I’ve had the habit for a number of years of choosing my one word for the year. This word serves as a reminder, a focal point, sometimes a battle cry, but always a goal. The very first year I chose my one word, I chose “Trust.” This was during one of the hardest times of my life when I couldn’t get a hold of my mind. I didn’t trust myself and my decision making abilities. I had to trust God first and foremost and my husband like never before. The following year I chose “Joy.” I had made tremendous progress mentally and spiritually and was in serious need of joy. But not just any joy, I focused my attention on the joy of the Lord. I won’t go through the rest of the years but you can read about my one word for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
This year started like all the others, carefully listening and watching for the one word that would be my focus for the next year. And, again like all the other years, at first I thought it was one word, then morphed into another and finally was made clear on a third word.
The first word I landed on was nourish. But it wasn’t really my one word. It was more of my momma word. I knew then and know now, that I need to focus on nourishing my home, husband, and children. And I can still do that even if it’s not my one word for the year.
Nourish morphed into simple or simplify. Both lovely words, just not my one word. And again, simplify and simple are something I need to work on in my home and life, but that doesn’t make it my one word for the year. So I kept listening.
I’m not sure how I landed on my word, but I knew instantly this was the one word for my year. I knew it would encompass each one of my unique vocations and tie them all together nicely. And you know I love a good set of synonyms. Well, when I started writing down the synonyms for my one word, there was one that jumped off the page and I knew there would be a fabulous scripture verse to accompany it. Based on the synonym and the verse, I knew what I needed to do, but more importantly, how and why I needed to do it and, there’s even a God promise attached to the verse!
My one word for 2018 is STEADY.
adjective
1. firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving.
Synonyms: stable, firm, fixed, secure, dependable, anchored, rooted, braced
2. regular, even, and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity.
Synonyms: constant, unchanging, regular, consistent, continuous, unceasing, ceaseless, perpetual, endless
3. constant, regular, or habitual, free from excitement or agitation; calm
Synonym: balanced
verb
1. make or become steady.
Synonyms: stabilize, hold steady, calm, soothe, quiet, settle.
Lord if I don’t need to work on all the above! And that thought alone could overwhelm me if it weren’t for the accompanying scripture verse.
That verse sums up what I need to work on, what I need to do. The New Living Translation, my daily morning Bible read, translates it, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Let my roots, let my life–grow down, sink into Jesus…and then–my faith will grow strong…and I will–overflow with thanksgiving.
And I just realized this while typing, STEADY encompasses nourish and simple or simplify. Roots need to be steadily nourished for healthy growth. The need to dig deep into the soil where the nutrients are so they can grow strong. It’s really a simple process right. But simple doesn’t always equal easy.
I have a tendency to make things too hard, too complicated, and more theory than reality. It’s easier right? Easier to read about being a better wife, parent, homemaker, saint, than actually putting in the hard work…or the monotonous work or the ugly, dirty work.
So, my year of STEADY. And part of STEADY is being able to think, say, and do “even if.” Even if this happens, I will stay STEADY. I will stay fixed and supported by my God. I will remain ROOTED in Him and my faith will continue to grow strong–even if. And thanksgiving will continually be on my lips in my heart–even if.
Speaking of thanksgiving, my new Bible and Prayer Journal printable has a weekly section to keep a gratitude list, 24 a week for one year equals a gratitude list of 1,248! Click the link above to get your Bible and Prayer Journal.
Even If
And here’s one more song that will accompany me in my year of STEADY,
Steady My Heart
Did you pick a word for the year? Share the word and the story behind the word, if you’d like, in the comments.
My One Word Picks
1. I found this lovely, hand-lettered print on Etsy–Trust Steadily, Hope Unswervingly, Love Extravagantly. 1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG
2. One of the synonyms for STEADY was ANCHOR–Dayspring has a fun anchor T-shirt.
3. Anna bought this pretty anchor neckalce for her cousin this Christmas, it’s beautiful!–Hope in the Lord
4. Here’s another pretty anchor necklace from Dayspring–Hope Anchors the Soul
Pamela says
Thanks for sharing your word for the year, Jenny. I love it and the associated synonyms! I am still torn between 2 words….Pray & Faith. I believe as I pray in faith this weekend, my word will become clear.
And thank you for your daily words of encouragement. You are an inspiration and blessing to me. God bless you! ❤
Jenny says
You are so welcome Pamela! Wow, two great words to choose from. Maybe one is the theme of the year and the other is the action of the year?
Amanda P. says
Mine is trust!!
Jenny says
I think trust was the second word I choose years ago.
Michelle says
Gosh, too many words that are needed! But lately it’s been Hope that keeps coming up and has been left largely unconsidered. I’m learning that I can’t think my way out of hopelessness, I must act my way out of it by “doing” something. The Word of God, my gratitude list and doing something for someone in need, even if it seems small or for someone right here under my own roof are a few ways.
Jen Fulwiler has a word generator along with her annual saint name generator. It’s not for everyone to do it that way, but I did and my word there was “Purpose”.
PS. Love your word and reflections. God bless.
Jenny says
Purpose was my word last year. I love what you say, “I can’t think my way out of hopelessness, I must act my way out of it by “doing” something.” So true! I have a child who has struggled a little and realized that serving others is the key for them to get reorientated.
Elena says
Hi Jenny, I was looking for a word, praying and I decided to read your blog which I do every day or so because I love the way you put the songs that you’re listening to cuz I’m kind of an older person and I’m not up on the Christian music scene. I’m a child of the 70s haha! But in my reading of the Bible in my life the last couple of years, I find myself reading more books and chapters that concern steadiness and slowing down and enjoying life. We all have troubles and responsibilities I was looking 4 something that would give me strength to get through the days I needed to get through. I was thinking of the word strong for my 2018 word but if you don’t mind I think I’m going to borrow your word steady because that’s what I need I need to be steady in the Lord. I need to really realize he’s got this under control and I just have to remain steady in his love. Thanks for all you do I have two new wonderful songs to listen to and I appreciate it. Blessings on you and yours.
Jenny says
Borrow away Elena! And I’m a child of the 70’s as well, lol! And I’m glad you enjoy my song selections–I’m a little all over the place musically, which isn’t a bad thing.
Susan says
Based on this post and your word, I will pick my first word of the year: ANCHORED. Through the crosses, toils and disappointments in life, I will strive to be ANCHORED in Faith. Happy New Year! Susan
Jenny says
Oh I love it Susan! I love looking up synonyms for words because sometimes it can take me a parallel journey with the original word…same but different.
Gwen says
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year , Jenny. Yes, ”steady” is a very good word!! That pretty much sums up my word, too. My anxiety and scruples were flaring last year. It was a struggle, but with God’s grace, I’m doing better. . Another word–CONFIDENCE. My spiritual director said CONFIDENCE IN GOD.
Jenny says
I totally understand “flares.” They used to absolutely send me in a downward spiral because I would think, “OH NO not this again!” Now, for the most part it gives me a chance to see what little adjustment I need to make to get back on track–am I sleeping well, eating well, reading good things, etc.
I loved the Christmas card! Thank you so much for thinking of me♥
Gwen says
Thankyou so much for the encouragement, Jenny. It is very kind and generous to give of your time. I know you must be so busy. Love to you and your family.