About the Author

Mary is a writer and speaker who lives for good books, spicy queso, and television marathons – but lives because of God’s grace. She writes about giving up on perfect and finding truth in unexpected places at MaryCarver.com. Mary and her husband live in Kansas City with their two daughters.

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  1. Intentional! It’s something that’s been on my heart a lot lately …. being more intentional with my time, with my words, with all of my life …. so yeah, Intentional it is!!

  2. My word is PEACE. Oh, how I need it. That peace of God that passes all understanding. Peace that will infuse my thoughts, my words, my actions, my reactions.

  3. My word is not just one, its 3 words, Hedge of protection! This is a prayer over my home and my husband and children. Happy New year!

  4. Gratitude

    My word for 2014 is gratitude . . . and the intentional nurturing of that attitude throughout the year. “God has a perfect plan for our lives, but he cannot move us to the next step until we joyfully accept our present situation as part of that plan.” (Merlin Carothers) Joyful acceptance springs from gratitude.

    • Sharon, that quote is beautiful…and challenging…and SO MUCH what I have been learning in my own life over the past couple of years. Thank you for sharing!

  5. {LOVE} To be so FULL of God’s love, I could not fathom speaking an unkind word or committ an unkind deed! Join me in my quest!? #2014 #NewYearsResolution #AcceptTheChallenge @rains_rachel

  6. I think my word may be DEEPER.
    I think God has been busy these past few years pulling up entangled weeds of sin, drawing out thorns of past hurts and removing brambles of fear from my heart. I think this year He says DEEPER, let’s go deeper into my love, deeper in relationships with others, deeper into God’s Word, deeper in prayer and live a life that is more deeply rooted and established in His love.
    Yes, my word is deeper. I will weigh things against whether or not they will take me deeper into Him.
    I am now accountable to this!
    X

    • Ruth, I think this is such a brave declaration and goal! And definitely what He calls us to every day! Deeper…I’m thinking about your word deeply today! 🙂

  7. Pleasing. Although I don’t want to be a pleaser of people, I want my actions and thoughts to be pleasing to God.

    • Great word – and great clarification. Learning – and living – the difference between pleasing men and pleasing God is so huge! (And one I’m still working on!!)

    • Jenny – have you ever read Mark Batterson’s book “In a Pit, With a Lion, on a Snowy Day”? Given your word pursue, it might be the perfect read!

      • Toni, I love that you mentioned this book! It’s one that was totally life-changing for me – and something I wrote about in one of my very first (in)courage posts! 🙂

  8. Determination ….. Iam in control of me .. Iam determined to make each day the best it can be and not complain about it …Pray more and be focused on good positive things… With Gods help I will succeed.. Happy New Year

  9. Gratitude! I’m tired of being bogged down with how I think things should go and feeling bitterness. OVER IT!!

  10. My word is Grace. I need it, I need to extend it to others more freely, and I know that it is only by His grace that I am still in this world, because He has a purpose for me. This past year I have grown in His word, but I still have a long way to go….especially in the area of extending grace – when I am hurt or angry.

    • I’ve been learning this one, too, Debbie. It’s so hard to accept and to extend – and so vital to living fully in Him! Praying you are blessed by so much grace in every area this year!

  11. My word would have to be Challenge. It will be a challenge for me to change, a challenge to care, and a challenge to live. I have went through a lot in the year 2013. I have become bitter, angry and down right hateful to others…I just want to change my attitude back to the old me…the one that was happy….the one that was caring and kind and understanding. So my word this year is going to be Challenge!!

    • It shows a lot of love for yourself to be aware of such intense emotions. You CAN do this…. let go and let God….peace

  12. The word God gave me for this year is “listen.”

    Not to myself. Not to my negative, fearful thoughts. Just … listen … to Him.

  13. ‘love’

    Cos without ‘charity’ we have nothing. And, God is LOVE, HIMSELF. So, ‘love’.

    🙂

    • “God is in the details” – one of my favorite sayings – we have that in common as well as our ‘one word’ Kim 🙂

  14. My word for 2014 is elegance. I want to be elegant and gracious in representing The Lord to everyone I interact with this year.

  15. DEDICATED

    My word for this year will allow me to be dedicated to deepening my relationship with my Lord and Savior, dedicated to my spouse and marriage, dedicated to my daughter and dedicated to finding employment and once I have a job, dedicated as an employee, dedicated to the ladies I lead in Grief recovery. So many things that I can be DEDICATED to for 2014!

    • Yes! I was just saying to someone else that I love how God shows us that ONE word can cover all areas of our lives and hearts. Dedicated is a great example – and a great goal for 2014!

  16. SHINE
    “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16 (MSG)

  17. God has given me a word every year for the last few years. For this year the word is ENOUGH.. He will fill all my needs…he is enough for me, to grab onto and go deeper with and no more worldly distractions………………….. I totally love the Lord and do get excited about the words he gives me… be blessed sisters in Christ… 😉

  18. Laughter is my word for 2014
    These past couple years have been very hard and I’ve been serious minded with all of the difficulties. How fun can that be to my son, a 12 year old boy? I need to take some time to make some fun for us. I don’t want to be the somber faced person who makes Christianity look like no fun ever.

    • Monica, this is a great goal! I’ve thought a lot about this topic lately, too – about how much I used to laugh with my husband and how super serious I’ve gotten over the years. Being an adult is hard, sure, but Jesus came so we could live life to the full – and I can’t help but believe that includes joy and laughter!

    • Erin, Deut. 33:12 comes to mind as I read your word REST…”Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him(her) all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”
      May you find your rest in Him!

  19. Excellent post! God has led me to my word of the year since 2006…. This year, my word was not as easy to embrace, but I am working on it. My word this year: PATIENCE. Seriously, who would intentionally choose patience? If you like, I invite you to read the story about this year’s word… http://yourpathmatters.com/ypm-blog/.

    • Um, yes – who WOULD choose patience? 🙂 Sometimes I think God pushes us in the very best ways, though, when He asks us to embrace His challenges like this! Can’t wait to hear how PATIENCE makes a difference in your life this year!

  20. Obedience: I want to be obedient to God’s calling, where He tells me to go, what he calls me to do and say. If I will focus on being obedient, everything else will fall into place.

    • This is my word too. I have the opportunity to do something amazing and wonderful but also terrifying and I am uncertain if it will be the best thing for my family, but, I’m going to be obedient and follow the road God has laid out and trust Him.

  21. FIT – I am to FIT more into my life and to be FIT in many ways. FIT – Faith, Involvement, Trust

    • No hard and fast rules here, Wendy. If God’s laying a phrase on your heart, then that’s your Word! 🙂 Praying healing and trust and healing trust for your 2014!!

  22. Purpose(d)
    …tired of regrets and doubts. I need to trust that when I pray about a situation, the outcome is as a result of His purpose and be thankful for it.

  23. Actually, I thought I would add to my word BEGIN, which I listed above, this acrostic poem called New Beginnings. I think it helps to use one’s word in a way that is memorable to your specific situation at the year’s start, and then see what God does. So….if you will indulge me, here ’tis.

    New Beginnings
    by Lynn D. Morrissey

    Now, as I
    Emerge from my chrysalis,
    Wings still wet and weighted, still needing to be primed and pumped and filled
    with life and
    Blood and strength, before I rise air-borne, I
    Envision possibilities–what shape dried wings will take before lifted up with air,
    what horizons eyes will see when searching high above the
    Ground, high above outmoded patterns, ways of being.
    I take time now to picture and plan, practice and prepare,
    Not taking to the skies before my time,
    Not aborting my flight through over-eagerness, unsteadiness. Only
    In patience, in measured waiting, in pulsèd stillness, my
    New beginning will come—suddenly,
    with a rush of wind, a whirl of wonder, in God’s own
    Good and perfect time. And because I will be ready, I will
    Soar!

    • Wow, I love this word, Krista. I just looked it up in dictionary.com and there are a number of rich meanings….and the word derives from the Latin and French, meaning two arms. There are so many wonderful metaphors in this word God has given you. Also it would be neat for you to write an acrostic poem (alpha poem) w/ EBRACE as the spine around which you wrap the flesh ot the poem…..or maybe EMGRACEHIM…..wherever God should lead. When I wrote NEWBEGINNINGS, on which you commented above, I had no idea where God would lead that, but He revealed more of His desires for me through that “exercise.” God bless you, Krista, as you embrace Him and all He has for you in 2014.
      Fondly
      Lynn

      • Well, I meant EMBRACEHIM and not EMGRACEHIM…..but emgrace is kind of a neat word too! =]
        L.

  24. After prayer, and considering last years (2013) trials and victories, I choose grace. God extended His mercy and grace to me in such a special way. I am sure it defines my existence. In 2013 I chose “Charity” (love), and my life was changed by focusing on this #oneword365 . It’s true what you say:
    “It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your one word will shape not only your year, but also you. It will become the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps. Discover the big impact one word can make. One word. 365 days. A changed life.” Thank you is the least I can say.

    My 2014 is GRACE.

    • It’s only been in the last year or so that I’ve contemplated God’s grace in an real way, Debra. I’m excited to hear what He teaches you this year!

  25. When I first read this, I thought…what a great idea. And I thought to myself, I’ll have to think about what my one word will be. But “kind” immediately popped into my head at that moment, so kind it is. I have a busy job @ a busy medical school attached to a busy hospital. I tout an “open door” policy to all with whom I work…medical students, interns, residents, attendings, administrators, clergy, maintenance workers, housekeeping, etc…you name it, and in the course of a day, I may at some point speak to any/all of those people. I have been told repeatedly, by random people walking by, and those with whom I work, that I have the most beautiful office (interior design/textiles background – can’t help it). I don’t use the glaring overhead florescent lighting, I have lamps and area rugs, and photos of friends and family and homages to my faith scattered all around. I have so much “stop-in” traffic, that I even printed a photo of Lucy, from the Peanuts/Charlie Brown comic strip, sitting in her booth with “the doctor is in – psychiatric help 5 cents” sign, and put it in a frame.

    There have been many times in the past when I was so inundated with work, that I would be tempted to gently usher folks out, so I could get back to work, but I’d sit and listen anyway, not necessarily with much “inner” peace, patience and understanding. There are so many things I could write about here, detailing my journey to where I am today, the prayers, the tears, the waiting…but every prayer has been answered! There has been blood, sweat and tears on this continuing journey. I have been in some very uncomfortable situations, and have had to work very hard to overcome a rather burdensome past. You know what I mean, I’m sure, as each of you are on your own journey.

    I have a beautiful framed photo on my wall, from a very dear friend, who personally took the picture of a lone rose growing out of the stone wall of the garden tomb in Jerusalem. She captioned it on the surrounding mat with the bible verse about blooming where you are planted, and I like to think that I have done just that. After two and a half years without the promised part-time assistant my position was supposed to have, my work load was decreased last summer, by about half, so you see…the Lord has given me even more time to listen, to learn, to offer support and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on…to all comers. So, my friends, I will strive in this upcoming year to be kind to all, and do it with a joyful heart, and to continue to bloom where I am planted. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you today. May God bless you and keep you 🙂

  26. gentleness is the word God gave me for this new year! It is an attribute I really want to develop!

  27. “Grace” Undeserved by me but lavishly given me by my Lord. Now my turn to pay that Grace forward to those around me.

    • You can’t out-give God, Helen so the more grace you give away, the more you will receive. I’m smiling at the thought of those who will be the recipients of your acts of grace in the coming year 🙂

  28. Healthy.
    I am choosing this word so I can be healthier in body, mind and spirit. Healthier relationships and to grow in spirituality. Make healthier food choices and use of my time.

  29. My one word is JESUS! To be more like Him, to praise Him, to love as He does to ALL people. To trust Him with ALL my life and to tell others about Him. Yup, my one word is Jesus….

  30. What a lovely, beautiful idea. I am not only choosing one word for this year–God has been leading me to make some very specific goals related to my writing and to intentional relationships this year–but even before I read this post a word had been hovering above all the practical minutia I’m sorting through.

    So my word for 2014 is CHOOSE.

    I have been passive, “laid-back” and afraid of being myself, afraid of making choices and sticking to them even if others can’t see what God is doing in me. In 2014, with God’s grace and help, I want to step out and make those choices, open my heart and life to new things, and walk into them with confidence (or at least determination).

    • Sarah, that is a fantastic – and brave – word! Choosing, with God’s help, is a big deal!! Can’t wait to hear how He uses this word and focus in your life this year!

  31. Significance! God led me to see that in order for me to be intentional about the things I do or how I treat people, I need to seek and honor their significance first through God’s eyes. I want to deepen and act out my understanding of being made in God’s likeness and therefore work, sing, teach, love, write, etc. w/ SIGNIFICANCE because everything I do and everyone I encounter matters to Him.

  32. Grace. I have an incredibly difficult time accepting Grace from God and. Others. I desire this year to be different.

    • I love how one word can mean several things, Deanna! Thank you for sharing – and explaining what you mean. It’s so cool to see how God can use one word for so many parts of our lives and hearts!!

  33. Heart.

    That’s my word. I want the Lord to deal with my Heart. I’m giving Him this Heart and trusting for an Obedient, Submissive, Surrendered, Caring, Forgiving, Loving, Patient, Faith-filled Heart.

    Thanks Mary for this reminder.

  34. This will be my fifth year of one word. My, how time does fly! In 2010 my word was cherish, 2011 – wholehearted, 2012 was move, and 2013 – jump. This year I’m choosing to continue a path God and I have been on for quite some time, with

    Simple

    • I chose MOVE a couple years ago, Tee. YES, the time does fly – which is one more reason to love the idea of holding onto one Word from Him for a year!

    • Ohhhh, yes, I am a sister control freak, Dawn! So choosing surrender is a brave goal – good for you! I hope you’ll update us on how God uses this focus to change your heart and your year!!

  35. This is my 4th year to choose one word. However, this year one word couldn’t seem to do the job. My “one word” is let go. I know I could use, surrender or submit, but somehow those do not fit.
    So the banner over 2014 for me is let go.
    Happy 2014!

  36. Last year I chose listen, because I need to become a better listener, to God and to others. I am still working on that word as I enter this new year.
    I chose for 2014 “attentive”, because I want to be more attentive to what God is saying, showing me, teaching me, pushing me, and to the details of the world around me. I also need to be attentive to my own needs, my own story, and how I can make a difference in the world.

  37. I shared this idea with a dear friend and she chose 2 words, Determined and Persevere. She does not have a computer to link into this, but I shared with her the information and the comments and now I am sharing her words.

  38. I’ve never participated in the One Word movement… actually, I’ve never heard much about it until this year. It seems for the past couple months I continue to see posts and tweets about it. I shrugged it off initially, but then began pondering what my word would be IF I chose One Word to focus on in 2014. I’m not a blogger or a good writer and it seems that a lot of people participating in the movement are. Immediately, I disqualified myself from even contemplating One Word (crazy I know, but that’s been my mentality lately). Nevertheless, I continued to ponder what word I would choose IF I chose one. The word that kept coming to mind seemed so different from other words that have been chosen (believe me, I’ve read about and researched the One Word site many times to see what others have chosen). But the word and Psalm 147:3 keeps surfacing. So, IF I chose OneWord for 2014 it would be HEALING… complete healing in every aspect of my life. I’m hopeful that 2014 will be a year of HEALING… of my brokenness; of my bitterness and anger; of my grieving heart; of a relationship in particular and other relationships; of my spirituality; of my physical body; of my mind and emotions… a whole healing.

    • I pray for your healing – your journey, travels and the arrival of your healing. Amen.

  39. TRUST is my word. Being able to trust that God is in control and has a great plan for me.

  40. My word for this year is “present”. I will be fully there…wherever my “there” may be~at a basketball game, at home playing a game with my kids, homeschooling, Sunday school, church. I will enjoy the here and the now.

  41. My one word for 2014 is “Focus”
    My verse for the year that relates to my word is Habakkuk 2:2-3

  42. After much thought…and too many days when I thought that the only honest word I’d ever come up with would be ARRRGGHHHH!, I heard it…

    listen…
    to God…

    and for my children:
    listen…
    first…without arguing…
    to adults and to God.

    Ahhh…we need some quiet before Him.

  43. Disciplined.

    In regards to my eating, my reading through the Bible, my dealing with people, and my tendency to procrastinate at work and at home on projects.

  44. Determined – Determined to live the life God gave me. To finish the books He has placed inside of me. Determined to read the Word more, create the healthy body I desire, to love the life I have and enjoy every waking moment with those He has placed in my path. I am determined to love more, laugh more, travel more, and reach out more to those around me. I am determined!

  45. They say my “Spiritual Gift” is humor. Well as gifts may go it prohibits grace in many situations. My sarcasm, cynicism is a masquerade for what I long for – Grace. He had grace for the woman in the crowd that touched his robe. He gave freely of His energy to her. I want to start longing for grace and start giving it… to feel the power go to someone else. To use “humor” as an energizing spirit… not one to diminish or take away from someone’s present feelings. So grace, with or without humor…. grace – to seek, to receiving, to be forgiven.

    • Ooooh…as a sarcastic person, your choice is so convicting to me! I’ve never thought about how grace and humor are – or are not – connected. Thank you so much for sharing!

  46. I actually chose my word before I knew about this challenge… and then when I went to the OneWord365 site, I saw my word everywhere… PURPOSE. They do this challenge to help people find purpose and live intentionally, and that’s why I chose my word – to make more purposeful decisions. Definitely a God thing… 🙂

  47. Wow, these are some fantastic words! Mine for 2014 is MOVE, for many different reasons, plus it was the first one that popped into my mind when I started to think and pray about One Word for this year.

  48. My one word is “create.” This one word covers many facets of my life, what I believe, and what I need to do. I have not been involved with one word before, but I have always done resolutions for the new year. It will be interesting to see if this actually changes anything. I might even have to journal about it.

    • Oh, I think that is a wonderful idea…to journal about it. It will be so amazing to look back at the year and see what God really did create. Sometimes we cannot always see what He has done until we look back on it! 🙂

  49. My word for 2014 is Hope. To point others to the source of hope, to give and receive and see Hope.

  50. My one word for 2014 is “Share”. Many different reasons, but one word that has been a constant in my heart and on my mind.

  51. I shared this with some sixty plus relatives and friends. I’m going through very hard times in many ways and my sweet hubby too ESP health wise and I show decline from my traumatic brain injury and my husband has a diagnosis of a probable tumor on pituitary gland with terrible headaches. Our money is tight and my brain is broken. I cry. Forget. Trouble walking. Seizures. Case not settled. Crippled. Vision changes. Personality changes. Memory. Don’t get it lots of times. No fight nor flight. Had sudden cardiac arrest five months ago yet they don’t know why and CPR done by surgeon removing growths started after five seconds no pulse. No pulse at thirty seconds. Terrible seizures. Felt abandoned for I was alone. People too busy but me too sick. So in all this I’ve been choosing to write letters and emails to encourage others. Best friend betrayed me in my hour of need. But God has shown me true love of Christ in other and old friends and has me catch messages not to cling to those not good for my fragile state. So what word do I choose when I see my doctor and EVERY week something major arises for me to deal with and even HE gets tears that its a lot…my word???
    BLESSINGS
    Out of this time of mud pits, ashes, wilderness, mockery by friends, faith ridiculed as not enough I must look to all the blessings I DO have from The Lord. I write as the Holy Spirit urges me…and I get notes Oh your note came at the exact moment….
    I write a snail mail note to encourage and forget I’ve written it but I get a call it meant so much
    If my life, given back though so little I can do like before, can bring someone blessing and turn eyes to Jesus then that is my blessing. Then daily I can find blessings in a bed to lie in with my brace on in daytime so I don’t have to take it off and on, for a faithful friend who gives me rides, for long talks with my mom, for my husband singing Be Ye Glad when my heart was breaking and tears would not stop…and he prayed over me and I relaxed in bed and tears stopped, that after an hour of paralysis last night, I was given back speech and swallowing and that is a blessing, pansies popping their heads up bring brightness to my view, blessings. Gods blessings to me. Others blessings to me. Make me Lord a blessing to others today. Blessings.

    • Oh Gwen, I’m so very sorry for all that you’re going through – and SO inspired by your determination to focus on blessings instead. That is beautiful, and I’m so grateful that you’ve shared with us today. Praying God’s healing and peace and many blessings to you and your husband this year!

    • Gwen, I’m so sad for all you have had to go through recently. Praise God for always bringing blessings even in the hardest times, and for allowing us to be a blessing to others. Praying God will overflow your cup this year and show you how loved you are.

  52. “Learn” I want to learn new techniques in the crafts I love but more importantly I want to learn to know God’s voice, learn to obey, learn to change!

  53. I love this. I do this too, and funnily enough last year my word was enough. At the start of the year I thought it was God’s way of telling me that the friendship I had with a man I love had to be enough, that I should stop trying to turn it in to anything more. But by the end of the year, though I found that to be true, that word had so many layers and so many meanings in practically every area of my laugh that I don’t think I can leave it in last year, it will be a word that whispers softly in my heart for the rest of my life. This year, my word has yet to find me… I can feel God pushing me in to a year of action, a time of doing rather than just being, a season of trying new things but I can’t quite hear the word ringing in my ears, echoing on my heart.,. maybe it’s action, or pursue, or (ad)venture, I don’t know yet how to sum it up but I know that I will soon 🙂

    • Guin, I’m feeling a similar pull to action this year. (That’s my word!) Praying God will move you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, and guide your steps for His glory this year. Running this race with you. 🙂

  54. Try. That is going to be my word, so I will get up and do the things I need to, instead of sitting there….. just try….don’t reason about it, just TRY.

  55. For 2014….. MUCH.

    Originally I had considered “more” or “much more” but then quickly became overwhelmed and my type a, perfectionistic personality began to fly into overdrive. And the more I thought about “more” the more I added and I was suddenly nearly paralyzed with all to do in the new year. More exercise, more smoothies, more dates with the husband, more adventures with my kids, more reading, more involvement, more, more, more. Shoot me now.

    But the CORE of my “more” is MUCH…. MUCH love with my husband. MUCH presentness with my kids. MUCH love. MUCH wonder.

    So there you go. Not a year of MORE… just a year of MUCH.

  56. My one word is SELFLESS. This actually comes from two words: DENY SELF. I prayed about the focus God would have for me in 2014 and this is where I wound up: Deny Self, Sacrifice, Humility, and Love. Taking these four, I felt SELFLESS best summed them up. Prayerfully taking it one day at a time!

  57. FOCUS- it seems like such a plain word but I believe my inability to keep focus on the few things that really matter is an area I continue to struggle with. So many good books, blogs, ideas, dreams, hopes etc that I just wallow around in all of them but never stick to anything really. My hope this 2014 is to make my focus narrow on the things God has lead me to and not stray from HIS goals for me. I will choose 1 devotional to read, 1 Bible study or plan at at time, a few blogs to follow, 1 book at a time to read/reflect on/finish. Focusing and Finishing are my 2014 Words to live by!!!! AMEN!

    • Amen! I need help with this as well. So many good choices, but I want to have His best for me! I love this! That way I can be really intentional about my time in order to dive deeper into each aspect or relationship instead of just skimming the surface! My word is DWELL…very similar…I want to dwell into things and not just skim. Focus…and Dwell there! 🙂

  58. Yield. To be fatally overwhelmed.

    2013 was a year full of struggle. Some that I could do nothing about and some that I chose. My plans, my ideals, my need for control needs to die (yield) and make way for Him.❤️❤️❤️

  59. ‘earnest’
    (adjective & noun)
    deep sincerity . purposeful.sincere . determined . a promise . an assurance
    the ♥ verse I’m taking along with it-
    ‘Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in with Thanksgiving.’
    Colossians 4:2
    ………..
    many blessings for the new year ♥

  60. Anchored-A source of security or stability.

    “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19.

    I want to be secure and stable in my relationship with Christ, family and friends, my work and the balance of my time and money.

  61. My word is HOPE… Hope in the future… Hope in HIS promises…Hope in the ONE who sustains me each and every day!!

  62. I think my word is SIMPLIFY. In order to give God and my family more time & priority, I have to quit being involved in everything else. Also, in order to see the blessings that are truly important, I must clear the clutter from my house & my life.

  63. “be” as -in the moment or just letting events happen while you experience them.
    Be also for-(be)come,(be)lieve, (be)ginnings…..

  64. RESTORATION. Not even sure what it will lead to or what it means yet, but when the word came I couldn’t stop thinking about it. There were a lot of changes in our family, my job, our house and finances in 2013 – many were good but it all leaves me feeling a little upside-down. I think it’s time to emerge from the chaos and build the foundations for a new year!

    Last year my word was PASSION. It reminded me to give my all to everything I do, from my prayers, to laundry and housecleaning, to work, to creative outlets, to loving my family.

  65. My one word for 2014 is “Organize”.

    It’s something I really need to do and always seems so overwhelming. I am constantly telling myself I’ll clean that closet, file paperwork, paint the bathroom, do something tomorrow, or on the weekend, or on a specific night. I never do. Never.

    Now I will. I promise. One word…..

  66. Different – that’s my OneWord. I want to be different in how I relate to my friends, family, how I eat, how I exercise, how I love my husband, and how I love my family.

    I want to be different. 🙂

  67. Open. Open the door and go outside. Open my heart and let Him in. Open my arms and hold my children. Open THE book and read the words. Open heart, open mind; ready to fully absorb every gift that God has for me and every challenge He is ready for me to accept!

    Happy New Year!

  68. Follow!

    God is asking me to follow where He leads, to follow what He says to do, and to basically just be a follower of Christ. I hope it changes my life.

  69. Discern – I will spend 2014 practicing discernment. To listen, to watch and understand my place and purpose.

  70. Fearless! So many decisions I make are made with fearful thoughts determining my choices. This year I want to trust God and make that the way I make decisions!!

  71. My word is receive. From my blog “I’m a doer, a fixer, a controller, a ….fill in the blank. I really believe God is asking me to rest, be still more, and receive. Receive His Love, His Grace, His Mercy, His Healing.”

  72. Rest. God has been telling me to rest in Him. To stand still. To let Him fight my battles. To do nothing. To watch salavtion work. I chose the word “rest” because it is a verb but “nothing” was right up there. Now, if I can just do this. Your blog was what I was thinking but couldn’t put into words. Thanks!

  73. This is my third year choosing “One Word”. This year’s word is “Quiet”. My other words have been gratitude and prayer.

  74. The word I’m choosing is: Lovingkindness (Hesed). I want to dwell on the lovingkindness that has been/is continually being showered on me and in turn, with the Spirit’s help, extend the same to all those I cross paths with.

  75. RELEASE…..THOSE hurt, painful and fearful emotions into the hands of Jesus….hanging onto fear, hurt and pain can actually block the healing power of the Holy Spirit in my soul. It is vital to open up and allow the Lord to heal my wounds.

  76. BELIEVE

    “You are blessed because you believed the Lord would do what He said.” Luke 1:45 NLT

  77. Confidence

    “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35

    I need to develop more confidence in the woman God created me to be!!

  78. I think my word is going to be GO! Yes such a tiny word but such a big meaning. This is the year that I’m going to GO and travel to all the places I’ve always wanted to GO and take chances and do things I never thought I could do!

    • Oh, I like this one! I love the thought of taking chances! And sometimes the biggest change can come in the smallest of things (like this small word). My word is DWELL and I am excited to see how God will work this year! Blessings!

  79. TOWARD – to move toward people, help, fun, opportunities, God. By the end of last year I was pulling out & backing away from everything. It’s time to go towards life again.

  80. I know I am a little late in the game here but my word is HONEST.

    In 2014, I am going to be honest with myself and God about my life. I have discovered that I like to think I hide things from God or only tell him 1/2 truths about things (like he doesn’t know the truth already) but in 2014 I am going to be completely honest with HIM and MYSELF about why I believe that belief, why I think that thought, why I eat that or buy this. Honesty is the best policy and I am believing that through this honesty will come revelation and healing.

    have a great year 🙂

    • Michelle this really blessed and challenged my heart to read. Thank you for being so transparent, and courageous. Those things are contagious! I do pray God will astound you with blessings
      this year!

    • Julie, I love that word. That speaks time, thoughtfulness, gratefulness, meditation and so much more. I am savoring that word. 🙂 Thanks for posting.

  81. Forward….

    I have wasted too much precious present on fear and pride over my past.

    Thanks to Ann Voskamp for this inspiration to just fall forward into the grace and love and sovereignty of Jesus!

    • Oh Jenny, every time I think I’ve read the one word that resonates with me, I see another one. Forward. Perfect. I am so in need of this too. I’m with you on being so blessed by these posts, and I’m also with you in looking “FORWARD” this year!

    • Crystal, that’s a hard one. I pray God fills you with patience by the power of His Spirit as you deal with the things you can’t change. Accepting difficulties and submitting ourselves to God about them is challenging. I need more of that, too. I hope and pray you are filled and overflowing with all the patience and more that you need in your life this year.

  82. My word this year is Intentional. I know this is tends to be a popular word but probably because it requires someone to live with focus and purpose. In a world filled with distractions, intentional living is what I definitely need. I especially need it this year as I have this little bucket list of things I want to do before I turn 45 at the end of the year and intentional living will get me there. But it is just not for a bucket list, I want to be intentional with God, my husband, my family, friends as well as my life. I am going to work really hard on this here…. http://www.mamamakingitwork.com/2014/01/2014-word-of-the-year-intentional.html

    • That word has been on my heart recently too. Praying that as you seek God this year, He will direct your steps and make your plans fruitful!

  83. Renewed is my word for this year. I want to be renewed in all areas of my life–spiritual, mental. and physical. I want to go deeper into God’s word and become more like Jesus. May the world see a new, more loving, caring, Christ-like person in me this year.

    Less complaining about stuff and more of looking at the bright side of situations, AMEN!

    Have a blessed 2014 everyone!

    • Beth, renewed is also one that I want this year. I really need that. God gives us fresh starts daily and even each moment. Yay! I hope your year is full of God’s gracious renewal (and I hope that for myself as well!)

  84. Eucharisteo! Being thankful and finding joy in every situation. A “blah” day, and unevenly fil day, a too eventful day, a joyful day, a disappointing day, a trying day, a fulfilling day, a day where I just did not get everything done, an “I feel like a failure as a mom day,” a “I feel like a good mom” day… 🙂

    • Thankfulness changes us so much on the inside. All our days do go much better when we take time to be thankful for all things big and small. It’s like it turns our focus to God and corrects our faulty perspectives.

  85. This year my one word is FOCUS. For someone with attention issues and a mind that is always running in a million directions, this is a challenge. Focus on doing one thing at a time, focus on being present where I am and not thinking about what I have to do later, focus on the people who are important in my life, focus on the people right in front of me wherever I am, focus on God.

    http://www.sheranmemories.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-one-word-for-2014.html

  86. My word for 2014 is “Faith” – “And without faith if is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6). I so want that my life, all of it, each & every day, please Him.

  87. My word for 2014 is Experience. I want to experience new things – even when I feel afraid or overly cautious; gain experience for my job; and experience each moment – be present in it.

    • May God give you the boldness to experience all He has in store for you this year and to be filled with such peace, hope and joy as you go about new things with God.

    • Tammy there is such strength in humility and blessings on the desire to be obedient. That is inspiring, and I know you’ll be blessed for it.

  88. I’ve read and reread this beautiful post many times since January 1 … thinking and praying about my “one word.” And now I know in my heart without a doubt that my word is “Freedom.”

  89. “Delight” . . .yep! That’s the word I pick.

    One of my favorite verses is Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you . . .”

    I want to believe the truth of who I am in Him and that He delights in me! I also want to allow Him to use me to delight in others . . . my marriage, my kids, people hurting around me. We need to feel delighted in and KNOW that God delights in us!

    • “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

      You go, girl!

  90. I’m choosing the word Balance. I have so many things I would like to do but I don’t want my family to be put on the backburner, to be placed 2nd so that I can accomplish “things”. I also want to be sure that I’m spending time with God each morning – to give him the first fruits of my day. It just makes me a better momma. 🙂

  91. For the last four years, my word has been “Intentional.” I don’t feel like I have made any progress yet in this area, so until I do, intentional will be my word.

  92. I chose the word “surrender”, but I am not certain that is the best description. I am thinking of the parable of the sower and how the seed of the Word fell and often did survive. I want to be the “fertile soil” that receives the seed of God’s Word (and His direction in my life), and the seed takes root in me, forms deep roots, bears fruit, and has a yield that is greater than expected. I am not sure “surrender” is the best way to describe what I am trying to achieve. Anyone have any suggestions?

  93. Fierce

    I have debated about the word, because it could have a negative tone for some, but it is the only word I can think of that is strong enough to convey my intention. I want to love fiercely, live fiercely, express myself without holding back, be stronger, see things through. So fierce feels right. I love this exercise! I am late to the game, but starting right now!

  94. My husband and I sat down with our children and chose words at the end of December and I can honestly say that it’s been one of the most refreshing “resolutions” I’ve ever made. We have scripture to back up our words so that the kids will see that God is truly behind them in our areas of improvement. My one word this year is “Invest. Deuteronomy 6:7 is my scripture so that I remember to “talk about these things…” while I’m doing anything and everything with my children. Give them insight into my day and show them how God is at work in my life. This is something that can easily be overlooked with the busy schedule that we keep.

    For more on our chosen words see my post: “In lieu of resolutions…”
    http://www.jenniferfrisbie.com/2014/01/02/in-lieu-of-resolutions/

  95. DISCOVERY!!!

    I’m a little late getting involved but I’m so excited about this and looking forward to what God has to show me about who He has created me to be and how He can use me for His glory.