"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
Is there a Word from God's Word that speaks to you this year? A few years ago, I heard about choosing a "Word of the Year". I loved the concept and wholeheartedly embraced this new idea.
My word of the year inspires me to grow in an area where I need improvement. I've chosen Focus, Calm, and Joy in past years. Each one has made an improvement in my life. I aspire to goals throughout the year, so a Word of the Year challenge works much better for me than typical resolutions.
This year, I chose Grace. I definitely need to show more grace to everyone around me, to share God's grace with others by both witness and example, and to extend grace to myself as well. Since words and actions begin with thoughts, my challenge is to replace every critical or judgmental thought with accepting, approving, and encouraging thoughts.
"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Philippians 4:8
I'm praying for a spirit of GRACE this year. Whenever a critical or negative thought crosses my mind, I hope to replace it with something affirming or positive. For example, wherever I notice an imperfection or flaw, I want to remind myself to be grateful for that person, place, or thing. Then I want to focus on their true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and excellent traits that are worthy of praise. May God help me as this isn't my natural inclination.
Have you chosen a Word of the Year? If you're at a loss, Dayspring has a quiz you can take and they'll choose a word for you.
Out of curiosity, I took the quiz. The word Dayspring chose for me is CELEBRATE. How appropriate!
Did you notice on the calendar photo that my name is on January 2nd? Yep, that's my birthday. For me, every fresh new year starts with a fresh new age. This year, I'm 62 and I filed for social security! Hurray for reaping the benefits of a lifetime of payments.
In addition, we have a new baby, our first granddaughter, coming in May.
What a year to celebrate!
In 2024, I will be CELEBRATING GRACE.
Do YOU have a Word of the Year?
I'd love to hear your words, goals, or resolutions for 2024 -- whatever works to inspire you.
May God continually bless you and yours in 2024 and beyond.
In Christian Love,
Dianne
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18
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