Wednesday, January 1, 2025

One Word, One Year: A Fresh Take on New Year’s Resolutions


As the New Year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and contemplating changes for the year to come. The tradition of crafting New Year’s resolutions is often met with enthusiasm but quickly becomes overwhelming. Long lists of goals, though well-intentioned, can be difficult to sustain or even remember by the time February rolls around. What if, instead of detailed resolutions, you chose a simpler, more focused approach?

Imagine starting your year with just one to three carefully chosen words. These words would serve as your guiding principles, your mantras for navigating the days ahead. This minimalist approach makes your resolutions more memorable and also helps align your actions with your faith.

Words That Reflect Your Journey

Choosing your words requires thoughtfulness and prayer. Reflect on the areas of your life where you seek growth or change. Perhaps you are striving for more gratitude in your daily life. The word "Gratitude" could become your anchor, reminding you to thank God for His blessings, both big and small. The verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 comes to mind: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Or maybe this is the year you aim to cultivate a more positive outlook. In that case, the word "Positivity" could guide you. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

If your aspirations include working diligently in your personal or professional life, consider the word "Hard Work." Proverbs 14:23 reminds us: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Let this be a year where you put your hands to the plow with determination.

Bringing Your Words to Life

Once you’ve chosen your words, consider pairing them with one or two Bible verses that resonate with their meaning. Write these words and verses somewhere visible—on your mirror, in your journal, or as a background on your phone. Let them become a part of your daily rhythm. When challenges arise, these words can remind you to stay grounded in your goals and in God’s promises.

This approach to resolutions is not about perfection but about intentionality. By focusing on one to three meaningful words, you are setting yourself up for a year of purposeful living. Each time you reflect on your words, you’ll be reminded of God’s presence and guidance in your life.

A Call to Action

As you prepare for the New Year, take some time in prayer and reflection. What are the words that God is placing on your heart? Write them down, meditate on them, and trust that with His help, you can embody these principles throughout the year. Let’s make this year one of clarity, focus, and faith.

So, what will your words be? 

Here are some of our latest picturesque holiday moments for your viewing.

 
 
(Ayden plays the goalie against Jace's "knuckle puck" shots.)

 
 
(The family poses before the Christmas Eve service at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.)

 
 
(Annabelle actively participates in the family Christmas Eve with singing and dancing.)
 
 
 
(Annabelle unpacks her Christmas stocking filled with goodies.)

 
 
(Jace continues his tradition of hugging blow-up decorations at my parents' house.)
 
 
 
(My family poses in front of the Christmas tree at The FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin, Tennessee.)

 
 
(Jace tries on his new snow boots, which were among the presents given by my parents.) 

 
 
(Jace enjoys the many moving ornaments on Grandad JayJay's Christmas tree.) 

 
 
(Like Jace, Annabelle often hugs blow-up Christmas decorations.)
 
 
 
(A close-up photo of my family in front of the Christmas tree at The FrankTown Festival of Lights.) 
 
 
 
(Annabelle enjoys the train that continually circles the Christmas tree at Grandad JayJay's house.)
 
 
 
(The cute couple at Christmas time.)
 

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