HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
As we rapidly approach 2018, I invite you to try the practice of choosing a word for the new year! There are a variety of sites on the internet that also offer more information about this practice. For those of you who are new to my blog, you may find my original post about choosing a word in What is Your Word for 2017?
Choosing a word helps me become more mindful about how I live each day and how I plan my schedule. This past year with THRIVE as my guiding word, I became more physically fit, found roots in our new community, deepened in faith, and explored how to best thrive in my vocation. My word often helps me to discern when to accept opportunities and when to decline. The best part of choosing a word is that I begin to notice how God works through my word to teach and guide me.
There are many ways to find a word. You might begin by considering your heart’s desire- your hope for 2018. How might you like to grow or learn? What quality would you like others to see in you? What did you lack this year that you would like to increase this year? What would deepen you spiritually? What would increase your openness to God? What would bring you joy? Peace? What word would encourage reflection and awareness? What one way of living would you most like to change or enhance? Spend some time in contemplation or prayer to find the right word for you.
I usually choose my word in a verb form. Jim likes to choose a quality. It is helpful for me to look at lists of words and notice if any resonate. My word came to me about a month ago, and I will share it in January. I would love to know what word you choose!
Blessings on your journey of 2018!
HI Karen, I wanted to thank you for the Advent booklet. God has truly blessed you with the gift of writing! I enjoyed the readings each day and now that it’s finished, I know I’m going to miss them in my daily devotion time. I’ve never chosen a word for the New Year but I love that idea. I will definitely be thinking about it! Happy New Year!
Debbie Sheets
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Debbie, for your kind words of encouragement! ❤
LikeLike
Hi Karen. Thanks so much for your Advent blog. The words each day have meant a great deal to me. I have chosen a word for this year for the first time. Humility. I love how the word encompasses patience, absence of pride and servanthood. When I read your post on Dec 31st, the word came to me right away. Thanks!
Heidi
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Heidi, I’m grateful to know they blessed you. Humility has always been one of my favorite qualities to ponder. Along with Jesus, St. Francis is a great example of humility. I also read a book, “The Humility of God,” about God coming to us so humbly in Jesus. Your explanation blesses me… patience, servanthood, and absence of pride. Thanks for sharing, and blessings on your journey!
LikeLike