One Word 2019
I believe everyone likes a fresh start and for me that's one of the reasons why the new year is so exciting! Each new year brings new challenges, successes (failures), and opportunities for growth. Many of us make New Year's resolutions. I've made many but have been mostly unsuccessful in keeping them for any length of time. That changed three years ago. Instead of making resolutions, I chose ONE WORD to keep me focused throughout the year. It's based on Jon Gordon's book, One Word That Will Change Your Life.
One Word...
2016 - INTENTIONAL
2017 - PRAY
2018 - BASICS
Before I share 2019, let me recap 2018.
"The concept is that ONE WORD creates clarity, power, passion and life-change. The simple power of One Word is that it impacts all six dimensions of your life - mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial. Simply put, One Word sticks. There is a word meant for you and when you find it, live it, and share it your life will become more rewarding and exciting than ever."
One Word...
2016 - INTENTIONAL
2017 - PRAY
2018 - BASICS
Before I share 2019, let me recap 2018.
This time last year my job as a school principal was all consuming and taking its toll. What I really wanted was to grow closer to the LORD. The word BASICS came to me and stuck. Over the course of the year, all six dimensions were impacted in big ways as a result of a job change and Carole's passing.
The biggest blessing of the year was the job change. However, at the time I didn't view it that way. In fact, I grieved over it for awhile. I don't know about other professions, but educators are heavily invested in people - mentally and emotionally. I had been a principal at one school for 14 years. A lot of investing occurred during that time. As a result, a lot of grieving happened too. This grieving process led to more prayer, more Bible reading, and more time with Godly men helping me seek out God's will.
As a result of the job change, Carole and I invested time in each other. We enjoyed more talks, more walks, a few trips to the beach, and more laughter. On one of the beach trips, Carole and I were sitting on the beach after dinner enjoying the sunset. I looked over to her and said, "I could get used to this." Referring to just the two of us being together like it all started out 23 years ago before children. One of the most BASIC things that happened this year was the gift of time in my marriage. God took me back to the BASICS in my relationship with my wife and it was wonderful. I believe that was a total act of grace by God.
October 7th - The LORD called Carole home. In an instant, my life changed. I was suddenly single, a widower, home school dad, with one in college, and at age 50 embarking on a new career with New York Life Insurance. My One Word - BASICS - went to a whole new level.
My faith has grown in ways that I couldn't fathom before. I've depended on God and others in ways that I didn't before. I've become more bold in my witness for Christ when I'm speaking with someone about the events from this year (or writing about them in this blog). I'm hungrier for more of God in my life. I'm more keen to those around me suffering a similar loss and desiring to minister to them.
Everything about 2018 drove me toward God and wanting more of Him in my life. Carole was already moving in that direction with her faith journey and was growing deeply in her relationship with the LORD. Now, the hope she had in Christ is fully realized!
I chose this word based on 1 John 5:4, John 16:33 and 1 John 4:4.
1 John 5:4 - "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith."
John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
1 John 4:4 - "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
In an earlier post titled Identity Theft, I wrote about how the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. 2018 will be a year in which I'll never forget! But, what the enemy meant for harm, the LORD will turn into a blessing.
Because of what JESUS did on the cross, I'm already an OVERCOMER. However, I know that in order to enjoy victory I need to exercise my faith everyday! I'm counting on God to see me through to the very end.
I'm still hurting and grieving DAILY. But I choose joy. I choose to trust in God. I choose to be an OVERCOMER because Jesus was. Why? Because He is a loving Father who is faithful and true to keep His promises.
So, what's your One Word that will keep you focused this year?
The biggest blessing of the year was the job change. However, at the time I didn't view it that way. In fact, I grieved over it for awhile. I don't know about other professions, but educators are heavily invested in people - mentally and emotionally. I had been a principal at one school for 14 years. A lot of investing occurred during that time. As a result, a lot of grieving happened too. This grieving process led to more prayer, more Bible reading, and more time with Godly men helping me seek out God's will.
As a result of the job change, Carole and I invested time in each other. We enjoyed more talks, more walks, a few trips to the beach, and more laughter. On one of the beach trips, Carole and I were sitting on the beach after dinner enjoying the sunset. I looked over to her and said, "I could get used to this." Referring to just the two of us being together like it all started out 23 years ago before children. One of the most BASIC things that happened this year was the gift of time in my marriage. God took me back to the BASICS in my relationship with my wife and it was wonderful. I believe that was a total act of grace by God.
October 7th - The LORD called Carole home. In an instant, my life changed. I was suddenly single, a widower, home school dad, with one in college, and at age 50 embarking on a new career with New York Life Insurance. My One Word - BASICS - went to a whole new level.
My faith has grown in ways that I couldn't fathom before. I've depended on God and others in ways that I didn't before. I've become more bold in my witness for Christ when I'm speaking with someone about the events from this year (or writing about them in this blog). I'm hungrier for more of God in my life. I'm more keen to those around me suffering a similar loss and desiring to minister to them.
Everything about 2018 drove me toward God and wanting more of Him in my life. Carole was already moving in that direction with her faith journey and was growing deeply in her relationship with the LORD. Now, the hope she had in Christ is fully realized!
So, my One Word for 2019 is OVERCOMER.
I chose this word based on 1 John 5:4, John 16:33 and 1 John 4:4.
1 John 5:4 - "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith."
John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
1 John 4:4 - "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
In an earlier post titled Identity Theft, I wrote about how the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. 2018 will be a year in which I'll never forget! But, what the enemy meant for harm, the LORD will turn into a blessing.
Because of what JESUS did on the cross, I'm already an OVERCOMER. However, I know that in order to enjoy victory I need to exercise my faith everyday! I'm counting on God to see me through to the very end.
I'm still hurting and grieving DAILY. But I choose joy. I choose to trust in God. I choose to be an OVERCOMER because Jesus was. Why? Because He is a loving Father who is faithful and true to keep His promises.
So, what's your One Word that will keep you focused this year?
I know about the concept of choosing one word to focus on for the year, but I’ve not done it before. I read a devotion this morning about someone who chose the word PRAY, and now I see that is a word you’ve chosen before too. I am thinking about that word for me, but I’m going to seek God about it some more before making it final. Thank you so much for sharing. You really inspire and encourage me.
ReplyDeleteGinger, I've found it to be a helpful exercise as I reflect on the previous year and look forward to the next one. Looking back it's been amazing to see how God used the word throughout the year. I look forward to hearing about your One Word!
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