Word of the Year
If you have read this blog much at all, you have read the term Word of the Year.You might be wondering to yourself (and others), what is the Word of the Year?
As simply as possible, the Word of the Year is a New Year’s resolution summed up in 1 word. This is not just any word either, it’s a word from God. It’s a word He wants to change, build up or do more of in your life during 2014.
3 steps to learn from your word?
This is the 4th year of personally doing this project. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about how it works. Here are 3 things I’ve learned:
1. Choose wisely my son.
The longer I’m involved in this project, the more seriously I take in choosing my word. I’ve realized that it’s almost a sort of prophetic experience.Your word is a prophecy you are speaking over you and your family’s life.
In 2012, my word was RISK. That year Kia left her family business, started her own business, I took the position here at the church, and we decided to move to Shawnee. Be careful what you wish for 🙂
2. Be active with your word.
You need to find ways allowing you to get the most out of this project. You need something causing you to focus and refocus on your word throughout the year.I’ve found the best way for me to do this is writing. In 2013, my word was TRANSFORMATION. While I do believe God worked that word into my life, I missed out on some lessons He was trying to teach me.
Why? Because, I wasn’t writing on a regular basis.
Kia likes to meet with a close friend over coffee. You might want to sketch images or work on your yard. Whatever it is, find a way to draw you back to your word throughout the year.
3. Expect the unexpected.
I guarantee you this will happen…You will choose a word with something specific in mind (even if very general), but by the end of the year God will do something completely different in your life.In 2011, my word was FREEDOM. I thought that meant He would set me free. However I learned for me to be free, I had to live intentionally. I also had to learn to say “No.” It’s not what I expected. FREEDOM was not about God or anyone else. It was about me.
What’s your word?
Last, you might want some help choosing your word. I made a list the other day of potential words to help you get started. Here is just a sample of ideas:
- Abundance
- Grace
- Bold
- Dream
- Transformation
- Freedom
- Deep
- Joy
- Dependence
- Develop
- Chosen
- Ascend
- Intentional
- Healing
- Hope
- Release
- Maturity
- Increase
- Life
- Peace
- Risk
- Discipline
How will you get the most out of your 2014? I hope part of it will be choosing 1 word to focus on.
What’s your word?
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