One Word.
I blogged about this earlier, back in October, in a post titled “Time to Start Thinking About One Word for 2016.”
But while I was ready to talk about my One Word for the upcoming new year, I think some of you were just ready to begin pondering your One Word for 2016. So, here I am again, asking the question: Do you have One Word for 2016?
This is my eleventh year to focus on one word, and if you want a recap of the words I’ve focused on in years past — words like gratitude and confidence and collaborate — you can find them in my October blog post.
My word for 2016 is: prosper.
I Samuel 18:14 says: David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him.
But here’s what I found interesting: the word “prosper” means acting wisely. So read that as “And David was acting wisely in all his ways for the LORD was with him.”
Changes things, doesn’t it? I like to think of “prosper” as material wealth, or even accolades. It’s not often — if ever — that I think of prospering as acting wisely. The upcoming year is going to be interesting as God teaches me the new meaning of the word prosper.
I’ve never had a song that I’ve tied to my One Word, but I do this year: a new version of The Prayer. The opening stanza says:
I pray you’ll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise,
in times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe.
***
CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!
I’m part of a wonderful group called The Grove, with several author-friends … well, we’re more like sisters, really. We’re having a GROVE GIRL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY. Go go to this Rafflecopter form to join in the fun for a chance to win these prizes:
- A signed copy of From the Start by Melissa Tagg + a $10 Amazon gift card to find something special just for you.
- Signed copies of The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin, both by Kristy Cambron with a beautiful bookmark to hold your place in these great books.
- Signed copy of Where Treetops Glisten by Cara Putman and candy cane ornaments because the heroine makes those in the novel
- Signed copy of Paper Hearts and a hot off the press ARC of Change of Heart, both by Courtney Walsh
- Signed copies of Amish Christmas at North Star and The Art of Losing Yourself, both by Katie Ganshert
- A signed copy of The Bronte Plot, by Katherine Reay
- A signed copy of The Curiosity Keeper, by Sarah Ladd
- A signed copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Love plus an e-novella Can’t Buy Me Love, both by Beth Vogt
[Tweet “Love #Christmas? So do the @theGROVE_story girls. Join their MASSIVE #giveaway. #amreading… http://bit.ly/1OJoqZb”]
Comments 16
Love your word. I never realized its actual meaning either. Cannot wait to hear how God works that through your life this year. I’m not sure about a One Word yet. I’ve done one the past few years but it’s been silent this year. That’s okay too:)
Author
Susan: I’m excited about this One Word, too. An I am certain God will answer your prayer about a focus word for 2016. Keep me posted!
I love your word and look forward with you to see how it wraps up this year.
Based on an amazing dream I had several weeks ago where I glimpsed those worshiping at God’s throne, mine is Worthy–that He is but He also makes us so.
Author
Dee: what a wonderful word to focus on in the upcoming year!
I’ve already said it but I’m claiming HEALTH in the name of the Lord for 2016. I’ve had so many issues this year and put my family through so much with a right leg fracture, left knee replacement, skin cancer, teeth crowns and dental implants, not to mention the expense.
Exercise, which I’ve already started, and eating better are going to be apart of my new year. And hopefully my husband’s too. He’s diabetic and his sugar has been elevated a lot lately, even fasting.
Author
Gail, I certainly understand ongoing health issues. Logging your One Word on my list. Looking forward to a year of HEALTH for you and your husband.
I like your one word for 2016! My word for 2015 was BREATHE. I came off of an extremely hectic 2014, and I needed to learn how to slow down and breathe. This has become more of a lifestyle for me, helping me learn to trust God more with the unexpected and the daily obligations. I’ve learned how to say no more, when needed . . . and when to say yes. With my husband gone for weeks at a time, giving myself breathing space became a priority so I could be the mom I needed to be. 🙂
Still praying for confirmation about my 2016 word.
Author
Jeanne: Sounds like you have an idea of what your One Word is, so I will pray you receive confirmation in the days to come.
Love that song! Not sure of my word for this year. After writing 3+ books this year, I feel God’s impression to slow down. If I do, I may can take a Precept class on Acts.
Author
Pat, I’ve listened to that song daily since finding it earlier this week. And I, too, have been hearing God say “slow down.”
Did you know I taught Precept Bible studies for 13 years before launching into writing?
Beth, you’re blog posts remain the most meaningful that I receive. I often retweet them as they resonate in my soul and want to share them with others. Today’s did it again. Adding this song prayer made it magnificent! Thank you!
I have taught Bible study for years at my church, and lead a group for BSF, and now am in one of our Precepts classes as of 2010. I noticed your comment above. We are doing Covenant this year. God’s promise came down to us in flesh to fulfill all of God’s promises to us in Scripture.
I love that you and your friends, the Grove Girls write novels that delve into what it is like to work out this Christian walk here on earth. On my blog I review books, most of them novels and enjoy recommending yours and these author’s books.
God bless you!
Sharon
Author
Sharon,
Thank you so much for talking with me today — truly, it feels like you stopped by for a short chat.
I had the chance to teach Covenant and it was one of my favorite studies. I remember one of my visual aids: I took a book and asked my husband to drill a hole through it from cover to cover. Then, I threaded a red ribbon — or scarlet thread — through the pages. I covered it and labeled it “The Bible.” It was a visual of how God’s Covenant was the scarlet thread from through the Old and New Testaments.
And thank you, too, for sharing about the Grove Girls’ books. You’ve probably heard me say that positive reviews are like gold to authors. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Sharon!
Loved reading about your word for the year! This past year was actually my first time doing a word of the year, which I had heard about thanks to you and really enjoyed. So, thank you. 🙂
My word for this year is Courage. I am too shy and quiet sometimes, and this word reminds me to be bold and take risks. But at the same time, it’s okay to be scared about something new. I like to have a quote that ties into my word, so my quote is from The Chronicles of Narnia: “Courage, dear heart.” It’s perfect since it is spoken to my favorite character by Aslan himself. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Author
Oh, Ashley,
I’m so glad you chose One Word for last year!
And embracing the word Courage for 2016 is in itself an act of bravery! I love your quote, too, as The Chronicles of Narnia are a beloved favorite of mine.
Merry Christmas to you!
I’ve been very bad about my word this year, I started off like a firecracker, then burned out by mid Mar. I do like the focus though, and I’m going to give it another try this year. My word is Daily. A reminder to me to take time daily for prayer and study, for me to relax, and to be purposeful in my choices relating to my health.
Author
Beth:
I think the word “daily” is great — and I love your application of it.