One Word -Choosing Focus word for the Year

 One Word – Choosing Focus Word for the Year

Today I’m sharing my word of the year. Not because my word matters to you but to encourage you. Do you have a word of the Year? I love this concept and it’s been adapted by many professionals, creatives and ordinary people like myself.

Instead of shooting for the stars and making big goals that I can neither achieve nor stick to I choose a word of the year. This obviously isn’t a new concept but I love it so much.

Choosing a focus word for the Year. How I break it down.

Pray, Journal, Ask and Pray some more.

This process always begins and ends with prayer. I ask God what he wants me to focus on most in the upcoming year. Where do I sense Him leading me? What have I noticed that I need to grow in? Is there a common thread or theme in the last few days or weeks that keeps coming to the surface?

That was the case this year. I just kept sensing God telling me to believe for bigger things. Not these simple little prayers that require little faith. BIG prayers that when they are answered there’s no way to explain BUT God.

Be expectant

Believe that there is a word for you. Don’t just casually make one up. There is always something that God has stirring in our hearts. Believe that and He’ll come through. Be expectant. Be believing. He’ll take care of the rest.

Be persistent

It’s OK. If it’s a week into the new year and you don’t have a word. Don’t freak out. We have 52 weeks to live this Word out. Don’t take it lightly. God has great things in store for you so don’t be casual or flippant about it. Keep praying. Keep your eyes and ears open. He’ll show you where to direct your days, your steps and your time this year.

Let it Guide You

After  you have your focus word. Don’t let it overwhelm you but let it inspire you. Your word should inspire you in your family life, your job or business, your faith life, your health and your relationships in community and church.

Use your word of the year to develop simple goals to focus on in the new year. Instead of a goal such as I’m going to lose 30 pounds. How about instead focusing on walking or exercising 15 minutes a day to start?

Instead of a goal like I’m going to spend more time with my kids. What about 10 minutes one on one time with each kid per day.

These goals are much more achievable and specific.

My Word of the Year

This year my word is BOLDNESS. I have just sensed God calling me to believe and pray for big things in 2016.

Stop these mediocre prayers of mine and believe that God wants me to rely on Him, talk to Him and trust Him. These prayers aren’t about me boldly praying for a bigger house (even though that is something I really want!)

These prayers are about boldly praying for my influence here on my blog. Prayers for increasing my husband’s faith. Prayers for myself to make a bigger difference in my community. Prayers for big changes in our giving and our serving. Prayers for increases in my online shop. And favor in the efforts I put forth in both my blog and my shop.

And I’ll be praying BOLDLY. Will you pray with me? I’m believing BIG things for 2016. Not because I’m big and bold. But because my God is!

I’d love to know. Is this a new concept to you? Have you chosen a word of the year in the past? Are you inspired to try it this year? I’d love to hear in the comments. Just jot down your focus word for the year or if you’re planning on praying about one.

Thanks for being here friends!

Til we meet and eat again,

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Word of the Year – 2013

 What is My Purpose