As I shared in my 2011 Reflections post on Write Thinking, I make goals for a new year rather than resolutions. For some reason, "goals" don't seem to set me up for failure the way "resolutions" do. Do you make resolutions?
One thing I do every December is to ask God for a word or words for the coming year. I've been doing this since 2005, and I wish I'd been doing it longer because I've found it such a rich experience. I love the things God has shown me and the way He's surprised me. Sometimes the lessons have come through trials and difficulties. Sometimes they have come through joyful experiences. Sometimes they are mere whispers in my heart. I love remembering the words from years past, too, because they are like a map of the journey I've been on these past seven years.
- 2005: Endurance
- 2006: Victory
- 2007: Peace & Simplicity
- 2008: Intimacy & Devotion
- 2009: Press in/Press on
- 2010: Come Away
- 2011: Rejoice Always
After sharing my word for 2012 with some friends, I opened an email to discover that Debbie Macomber has been doing something similar for almost 20 years. And now she has a book coming out about it called One Perfect Word. I immediately pre-ordered a copy for my Kindle and it will download tomorrow, January 3rd.
Here's an excerpt from it:
To which I can only say, Amen.For almost twenty years I’ve been meeting with a group of women entrepreneurs for breakfast once a week. Many years back, my breakfast club ladies and I decided to select a word to serve as a personal focus for the year. Over time the words I’ve chosen have had a powerful impact on my life. In John 15:7 the Lord says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” That could be the story of my life. As I’ve tried to remain in Him and tuck His words deep in my soul, I’ve asked, I’ve imagined, and I’ve dreamed. I have to confess, God’s blessed me far beyond that for which I asked. Why should that be such a big surprise? That verse carries a promise. And God always keeps His promises.
When we choose one single word from His Word and spend a year with it, I’ve found that the Lord takes us by the hand and walks us through the year, teaching us about that word, about ourselves, and even more, about God Himself.
If you've never asked God for a word or chosen one for yourself as a part of your spiritual walk, I'd like to encourage you to give it a try and see what the Lord will have to show you in 2012. And may He richly bless you as you draw closer to Him in the process.
~robin
What great timing for me to read your post Robin!
ReplyDeleteOver the years I made many resolutions,but they never eventuated because somewhere, somehow, they got lost,so I was on a downhill slide from the beginning.
At the moment I really am struggling with applying myself to do extra study for my Nursing. I don't have any incentive to do it,as I keep thinking how much of the jolly stuff I have done over the past years! It truly is NEVERENDING and just at this time of the year is NOT a good time, for me to knuckle down and bury my head inside a text book!(too much happening.) However, after digesting your post, I think you may have solved my problem. I really like your idea of "one word,"... it surely has merit,when I read what you have done since 2005! My word hit me almost instantly...Perseverance!
So thank you dear lady, for your great choice of post tonight!I might just make it after all!:)
Cheers!
Rosie
Rosie, I love knowing you'll be joining me on the "word" for the year journey. I hope when 2013 rolls around that we can celebrate together what God has taught us. And praying for your extra studies.
ReplyDeleteI had heard about this word selection last year for the first time. I think it's brilliant because it encompasses so much more than making a few resolutions. If you do it right, it can touch every aspect of your life. Thanks for sharing this -- and spreading the word about Debbie Macomber's book. I'll definitely pick up a copy. Oh -- and my word for 2012 is Listen. Can't wait to see where it leads me!
ReplyDeleteKav, "listen" is a wonderful word. Don't we all need to do more of it? Prepare to be blessed!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, precious Robin! Thank you SO much for this post today. When I read last year that you ask the Lord for a word, that inspired me to do the same. My word for 2011 was PERSEVERANCE (smiling at Rosie, since that's HER word this year!). Lately I've been strongly feeling the Lord placing a new word on my heart: SELF-DISCIPLINE. Not only with my writing, but in other daily tasks I need to accomplish (including doing my at-home physical therapy exercises regularly *sigh*). So....I will write my new word for 2012 and post it very near my computer--so I'll be reminded frequently of what I'm striving for (with God's help). ~ Thanks again for this post, and hugs from WINDY Georgia, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteI just scheduled a post of my own about my "theme" or word for 2012. It's To Be Still and Know that He is God.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one to condense things. LOL And I've also foregone resolutions with the start of the new year...merely a few goals.
One of them is finishing my novel and getting it DONE! So I need to log off the internet...have a happy, healthy, blessed 2012!!! <3