What’s Your One Word for 2012? A Faith Dare
When you make new year resolutions, do you think of who you are becoming more than what you want to be doing?
You wouldn’t think it’d be so difficult.
To choose one word. For the new year.
But, it is.
I’ve been trying on my one words for 2012, like a madwoman in a dressing room trying on clothes. Right before summer.
Does this fit right?
Is it me?
How in the heck do you wear this thing?
My first thought was to stick with last year’s One Word: confidence. I definitely need a continuing refill on that. But, is this what God wants me to wear new this year?
…Back to trying on more words.
A Soul Resolution
I flipped through my recent journals entries and looked at where my faith journey is pointing next.
I whittled it down to two.
Which one is it?
I made the decision to go with the one I feel least confident about.
The one that takes greater faith.
It’s not one I can easily do, but it’s one I wished was really true.
I call it my New Year’s “Soul Resolution“, because it’s more about living it out in my heart, rather than striving to accomplish a goal.
My One Word for 2012 is taken from Isaiah 62:4 –
“It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,”
nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”;
But you will be called, “My delight is in her,”…
For the Lord delights in you.“
His Answer
My One Word is: Delightful.
I am Delightful?
I came across this word in my friend Holley Gerth’s book, God’s Heart For You.
I couldn’t even say that sentence out loud: “In God’s heart, I am delightful.”
Here’s what Holley said –
“I frequently ask… What brings you joy? Delight, which is a synonym for joy, is powerful.
If you asked God the same question, what do you think He would say? As amazing as it may sound one of His answers would be “You”.
Not The Same
We’ve all got some mountains to climb this year, even though we all walk through different seasons of faith.
After an extended season of letting go, God is calling me to step out in new circles, friendships and adventures.
With each new beginning, I face my old giants again. Insecurities return. I feel the scar of the past.
It takes faith to walk out into the open fields again.
But, it’s different this time, God says. You are not the same Bonnie.
Faith has rebuilt my heart.
God’s love has healed me and I know He is strong enough to carry me through.
I feel the joy of His goodness and He’s brought me faith friends who understand and encourage me.
This time through, I want Jesus to make me new this way –
Delightful.
A Faith Dare
Like my boys who toddled their walk with first steps, I am opening my heart to learn too.
I am daring to walk as a woman who God tenderly whispers, “You are my delight.”
How will this happen? I am not sure, but I am confident He knows.
I am praying His word will settle deep in my soul and become a living part of me.
I’m asking myself how would I do life differently, if I really believed this were true?
I’ve begun brainstorming a list — A Faith Dare of Delight –
how I’d do things differently,
preferences I’d adopt,
what I’ll say no to,
what I’ll say yes,
things to enjoy, and
things to try.
Don’t worry. I don’t plan to do them all. Maybe one or two?
Who knows what ups and downs the new year will bring?
It doesn’t really matter.
Because after all, in God’s heart — I am delightful.
So are you.
And that’s all that matters.
I’m curious what the year ahead has in store for us. Together, we can share the journey. We can encourage each other in our One Words for 2012 — our Faith Dares for the year.
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What is One Word God is placing on your heart for 2012?
Pull up chair. It’s been ages since we last shared. Click to share a comment. I’m all ears.
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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***
*Today’s 1/5/12 Topic*
Share one word God is putting on your heart for the new year. (Here are last year’s One Wordsfor 2011. Click here.)
*Next Thursday’s 1/12/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on the One Word: Delight
Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.
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It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!
Sheryl on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Vikki Sapp on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Vicky on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Debbie on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
Katy on What I Killed & What I Want To Write Instead
My word for 2012 is chosen. I think delightful suits you more than you know!
What an incredibly timely post for me to read! I just selected my word (after much “trying on” myself!) & it is “gently”. I have prayed over this & my heart keeps coming back to gently. The line of scripture that keeps playing in my head is:
“Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God’s sight.”
1 Peter 3:3-5
I’m up for the challenge!
It’s great to “see” you posting again!
I already think you’re delightful Bonnie, and YES, your Father does too!! It’s so hard for us to FEEL that when we are so well acquainted with the inner workings of our own thoughts and attitudes. What a great word to have for 2012, to let God convince you it applies to you! Happy New Year!!
Shaunie Friday´s last [type] ..My Word for 2012: CHALLENGE
Your word reminds me of Zephaniah 3:17. God *does* find you delightful, friend. I didn’t link up because I don’t have a word impressed on my heart for this year. Maybe the Lord will give one in the next couple of weeks, or maybe I’m not listening well enough, or maybe He’s just working differently with me this year. At any rate, I pray you grow in love for Him as you receive His love and delight this year. Grace to you in Jesus, Bonnie!
tinuviel´s last [type] ..January {A Poem}
Bonnie, your word is great. It makes me think whimsy. Thank you for this…”I am praying His word will settle deep in my soul and become a living part of me.” It’ll be my prayer in my slow, deep breaths of “linger” – His word for my soul.
Jeri T.´s last [type] ..Our Week In Photos ~ Merry Christmas Everyone
Bonnie, I’m just now having the opportunity to add my comment. What a great word: delightful. But I have to say that …you are delightful. It’s such a pleasure to come and read your posts. You became more confident as you lived out your faith in Him so you’ve come to the point when you realize that you are delightful to Him. I’ve always loved the Zeph 3:17 Scripture but it’s true as we are believers in Him.
My one word for this year is …adventure. Last year mine was trust.
I have to remember that God is trustworthy as this new year begins. There will be twists and turns in my life but I’m clinging to my Lord. Adventures have their ups and downs and I can see it happening already. But I am making the choice to cling to Him through it all. I’ve not been viewing life as an adventure in the past as my fears encroach. But with HIs strength and His wisdom, I know I will make it through my year of living adventurously.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie´s last [type] ..One Word for 2012 ~ Adventure
It has been so long since I have used or even heard of the word delightful. It actually sounds very uplifting. This year I am breaking down my goal into monthly plans. I think this is a much effective way to change. Thank you for sharing.
Donna´s last [type] ..homes for sale in Malaysia
How I love this Faith Dare challenge, Bonnie! What a magnificent idea, to pick a defining word for 2012 and try to let what it signifies truly permeate our existence and remake us–I love it! There are so, so many words for me this year that I’ve been trying to pick one for days–but I think the two best ones are Trust and Courage–the two things I need most! I love yours, too! Blessings to you in this journey to live fully into our chosen words!
My word is HOPE. I have been in some hopeless situations over the past couple of years and i needy hope restored. I need my focus to change
My word is HOPE. I have been in some hopeless situations over the past couple of years and i need hope restored. I need my focus to change
I didn’t choose a word last year. I honestly didn’t understand what the whole thing was about – picking one word for the year. But this year as I stared down 366 that had little change of being much different than the 365 days I struggle through in 2011, I realized that the one the I wanted was Hope. I am finding after you stop hoping so you can save yourself from being hurt, it is really hard to start hoping again.
My one word is STAND . . . I have lived too many days afraid to fully be the woman God created. I am learning that I do not stand alone. I stand with Him and for Him! I stand with all the saints, unified in purpose, freedom and love. I cannot wait to see where the road of 2012 leads.
deliberate. i want everything i do this year to be deliberate and not be something i do out of a sense of obligation. that means saying no to things that aren’t necessarily my passion in order to make more room for what i get excited about. i actually put one of my blogs on hold for this very reason. i wasn’t enjoying it any more and that’s not fair to me or those who read it. this allows me to pour more into my main blog which i’m VERY excited about! i believe some great things are in store for it. so for this year i’m striving to be deliberate and actively working toward my finish year (if you’re a jon acuff fan) goals!
amber french´s last [type] ..as fast as she can
Hello Bonnie
!
God’s words for me this year are: joy, laughter & change.
Is a year for me to follow Jesus closer and as I follow his footprints I know I’ll live and adventure with him and that adventure includes joy, laughing with him and it surely includes change. So I’m excited about what we will do together!
I loved this blog post. I forgot to link up but my word was “adventure”. Here is a link to it: http://kristinemcguire.com/adventurous/
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..Do You Not See?
My one word for 2012 is “Closer”. I want to be closer to my Lord. I want Him to infuse me – body and soul. I prayed for a word and this is the word that came to mind. I am now doing a daily Bible study from Kay Arthur to give me guidance on how to pray more fervantly. Praise God. I am going to live my best life in 2012. God bless everyone and may God grant each of you your heart’s desire. Love in the Lord. Chris
My one word for the year is “Dedication”. I am opening my heart to God this year and committing to him to put him first and foremost in everything I do. This is new to me. I want to become dedicated.
I am also training for and plan to complete my first marathon. Therefore, Dedication.
What a great word for 2012! I’m ‘delighted’ to read your post on being delightful to God. My word for 2012 is “transformed”, as I feel God is changing me slowly, like a wiggly caterpillar into a lovely butterfly!
Ann´s last [type] ..Break Every Chain!
Courage. That is my word for the year. I love reading in the Book of Jacob where God says, Be strong and courageous! I tend to be shy and reserved and afraid to speak out or act. So, I feel encouraged that God is with me and His Word says, Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. And, 2 Chron. 15:7 But you be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.
Sobriety.
My word for the year is HOPE. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Psalm 9:18 May He remind me of how to keep hope alive for all His children.
Greetings,
I am a word woman and the word that God has place in me is “NEW”. I love everyones words…. Cultivate, Joy, Delight, … I love this …
Be Bless
Plezie
God has speaking a few words into my heart for 2012… Listen. Anointing. Wisdom.
But the one he is impressing on my writing is Wonder. Look for the wonder in the ordinary of our days. Because, like you said so beautifully… he wants to see us find delight.
Love your heartfelt writing! — Pam
Pam´s last [type] ..When Stars Come Out
It’s funny you said One Word instead of a resolution or goal. I was thinking the very same thing in December as I sat listening to friends & co workers discuss the same goals….lose weight, get out of debt, spend more time with family. One word continued to come to mind…..PASSION. What am I truly passionate about? And how can I incorporate that into everyday life and a career? I’ve started waking each day with the word on my mind. (Believe me , there are many other words that come to mind when the alarm goes off) PASSION…..to live each day with passion. To truly have passion for those people in my life. TO seek out what is passionate to me.
Thanks for this! This is an awesome way to look at the new year – not setting some weird goal that I probably won’t keep the whole year but challenging myself to grow stronger in the Lord and narrowing it down to something specific to work on not a vague promise. I really want to try this this year. I am going to start praying about my One Word God has for me this year!
I enjoyed your article. I think God has been trying to get me to “be” instead of “do do do” for quite awhile. I want to share a vision God gave my mom recently. She was walking up a staircase to a very large very old, worn door. She knew she wasn’t supposed to go in but she couldn’t help peaking so she cracked the door open slightly. The scene took her breath away. It was a banquet table so long it seemed to go out of sight & around it scurried angels in hurried preparations. Then she saw Jesus and as soon as she saw Him, He looked up and spotted her. She thought “uh-oh – I’ve been caught” but his face immediately lit up. He rushed over to the door, pulled it open and said in an excited voice ” I am so glad you are here! It’s almost ready! I’ve got so much to show you!” He was breathless, even almost sweating in His rushing around and He began to show her the banqueting table He was preparing – it was so beautiful it took her breath away. Everything was absolutely perfect, even down to every thread in the linen. He told her to sit, He wanted to serve her. She started to refuse but he insisted, He was delighted in her company, delighted to show her everything he was doing for her and delighted to serve her. It was His joy! Isn’t that amazing? We are to rest and delight in Him, but maybe He also wants to rest and delight in us! WOW!
My One Word for 2012 is actually two: Love Extravagantly taken from the Message Bible of I Corth. 13:13. It is scary and challenging! But, here we go…
Beautiful post! I love your word, but have decided that my word–and work–for the year will be APPLICATION. I am currently studying the Bible, attending school online, and working on my first book, BRUSSELS SPROUTS & LEMONADE. I aspire to live by the words that someone unknown so eloquently said, “May I live in such a way that those who know me but don’t know God will come to know God because they know me.” I pray that God’s Word will permeate my soul and help me to find the proper words to put down on paper just how much He means to me. After 106 relocations, 4 marriages, 2 molestations, 2 rapes, and much, much more, I have found a peace that I’ve never known before. My hope and my strength lie in God, and I know that He will see me through anything that may come my way. I feel like living, breathing proof that He is real, and I hope to share my testimony with anyone who might care to read it. My goal is to bring others to God and I pray that God will give me the strength and courage to share my story.
GRACE
“Bloom’ – I believe that this is the word God had laid on my heart for 2012. Last year it was ‘breathe’. I know that it is my time to bloom. He has laid so much on my heart and deposited so much in that it is now time for me to bloom into all that He has called me to be.
Leslie´s last [type] ..Join Our Censorship Protest!
Just discovered your beautiful blog and wanted to add that my word for 2012 is “Courage”. I have gone through so many changes in my life over the past several years. The main one, taking care of my elderly parents and dealing with their declining health. It is a very hard thing for me to see and wrap my heart around. So “Courage” is something I pray for every day. Thank you giving me a little space to say a few words.
Sally
This idea of a “one word” life focus is new to me. I actually have my own terminology and that’s my one “soul goal.” I, too, started with a list of 5 powerful words that could bring great change and improvement to my soul and daily living. God is so amazing in how he helped me narrow my choices. A couple I marked off as they were too narrow for me this year; that was “sufficient” and “acceptance.” That left me with “cultivation,” “freedom” and “restoration.” I prayed for guidance from God. I originally marked off “freedom” and was personally leaning towards the positive idea of of cultivation…this could be applied in just about every area of my life. Well, God had a different opinion…and a much better plan for me. I challenged my best friend to be my motivational, accountability companion during the “one word” journey and, like me, she was trying to come up with her soul goal as well. We were not going to discuss our word until we received the Lord’s confirmation. Well, my best friend and I were finishing up a Beth Moore bible study on James’ Mercy Triumphs and she told me that I should looking into Breaking Free. As I inquired about getting materials on Breaking Free, I received the sign from God of what my word would be. The night before deciding, I had added back in “freedom” to my list. The next morning, my best friend texted me her “three” (yes, three) words…they worked together like the Trinity…one of words was “freedom.” And when she texted me she also asked if we could do the Breaking Free walk together. Hello God! That was the sign; “freedom” was the one. Of all the words in the English language, God planned for my BF and I to end up with the same word, so we could walk the same walk at the same time. “Iron sharpens iron,” “Where two of three gather,” and a “Friend loves at all times.” Chill bumps were abound! Tears flowed. We couldn’t wait to meet and chat about our upcoming journey. I know that God is planning great “freedom” for us both, and what a beautiful, uplifting gift to be able to do this walk with my closest friend. As if he didn’t send us enough signs, I received a couple of blogs and heard Francesca B’s song “Free to be Me” repeatedly after we discussed. And God even fed the word “freedom” to my best friend through her devotional. How Great is our God! And how blessed I am to already have such support and motivation in working, hand-in-hand and soul-to-soul with my best friend, towards “freedom.” God bless each of you as you continue your one word journey!
My word for this year is joy. I had a pretty rough 2011, filled with disappointments. I allowed others to hold the key to my happiness and to rob me of my happiness. This year I decided I only have one life to live. God gave me this life. I will not waste any more moments given to me by God. God help me I will have joy. It is hard. Thoughts and hurtfull memories are with me every moment. But I keep reminding myself that I have to live in this moment and make the most of it. I cannot lose this moment in negative thoughts about what they did to me. I will not allow them to control my happiness. I will have joy and I want to be a joy for those around me.
I’ve done this for a number of years. I have two words for 2012…venture and determination.
My one word this year is ‘INTENTIONAL’ to be more intentional in relationships, in centering into what is most important, writing hand written notes or make phone calls. To become MORE INTENTIONAL in all that I do with a thought process behind it. Two years ago my word was GRIEF and that year fullfilled that ‘prophecy’ then last year was REST and believe me we had lots of opportunity to rest through many difficult things, so this year it is INTENTIONAL.
My word is JOY b/c I believe I’ve lost some of that in this journey of life. I will be intentional about being joyful from the inside out and allow His love to burst out in Joy through me for all those around me. Thanks you for this dare – I truly needed it.
My life verse: Ecc 3:11 He has made all things beautiful in its time….
Contentment is my word for the year in Christ.
My scripture for the year is;
Psalm 46:10
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Blessings to all
Thank you for your post today – I so needed to hear it! I, too, decided at the beginning of this faith-filled journey called life that I needed a new word to get me through it and chose GRACE
I’m so honored to be amongst other christian bloggers and hope to find your personal blogs to learn more about you and share our faith together in friendship and fellowship. Last year was a tumultuous one and the “last straw” was 2 very close friends needing a sacrificial lamb for a person issue of theirs. Rather than trust in Him to find a way, I was publicly accused and ostracized – by women of the church. I had never felt such emotions so raw – such hurt, betrayal, even anger, extreme sadness and crying for days saying “Why, why, why! I dont’ understand!” until I came to realize this was one of those God moments. A light bulb went off and this was a true lesson in humility, passion for this faith, and COMpassion. I am telling you, God as my witness, I marched right up to both of them and said that I loved them no matter what, that this was one of this most painful lesson in humility I’ve ever experienced (and reallllly hope not to experience EVER again!) but that I am never, ever going to look down upon them or love them any less and just trust in Him to get me through this with all the GRACE I can muster. Even as I walked away to 2 faces of complete shock, I knew that God was leading my heart and that this year, I’m embracing that gift of life and fellowship and talking to anyone – everyone – about the God I know and love as my Savior and being more open to others about his unconditional love. Embrace it! He loves us with such GRACE!
Kelly S´s last [type] ..I got into a scrap today ………
My word for 2012 is PATIENCE.
Waiting on GOD to do big things in my life and not relying on my own actions in vain.
Kaitlin @ Perceptions & Passions´s last [type] ..God Sent Me A Used Vacuum
Hi Bonnie, I came here through (in)courage. Thanks for your Delightful post. I have a tough time grappling with the fact that God finds me delightful. I am glad it is true, that He delights in us. It is a balm for the soul. My word is Still. Be still and know that I am God . Ps 46:10. I have a tendency to apur into activity, be efficient and prodcutive. It takes me away from facing issues. It becomes a source of confidence. I need to be still and know my worth is based on who God thinks I am- a delight.
Thank you for your sweet post.
P.S. I love coffee too, the local (Singaporean) brew. Vietnamese drip expresso is oo la la too.
Cellina
Just caught up with your blog via (in)courage.
What great comments!
Nearly 3 weeks into January before deciding my 2012 word is ‘open’ – not what I’d envisaged but God has a way of nudging me in the right direction.
Blessings to you.
Took me awhile to respond to this but I have a few words that describe what I believe are appropriate for me in 2012. The main one is courage and the second one is peace. I took a leap of faith in 2011 by leaving a career I had been in for 23 yrs that I believe had served it’s purpose in it’s time. I had to dig down deep and trust in God to venture out as a middle age woman, into a new career path that historically has been for the younger generation. I am pioneering a new path and have met with a wide range of experiences and emotions that have made me question my decision. Courage and peace, knowing God is with me no matter what happens. With shaking and trembling feet, I stepped out in faith and remind myself that God is helping me have courage to follow my heart and to know His peace and presence will be with me no matter what happens.
My word is surrender – a blessed experience to find your blog before I had a 2 day retreat and for God to lead me to find my word. Thank you for your service to his kingdom.
My word this year is TRUST – complete and undeniable trust in God.
Laura Rath´s last [type] ..My One Word for 2012 – Trust
My life seems to be in a tangle of pieces so my word is wholeness…..
I love your word, Faith. And I agree with many others who have commented…YOU are a DELIGHT to us! I love reading your blog; thank you for sharing your heart with us. You are inspiring.
My Word for 2012 is TRUST. Being the mom of a teenager that is struggling with several issues, some of which can be life altering for our entire family, I find myself on my knees several times a day and have come to the point where I realize that all I can do is TRUST God that He is in control and that He has great plans for her and for our whole family. His timing is not my timing and His ways are not my ways; but I need to TRUST that His timing and His ways are best! I am trying to be Thankful (can we have 2 words?) daily for all of the little things and to focus on those rather that the mountains that I see looming up ahead.
Thank you again, Faith for being faithful to God and reaching out to others with your gift of writing.
Sorry I am late – but my word is TRUST. I know that I love God, but I don’t completely trust him. I give him everything and then slowly start taking things back one-by-one. Not because I think I can do better, because I have proven I cannot. But, because I am afraid or because it isn’t being done in my time.
Teresa´s last [type] ..Follow Me
I have only just got round to posting this…but my one ward, since the beginning of the year, is ‘Mercy’ aka ‘Loving kindness’. It’s an area I’m challenged in. Being kind isn’t my default pattern of behaviour (more like ‘put up, shut up and get on with it).
Didn’t see ‘mercy’, surprisingly, in the word shape. Perhaps because, unlike me, most of the women here are already kind and merciful and are aspiring to higher spiritual goals…?!
It has taken a long time for me to settle on my One Word for this year. My word is Emerge. After 30+ years of longing to be a missionary, training and taking “baby steps” for the past 4 years, this year I’m asking Jesus to make me new by helping me EMERGE. Much like a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, it’s time for me to unfold my wings, step out of the old clothes, old thought patterns, old hindrances, old habits — and fly. God has been doing his transforming work in my chrysalis stage. This is the year for me make the breaking-out moves –with His help!
Job 23:10 (CEB)
Surely he knows my way; when he tests me, I will emerge as gold.
Really interesting to see how many different ‘words’ there are.
Angie in Guernsey´s last [type] ..Vulnerable…