But I seemed to be haunted by the the one word this year, seeing it pop up on Twitter, Facebook and blogs and I started wondering...if I chose a "one word", what would that word be?
It seems easy to pull a word out of the air and think it will apply to our lives. Sure we all need patience, faith, trust, compassion, etc. But what one word do we really need to apply to our lives? And I realized I didn't want to tack any word to my life and year and not let it change me through the year.
I was trying to fall asleep one night a week or so ago, talking with God, discussing this "one word", still not sure if I really wanted to commit myself to one more promise I struggle to keep or maintain. When I felt God whisper...Grace.
And since than I can't get the word out of my head. Grace. I need to give it away more. To those around me, to my family and to those who aren't very nice to me or I don't happen to like.
I need to extend more Grace.
And I realized in finding that one word to make for my year, it's not an empty fad. It's a heaven-sent nudge from God rooted in the prayers I have begged from Him: teach me. Grow me. Make me more like You.
Grace. It's my one-word for the new year.
 |
| Thank you to Melanie at Only a Breath for my LOVELY button! |
Do you have a one word or are you not one for words or resolutions?
That's a great word, Casey. I'm still trying to decide on mine. :) I've been leaning very heavily toward Thankfulness or Praise.
ReplyDeleteby the way - how did you write your little One Word 2012 Grace banner?? That's really cool. I don't think I have computer software that will do that. What did you use?
I had never heard the one word thing before this past December. I had given up on New years Resolutions so to speak a couple of years ago, so I thought this one word thing was neat but originally had no intention of doing it. Then, similar to what you said, God just kept throwing it in front of me until He hit me with a word. My word for the year is healthy. I want to be healthier physically, spiritually, financially, socially, and emotionally. So far, I'm impressed with how often I've made a better decision because I thought of my word.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely BEAUTIFUL post, Case, and your word is WONDERFUL ... as is God's grace!!
ReplyDeleteI actually have two words that resounded over and over in my brain this last week -- love affair, which is what I hope to have in an even deeper way with my God in this new year.
WHICH ... will certainly require a lot of "grace," to be sure!! :)
Hugs,
Julie
P.S. I realize how very tardy I have been on the crit and hope to remedy that this week or next. :| Thanks SO much for your patience, my friend!
Love, love, love this, Casey:
ReplyDelete"And I realized in finding that one word to make for my year, it's not an empty fad. It's a heaven-sent nudge from God rooted in the prayers I have begged from Him: teach me. Grow me. Make me more like You."
This is the first year I've chosen a word - inspired by my friend Beth Vogt. My word is LOVE. And my choice was inspired by this:
"If what we call love doesn’t take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, & never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning." ~Oswald Chambers
Awesome. This year I've prayed about my one word. Strength. Blogging about it tomorrow.
ReplyDelete"heaven-sent nudge from God rooted in prayers"
I love that!
SHERI, I love the thought of both your words! I actually did not make my banner. Melanie at this link did (http://www.onlyabreath.com/2012/01/one-word-2012-veggietales-and-free-buttons-for-your-one-word/) But she did a lovely job didn't she? Very thankful for it and the reminder!
ReplyDeleteKRISTI ANN, I know what you're saying. For someone who hasn't been a believe in such things, God really brought it to my attention this year. It's amazing what He can do. ;-)
ReplyDeleteJULIE, Love Affair perfectly fits you! When I think about the person I want to be in God's present I think of you. And NO worries! I'm actually getting another story ready for the Genesis so have put the other one on a back burner for the time being. :)
MELISSA, LOVE that word, LOVE that quote! I do love how God takes an ordinary word and makes it extradionary in our lives!
JESSICA, and in this writing world, in the world period we certainly need plenty of HIS strength. All things through Christ, all things!
My word for the year is Relationship (I love the way that Julie put it: Love Affair). I know God is calling me to focus on a deeper walk/relationship with Him. I also want to deepen my relationship with my spouse and with the people around me. Too many of my close friends are people I only see a couple times a year at most. I feel a challenge from God to maintain those but also add an emphasis to friendships that have depth in my local community.
ReplyDeleteLove your post, Casey!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about this a lot over the past week, and I've been focusing on a deeper commitment in my relationship with the Lord. That falls in line with what Julie has said about "love affair."
My one word for 2012 is commitment. Commitment to the Lord especially, but also commitment in everything I do.
Blessings,
Michelle
What a great challenge, to extend more grace. Thanks for your thought-provoking post.
ReplyDeleteJeremy
I think my theme for this year stems from a similar desire to extend grace, but I've also felt a desire to be deliberate in how I treat and pursue (if that's the right word) those around me, so my theme is to be diligent in love. I'm taking time to think how that will look for January and then rather letting my plans fade with normal resolutions, I'll reassess and reorganize in February and each month after that because God, my husband, my daughter, my family, my church family, and my neighbors deserve that.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you find and give much grace in 2012.
Michelle
CARA, with as much as you have give, I have no doubt those relationships will become more firmly rooted in Christ.
ReplyDeleteMICHELLE, I especially love that word. AND committment for what God wants for you in every situation.
JEREMY, welcome! I'm glad you could stop by and comment today. Thank you. :)
MICHELLE K. I love the reassess and reorganize plan. It's a great way to stay focused on what God's theme is for your life. :)