My One Word

Isn't that how it is many times, I am riding along in the car listening to the radio, talking with God and trying to make myself available to what He is telling me and then I hear something that piques my interest. This morning it was Lisa and Eric on KLOVE telling about a One Word. Rather than a page full of New Year's Resolutions that will be forgotten in a few days, you pick One Word to define your year. I know, now I have you also, it sounds doable!
Several years ago, Pastor Mike Ashcraft of Port City Church in Wilmington, NC came up with the idea to help himself and his church get past the disappointment of broken resolutions. Choose one word that focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.
As I work my way through the steps it looks like this:
1. What kind of person do I want to become - more thoughtful, intentional, organized, slower to react, extend mercy rather than judgement.
2. Identify the characteristics of that person - gentle, thoughtful, patient, tender, composed, heartfelt.
3. Pick just One Word - heartfelt.

This coming year I want to give a little more thought to my life. There seems to be so much going on at all times and I end up going through the rote of daily living. At the end of some days I barely remember what I did and said because I reacted to life and situations. It is easy to beat myself down for not being more organized, but who has time when trying to cram as much as possible into the day and be everything to everyone?! There was a time in my past when I was very judgemental of others - wondering why they didn't whine less, take control of their lives more....blah, blah, blah...is someone talking? But what I see now is that everyone has their own struggles for whatever reason and if I am willing to extend mercy and the benefit of doubt then I am in a better position to see others through God's eyes.
In order to bring these feelings and actions into my life I need to feel it in my heart. Stop - Seek God - Listen - Feel it in my heart - HEARTFELT!


***I got this information by going to klove.com, click on DJS (dropdown) - Lisa & Eric Mornings, Dec 30th My One Word 2011. In the article One Word in highlighted in blue - click on those words and find specific directions.