Word of the Year

 Every year for the past several (I don't remember how many) I have picked a word or phrase of the year.  The idea behind this is to find a focus (the word) and then try to shape goals, reading, etc. around that word.  I've picked words in the past such as simplify, discipline, and expectations.  Some years I really struggle with picking a word and other years it just pops into my brain.  This years word did just that - it was mid-November and it just hit me that my word for 2025 should be: 

It's such a simple word yet it has such incredible meaning. To worship something is to prize it above everything else; an expression of reverence or adoration of God. That is where I want my focus to be this coming year.  I want to learn more about the act of Worship; learn about ways I can worship; make the time to worship God through what I read, prayer, and even what I watch.  Basically, I want my main focus to be on God and His word; to grow in my walk with God.  Why?  Simply because it brings peace and joy to my life and it sets an example to my teens.  Hopefully it will also be something that my guys learn from as well and have a desire to increase in their own life. 

I spent some time in December finding some things to help me in this journey.  I have done some searching for books on Worship and have a whole wish list full of options.  The first book I plan to read is by Ruth Chou Simons called "Beholding and Becoming; The Act of Everyday Worship".  (The second one on the list is called "How Great is Our God; Living a Worship Led Life in a Me-Driven World).  I'm excited about both of these books!  I also have several devotional books already lined up because I picked up this past year and barely started them - which is part of my Worship Goal - to spend more time studying God's word.  I have some Bible reading goals.  

A few other things I plan to start the year with is less TV and more WCSG (our local Christian Radio Station).  We actually already listen to WCSG throughout the school day but I am the main TV watcher in our house.  I'm finding that even shows I enjoy on HGTV and Food Network are including more things I don't enjoy or agree with.  We've talked as a family of possibly turning off the cable after the super bowl (we do love our football) and then using the time between Football and Baseball season to figure out a less expensive way to watch TV.  By doing this I hope to have more time for reading and Bible study but also for listening to worship music. Another thing on my list is to work on taking sermon notes so I can review the truths from the message.  I used to take notes on every message but lost that when I had kids who I had to keep busy too.  I found a neat planner that includes a place for sermon notes that I plan to check out.  (I love a multi-use planner!) I plan to start a prayer log/journal.  I want to be able to look back at the end of the year and see the evidence of how God has answered prayers. Finally, I have a short list of Podcasts I am interested in listening too.  I have never gotten into Podcasts but I just feel like it will be another way to learn and to worship.  

Some years I try to build my yearly goals and plans around my word of the year but this word doesn't necessarily lead that direction with a few exceptions.  I would like create a place for my worship - Bible Study and reading - a corner or nook where I can have my things set up and ready to use.  In a small house, those places are hard to find so I might have to get creative!  Another part of this is to attend concerts when we can - we love the free summer concerts.  Beyond that, it is hard to go due to the expense but I'm hoping that maybe we (or Nate and I as we love them most) can attend one or two.  

So how will I measure "success"?  There are tangible ways such as counting the books I read or tracking how many Bible Studies I finish.  Beyond that though I think it will be more looking at growth and what becomes important to me throughout this next year.  I plan to share my journey throughout the year when I can (I don't have as much time to blog as I used to - homeschooling two high schoolers takes a lot of brain power HA!).  

I'll share more in another post but I'm also hoping to get more into my goal planning this year.  I'd like to get back to sharing more of that as well.