As the new year approaches, we usually start thinking about making goals or resolutions for the new year. We think about what we didn’t accomplish this year, that we hope to in the new year. We have fresh hope and are excited as we think about a new start. However we are still going about it the same old way.
We are writing down those resolutions (again!), maybe with the wording changed a little bit, or calling them new goals. Often we aren’t realistic and the goals are too overwhelming to really stick with and follow through on. As a result, we start off with excitement then we gradually forget about those goals……til the end of the year comes again. I know I have been guilty of this year after year.
This year I am going to try something new that I have read about on a few blogs. It’s the idea of choosing just ONE WORD for the year. The challenge is simple: rather than make a long list of changes you want to make this year pick ONE WORD. One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. One word that you can focus on every day, all year long.
I have been thinking about this a lot the past month or so, and asking God to show me HIS desires for me. The word that He keeps bringing to mind is INTENTIONAL.
Intentional: done in a way that is planned or intended; done on purpose; deliberate
My life has gotten so busy, that I tend to go from one thing to another, often getting distracted from my original purpose. I feel like I am always busy, but yet not accomplishing the things that MATTER.
I don’t want to just rush through my days in a preoccupied daze, hurrying and rushing from one thing to another. I want to make deliberate, intentional choices. I want to make the days count, and accomplish what I feel God wants me to. To that that requires making intentional choices each day, based on His leading. The verse I am claiming to go along with my ONE WORD for the year is Proverbs 16:3:
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Will you join me in choosing a word for the year? I would LOVE to hear what your word for the year is, so PLEASE share in the comments!
To help me to be purposeful as the new year starts, I am starting a 31 Day Intentional Living Challenge, and would love to have you join me! I’m excited about taking some baby steps to keep me living intentionally and getting back on track daily!
8 Responses
Love it!! So many good words to choose from. May God bless you in this coming year.
I love this post! Such a great inspiration to focus on one character trait to pursue and strengthen. Thanks for the encouragement!
My word is “grace.” Can’t wait to see what God will teach me about grace this coming year!
Holly, I love your word and how you said it!! Great word and goal for a new year.
My 2015 word is SHINE! I love how The Message translates Matthew 5:14-16:
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Yes, it is very easy to get distracted by the busyness of life!! It happens and I don’t even realize right away. Sometimes it takes months before I even notice that I’ve gotten distracted. I believe satan uses our distractions to keep us from our priorities. We have to very careful to purpose our days for the right goals!! We will be looking for your post that the Challenge is complete. No rush ;))
Cyndi
Hi Cyndi! Purposeful is a really good word choice. Sounds like you would enjoy joining my 31 day Intentional Living Challenge. I’ve got it almost all
written, and am excited about doing the challenges myself to keep me intentional. It’s so very easy to get distracted by the busyness of life,isn’t it?
~Kathie
Hi Kathie,Your idea sounds wonderful. My husband and I have been talking a lot lately about being purposeful. We have also been discussing it with the children too. I think purposeful would have to be our word. We too feel we are just rushing from one thing to the next without really considering the purpose of it all in conjunction with our goals. We want to choose only what is important for drawing our children to the Lord and teaching them how to live for him. Thank you for this encouragement!!! We’ll be looking forward to your future posts on this subject.
Cyndi