals at bay, will help me be productive and meet all the goals I need to this year.

Sing Praises to the Lord

I am a daughter of the One True King.  I am beautiful because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).  I am blessed because I believe the Lord will fulfill His promises to me (Luke 1:45), He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3).  And because He gives me breath, I will sing PRAISES to the Lord (Psalm 150:6).

I think it is important to see where I have come on this ONE WORD journey, so here is my list of words since I started this endeavor:

2019 - listen
2018 - welcome
2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution

Welcome to 2020!  I new chapter, a new year, a new DECADE!  So much will be changing in my life over the next 12-24 months.  And while I cannot wait, I also know my anxiety will be high.  I am working hard this year to stay in front of it.  Medication, prayer, and just breathing.

One Word - 2019

2018 is a wrap.  My #oneword for 2018 was welcome.  And BOY HOWDY!  Did we welcome things in 2018!  We were welcomed home to our forever home that we purchased in the Spring.  That was HUGE.  Jake was welcomed on to a new basketball team that has allowed us to welcome a whole new group of friends.  Emma was welcomed into the Metal Fabrication program at Meridian Technology Center.  Lara welcomed new challenges and adventures at school that really stretched and grew her.  And Finn welcomed first grade with a vengeance!  He has broken out of his shell, and truly is a joy of a little boy to be around!  I welcomed the challenge of Grad School, and Britt welcomed the challenges of being a stay at home dad and tackling all of the logistics of running our home and kids all around.  We welcomed 2018, and for the most part, she welcomed us too!  There were bumps and bruises along the way, but each of those was a welcome moment of learning as well!

2019 came up fast!  We have been in warp speed as a family for the past couple of months.  So, unlike some years, I had no thought of my One Word until yesterday.  I read a few blog posts, found a list of popular "one word" choices, and prayed.  It was abundantly clear that God was telling me to LISTEN.  And not to just listen, but to HEAR!  Not just to Him, which has been a struggle here at the end of the year, but to my friends, my family, my co-workers and professors.  My students, my classmates, my kids.  LISTEN.  Listen for comprehension.  Listen for clarity.  Listen for compassion.  Listen to HEAR, not for a space to speak.

I also like to pick a Bible verse to focus on that goes along with my One Word.  I read through many verses yesterday, trying to find the right one that expressed the sentiment I felt for the word.  I had a hard time landing on one, but this one stood out to me.  So, I LISTENED!  I listened to what God was telling me, and I studied this verse.  James 1:19 says "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."  Those first 2 statements really speak to me.  And if we can change "angry" to "annoyed," we would be spot on!

I am entering 2019 with a pledge to be quick to listen, and slow to speak.  To listen to HEAR, not to listen for my turn to talk.  Along with that, I want to measure my words when I respond, not just respond with a knee-jerk reaction.  Listen, REALLY LISTEN, and understand what is being said,m instead of jumping in for the answer or the quick fix.  This one is going to be hard.  Pray for me!

As part of my One Word journey each year, I like to look back over the years that I have chosen a word and what that looked like.  I enjoyed re-reading last year's post about Welcome, and reflecting on all the changes we had this past year.  We welcomed so many new things, but the biggest change was our new home.  I know we won't have a year like this again, but I am excited to see what 2019 brings for us.  (And dreading 2020 just a little bit as that is the year my little ladies will graduate from high school, but let's not talk about that now...)  Here is a list of the past posts:

2018 - welcome
2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution

So in the vein of today being New Year's Eve, I want to WELCOME all of you to 2019, and tell you to LISTEN to your surroundings in 2019.  Here's to a great year!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

One Word - 2018

We have made it another trip around the sun.  We spent a season worshiping the Son and a sacrificial father who SO LOVED us, that he GAVE.  We decorated with festive decor, ate more food that we should have, and exchanged presents with those we loved.  We enjoyed the presence of friends and family that love us best.  And best of all, we got to spend time as a family, relax, and recharge.

The first thought on my mind this morning was, "I cannot believe I have to go back to work TOMORROW!  Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVE MY JOB! The construction and subsequent several step move are not on my light of highlights, but the JOB and the people make it worth it.  But, alas, I still have to get up, dress up, show up, and NEVER give up! And what a blessing that will be!  My second thought, my One Word for 2018!  So, here we go!

My word for 2018 is Welcome.  This word has so many facets, so many uses, so much MEANING.  I took a screen shot of a list of the definitions to share with you:

The word came to me about a week ago as I began to think about my One Word for 2018.  The past year has been a little rough around the edges, and left me with some open wounds, and more than a few scars.  My anxiety levels are through the roof, and I have build a whole new maze of walls and barriers to protect myself.  The first meaning that really struck me was as an adjective - the indication of being relieved or relinquished on control.  Many times this year I have welcomed the opportunity of a burden to be lifted.  But then, I thought long, and hard, about what it means to WELCOME - a verb - a friendly greeting, to be glad to entertain, to react with pleasure.

My focus for WELCOME in 2018 is as a verb.  I need to be more welcoming.  I need to welcome opportunities, and people, and anything God sends my way.  I need to welcome people in to my life, and break down the walls.  I need to exclaim a welcome when I see the people who are important to me and when I want them to know I see them and I care about them.  I need to tell people they are welcome!  Welcome to my time, my talents, my treasure.  I tend to err on the side of selfish sometimes, and it is my goal to be more welcoming.


Mathew 10:40 is the words of Jesus saying, "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me."  I think this is a great example of the reciprocity of this word.  It shows how it is a 2-way street.  We all need to work more on being welcome, welcoming, and be welcomed!  Everyone wants to feel that love, to be accepted!  I need to be more like Jesus in this way.  The passage goes on to say that even sharing a small cup of cold water, a disciple shows his love.  So yes!  Let's welcome each other.

All is this is definitely a fight in progress (ironic, as the police code 10-40 means "fight in progress").  It is hard to feel welcoming, to be WELCOME, when things are rough and it is easier to just retreat and be the best introvert I know how to be.  So this one word, this choice, is definitely going to be a challenge.   Hold me to it!


Other members of my family have chosen words for 2018 as well.  Britt chose reset.  Jake chose excel (with the emphasis on aggressiveness), and Lars is still thinking about hers.  Hers for last her was confidence and it fit so well I think there may be a bit of unease about one for this year!

As I like to do from time to time, I went back and found my ONE WORD for the last several years.  Looking back always gives a fresh perspective as we move forward.  Here is my list (and links!) to the last few words that chose me year by year:

2017 - closer  (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution

Thank you for taking the time to read about what I see for myself in personal growth for 2018.  And, you're welcome for any inspiration or direction I might have imposed on you.  You are welcome on my blog, in my home, and in my heart, anytime!  Just be welcoming of me, and my flaws, as well.  Welcome to 2018, everyone!

One Word: 2016

As 2015 has only a few short hours until it comes to a crashing close, it's time to reflect on the year that's passed, and dream about the year that starts so very soon.  A new chapter in your book.  365 blank pages to fill in any way you can imagine!  Part of my ritual for the past few years  as the New Year rolls around is to spend some time finding one word to focus on.  One word that will be the theme for my year.  What my goals and dreams are anchored on.  I really enjoy the process of finding my word.  I think about what's happened the past year and what I want to see happen in the next.  I think about areas where I need guidance and focus.  And I earnestly pray for God to lead me to my word.  The one word He wants me to meditate on for the next year.  The word God has just for me to stretch me and test me throughout the year.

For 2014, my word was Brave.  I had just ventured out in a new business and I had to learn to talk to people in a way that made them believe in me.  That was a stretch.  In 2015, my word was Joyful.  I felt led to find the JOY in every minute, and to not sweat the small stuff so much.  I had found myself frustrated and stressed by being a parent and the messiness of it all, instead of loving the fleeting moments that all too soon will leave my house spotless, quiet, and EMPTY.  The verse I focused on last year to accompany this new attitude for me was Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope."  I wasn't perfect by any means, but when I asked my husband and kids if I had been more joyful this year, they all agreed I had been.  I feel like I succeeded in focusing on  that one concept and improving my daily outlook.

 

 

That brings us to today.  One the Eve of a new year - 2016.  I have been thinking about my word for a few weeks.  Usually it's just a few days.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, the winds of change are blowing HARD at the Weavers house this year, and I wanted to be intentional with my word.  I wanted it to be something I could not only focus on, but lean in to.  Learn, stretch, GROW.  And even lead, teach and inspire!  So, after much prayer, talk with my husband and friends, and thinking long and hard about what this word means to me, I am ready to dive in to 2016 with my focus on being GREATER.

 



I'm not 100% sure what exactly is going to be GREATER.  I know some things in my life will increase.  That's greater.  I want to work hard at being a greater wife, a greater mom, and a greater follower of Christ.  I want my faith to increase.  I am confident 2016 as a year will be greater than 2015.  Our family is on an upward trajectory over the past 4 years and I don't see that slowing down.  But, God's plan for my year might be completely different than mine.  What he wants me to be Greater at may be vastly opposed to what I want to be greater at.  My verse for this year is John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less."  I am putting my faith in God for this year.  I can't wait to see what He unfolds before me and my family.

 



If you would like to find your One Word for 2016, I would love to help you!  I can tell you more about how I come to mine each year, I can pray with you, or I can throw words at you until one of them sticks!  LOL  Or, the best way is to just reflect and pray and let God lead you to it.  There is a You Version Bible reading plan designed to help you find your One Word as well.  I have included a link to it here.  Just click, and get started on your journey for 2016.