Wednesday, January 01, 2014

One Word 365

If you could choose one word to focus on, for the entire year of 2014, what would it be? 

That's the premise of #OneWord365: instead of making a list of New Year's Resolutions, you choose one word, interpret it however many ways you like, and focus on it for the whole year. It can be as highly specific or as vague as you want it to be.

There are no rules about what you should do with this word. You can pray about it, write about it, sing about it, it's up to you. 

Just one word, for an entire year.

One. Word. 365 days.

For 2014, after much thought and prayer, I've finally figured out that my word for 2014 is intentional.



This one is pretty self-explanatory: my goal for the year, my focus for the year is to be more intentional.

Why intentional?

The word really chose me. I knew that my word would have something to do with being more purposeful in everything that I do, but I had three options floating around, including intentional. I had kind of decided that that was going to be my word, but then one morning I saw the word intentional four times and that cemented it.

It's been on my heart that too often I do things without thought to their purpose. Granted, I'm pretty good at thinking of the consequences of my actions, but sometimes I also forget about the purpose of my actions: I read my Bible every day as part of my spiritual discipline (and I enjoy it) but it's not often that I stop to consciously consider that reading my Bible serves to create intimacy with God.

It means that instead of trying to control the outcome, I am instead focused on the input, on the purpose, for I know that while I may sow or I may water, God is the one who gives the growth (1 Cor 3:6-9).

Focusing on this word, intentional, mandates that I carefully consider my every action, my every thought. It makes me resolve to approach life with renewed purpose. Every step that I take is taken deliberately. Intentionally.


Be blessed and shine intentionally!

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P.S. It's not too late to join in! Go to oneword365.com for details!

6 comments:

  1. It's so ironic that your word is intentional because, so is mine! For the past month, God has been whispering that word in my heart over and over and it's been challenging me to be intentional with EVERY THING that I do and even further more, to seek Him in everything that I do (even something as small as grocery shopping or what to wear! It's amazing how incredibly interested He is in every aspect of our lives!).

    I pray that God's grace will go with both of us as we aim to be intention in 2014!! Best wishes!! =)

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    1. Hi Celeste! Intentional was on my heart for a while too! I just wasn't sure if it was *the* word. And your challenges echo mine as well!
      Best wishes for your year of living intentionally!

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  2. My word for the year is also "intentional." I spent so much time, in the last year, worried about different situations and it's time for me to 1. truly trust God and 2. stop worrying so much about trying to please everyone else and to be focused on just doing what I know is the right thing (and taking the time to figure that out before I leap). I am really looking forward to slowing down, listening for God and then moving on. Happy 2014!

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    1. It's so great that we're doing the same word! And I know exactly what you mean about slowing down and listening. I think intentional will make us both focus a bit more on each moment, and hear what God is saying more.

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  3. My words is Priority! Getting this crazed life of mine under control and subject to God's will and purpose for my life. Choosing Him as my priority and then placing first things first! Looking forward to this year!

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    1. Hi Angela! I was JUST about to comment on your blog that I have a One Word too! My goal for the year is to be much more intentional in all things that I do. I'm so excited to see how the year turns out!

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A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! -Prov 15:23