Last year, I broke all the rules and had two words for 2015 — Brave Adventure. It turns out those were the perfect words for that year. I had to be brave many, many times, and a lot of the year was a complete adventure — good adventures and bad.
We bought a house and property for the first time. My husband and I were living separately due to the military. I traveled to South Korea. We visited Hawaii and the Philippines. I visited Texas and New York. Brave adventure for sure.
As 2015 came to a close, I began praying about what my word for 2016 should be. I thought about the things that I know will be happening this year and the potential things that could happen. Words like refresh, renew, and new came to mind.
I kept praying and one morning on my way to church I prayed a lot about my word for 2016. The word new stuck out to me.
I walked into church that day and looked down at the bulletin handed to me. NEW. The word was big and bold right in front of my face. If that wasn’t confirmation enough, the entire sermon was about becoming new and we sang a new song about how God makes all things new. As I walked out of church that day, I knew without a doubt what my word for 2016 is.
If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! – Corinthians 5:17
The word new applies to 2016 in several ways. First of all, Travis will be moving back to America, which means living together again — that will be new and will probably take a bit of getting used to. We will be moving to Missouri this year — a new place, in a new house, where we’ll meet new people and see new sights. Who knows what other new things will come about in 2016.
The biggest reason for this word is because of what I’ve been praying for this year. I had already begun praying that God would make me new. I want a new heart — clean of bitterness, resentment, impatience, and anger (You know those things that make me ugly.) I want my marriage to be new — deeper love for one another, stronger together than ever before.
I want to be closer to God than ever before. I want to be so connected to the Holy Spirit that God uses me for amazing things. I want to look back over the year when December comes and see myself and my marriage and my spiritual life as completely new — knowing none of it could have been transformed without God. I want to be astonished at the newness God has given, and I want to give Him all the glory and praise for it.
One of my favorite quotes from the sermon that Sunday was this:
You being new gives Him glory. – Scot Longyear
That’s exactly what I want for this year — to give Him glory through my newness.
What is your word for 2016?
Wow – it is awesome when we have confirmation from God on things in our lives or prayers. I love when that happens! This was an interesting blog for me. I have chosen words in the past, but sometimes I have just thought about a few things that might happen or a word I like and picked it as my word. I found it interesting that you prayed for your word. You inspire me often. I need to pray and think more deeply about my word for 2016. Thank you for your sharing your story. Best wishes on all the NEW things happening in your life and in 2016. It will be fun to watch your blog and see your new stories.
I know! I love when I’m connected to Him and listening enough that I hear Him confirm and guide me in certain areas. That has definitely been one of my prayers in the past year — that I can be in sync with the Holy Spirit enough to hear when He wants to speak.
NEW is also a word that will fit me this year as well. Moving into a new place, starting a new life with my new husband.
2016 will be an exciting year for all of us! Wishing you luck on your travels during the entire year! I look forward to reading all about it!
Yes! So exciting! I’m so happy for you Laura!
Hi there! I came to your blog via Pinterest as I was looking up suggestions for things to do in Savannah, GA. As I was reading, I could just tell there was something about you and then I saw that one of the tabs (or subjects) at the top of your page said “Faith.” That’s what it was. I then read about how you were seeking God for a word for this year, 2016. I’m thinking “wow, this is a woman of God!” Anyway, I read how the Lord confirmed the word for you and I just think that is awesome! Let me just share that every year, my Pastor sets a theme for the year. This year the theme is “Dream Big, Fear Nothing!” My church family and I are so excited about what God is going to do with us, in us and through us this year. I sensed the same excitement from you and I just want to let you know that I pray that the Lord will continue to keep you and bless you, your marriage as you and your husband come back together. Always trust Him and remember He’s always there for you. Take care!!!
Wow LaTonya, what a sweet message. Thank you so much! What a great theme — Dream Big. Fear Nothing! Amen to that! I know God has got some awesome and mighty plans for my family this year. I pray it is the same for you and your church! I hope you’ll come back and read more!