Twelve years ago, I read a book by Jon Gordon called One Word That Will Change Your Life.  This little book altered my perspective forever a about setting goals and making new year resolutions!

Resolutions vs. One Word

How well do you keep your New Year Resolutions? The mere thought of making a resolution conjures bad memories. I historically fail to keep them. Jon’s little book showed me a way to change my life from the inside out.  Jon’s One Word idea shifted me from a human “doing” into a human “being.”  What matters more is who I am becoming, not what I’m accomplishing!  One Word each year has strengthened my character and my walk with God.

When I review my One Word list, it instantly reminds me what happened that year. I can feel reactions. I can remember transformation. One Word kept me steady.  (A couple times, I couldn’t narrow it down to one word; I used two.  Grace, grace!)

God has used ONE WORD every year to keep me standing in faith that He is in control of the chaos. 

Let’s take a look at my One Words:

2023 – reveal

2022 – unity

2021 – capable

2020 – flourish

2019 – commit

2018 – diligence

2017 – intention

2016 – speak up

2015 – revival

2014 – purge

2013 – clarity

2012 – joyful energy

How Do I Get My One Word? 

In child-like faith, I ask God to give me His One Word.  And then I hear it!  

It’s like what happens when reading your Bible.  A passage or verse or word illuminates off the page (or screen).  No stress.  No overthinking it.  No asking a million questions. 

Wait. Expect. Listen.

When it comes, you’ll know.

God is always speaking to us. You may hear Him in a song, a sermon, a book or your Bible, a movie, a billboard or a nature walk. When you try this, you may hear the thought, “This is my imagination!”  

It’s not your imagination; it’s God speaking! 

God created us to create. To have ideas. To make things with our hands. To orate. To write. To think.  Most of the time the thought you’re having (when you’re asked Him a question), it’s is from God. We are fashioned in His image.  He is creative.  We are creative.

Ask God to confirm the One Word He speaks to you. And He will. 

You’ll hear it again somewhere.  You’ll read it again in a book or in the Bible.  No worries.  You’ll “know.” It will cross your mind. Again and again.

If you want to start the year with One Word, go to https://getoneword.com.  Click the “save” icon and come back to share your word. I’ll be watching for your comment when you’re ready! You can “get one word” this year, too! 

My 2024 One Word?

Stay tuned….