Guest post today from/about a couple of online and real life friends of mine.
Mary and Sue: Autumn 2013
Every year I ask God about the One Word He wants me to focus on. It always keeps me grounded and reminds me of the direction God pointed me in, especially when life gets scattered and confusing.
Last year I was nervous when the word laid on my heart was “growth.” I know that growth can be painful and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now I look back and see all the areas that I grew in and I think that the proof of that growth is an incredible sense of contentment. I don’t feel pushed or pressured, I know that God is preparing me for what’s ahead. That leads me to my word for this year.
“Believe.”
Not really sure what that will mean but I’m ready for the journey. As long as He is with me, and I know that He is, I have peace.
Now, here’s Mary…
One Word – That’s All It Takes
I always tried to be a New Year’s Resolution kind of girl. I am a list-maker by nature so I thought, “How hard could it be to make a list of goals and stick to them?” Every year, for many, many years, I would set my goals, type out my pretty list (color-coded and beautiful fonts, of course!) and tape it to my bathroom mirror or office wall. A couple of weeks into January of the New Year, I would find myself making “adjustments” to my goals because, well, the goals were always too lofty and unattainable.
Meh.
But back in 2010 I had finally realized that I wasn’t a great goal-maker, especially when it came to New Year’s resolutions. At the time, I was reading a blog called Grit and Glory and Alece mentioned that she didn’t like New Year’s Resolutions either. GASP! Someone else hated them?! I could actually say it out loud? It was a miracle!
She wanted to start a new thing – everyone pick ONE WORD to concentrate on for the coming year and then take a moment every few months to update each other. I was so excited! Several of us were very excited. You know, even as I was typing this post, I was shocked to realize that I’ve been participating in this OneWord365 movement for almost 5 years now.
You may be wondering why you should participate. You may be asking yourself if it’s something you can follow through on. You may be questioning the value of participating. That’s okay. I think at some point, we all have asked those same questions.
One of the main reasons I participate is that OneWord365 is a beautiful community of people who have a heart to share, encourage and come alongside you. Everyone is a great support to one another. I have people from other countries, other states, other nationalities taking a moment to say, “Great job, Mary!” or “You can make it!” every time I post on the site. Someone is in my corner. That’s a big deal.
As well, I can find others who have a similar word to come alongside for the year. It gives me the opportunity to encourage and even inspire others to press into their own words and stay the course all year long. So you give and you receive. It’s a win-win as far as I’m concerned.
After all, we are all in this thing together, right? We need one another to make it through the journey we call life. OneWord365 gives us all a place to meet up to share, encourage, lift up and draw inspiration.
So you want to be part of this but you have no idea what to do?! I’m here to help you! Discover what your OneWord365 will be for 2014, go to the OneWord 365 website and sign up to participate. Then, throughout the year, give updates via your blog, website, and/or theOneWord365 Facebook page so we can participate in your journey!
Come on! Won’t you join us? I hope to see you there!
Mary
About Mary:
Mary is a creative spirit, gifted speaker, loyal wife and loving mother dedicated to furthering the message and mission of Jesus. A Kentucky native living in Summerville, South Carolina, Mary is an active member of New Day Community Church – where she serves on staff as a Pastoral Assistant and Director of Events & Communication. When she’s not working, Mary enjoys reading, blogging (The Heart of the Matter) and spending time with her husband and two children. And coffee. She really loves coffee.
