With the new year comes the opportunity to choose a new word that will be your spiritual focus for the coming months. As in the prior two years, I did not go looking for my word. Instead, God makes it abundantly clear what His focus will be.
That being said, my journey with ENCOURAGEMENT has begun with a gusto.
Lisa Burgess, who sponsors the One Word 2022 Linkup, suggested creating a logo and selecting a scripture for the year as well. I’m not totally pleased with what I came up with, but it’ll do for now.
At first I thought God was calling me to encourage others with handwritten notes and positive affirmations via social media or commenting on blogs that I follow. However, I have already learned that in offering encouragement to others, God has sends others to encourage me.
A warm hug.
A genuine smile.
A sincere thank you.
An unexpected gift on the porch.
Even a verbal butt-kicking can be a source of encouragement. You see, I had gotten in the habit of snacking a lot! Mind you; I was not hungry. It’s just that there have been so many delicious treats in our house for the last few months. Can you relate?
Flash forward to my 6-month checkup with my WLS surgeon. Dr. Cheregi gently but firmly reminded me of my goals and gave me three months to get things back on track. He is a kind, compassionate physician whose only goal is for his patients to live their best lives. Therefore, I took his words to heart and committed to what he asked of me. I am restricted to 900 calories a day and workout at least three days a week. The payoff is I have already lost 8.5 pounds.
I have also been learning not to give advice immediately but instead to wait on God to provide me with the right words at the right time. It’s incredible what can happen when I am obedient in this area.
Do you have a WOTY (word-of-the-year)?
If you have a word, how has God brought it to you thus far?
How can I pray for you this week?
Let me leave you with one more passage to encourage you today.
No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB
My Life in Our Father's World 
I chose a word for this year but keep forgetting what it is. I know, that sounds bad. I need to either write it down or pick a word that’s so good I won’t forget it.
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Didn’t we already have this conversation?
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Yes we did, Barb. I know, it’s 😳 embarrassing. If I ever think of it again I may get my first tattoo—put the word someplace conspicuous. 😉
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Sorry, I don’t remember it either. 😅
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It sounds like you are off to a great start, Barb! Everyone needs words of encouragement!
I would be interested in what you eat to stay at 900 calories a day. Congratulations on losing 8.5 lbs on your quest to healthiness! My One Word is intentional.
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I eat mostly lean protein & vegetables. I drink 80-90oz of water.
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Intentional is a GREAT word!
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Great word for the coming year, Barb, you are such an encouragement through your blog, I know you will grow and excel with your 2022 word!
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Aww…Thanks
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I like your logo! It’s why I decided to read what you were saying 😊
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Aww….thanks
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Encouragement is a wonderful word to hold during the year. The human brain has a negativity bias and we need to consciously hold positive thoughts for them to stick. I need to memorize some of those Bible verses to help me, those can be a powerful tool. All good wishes for your year of enouragement.
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Thank you, Lory
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Encouragement is a fine word for your focus. With our own words, we may be encouraged by you on your journey. I look forward to these times of sharing throughout the year.
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Me too, Linda!
Blessings to you today 🙏
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Wonderful post! We do need to encourage one another…We never how much another person may need a kind word…or deed!
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I think your logo looks great, Barb. And your verse is a perfect fit. I wish everyone in the world would choose your word every year. 🙂 It would be a kinder, gentler place with a lot less troubles.
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That would be Heaven on Earth!
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I love this! Encouragement is a great word! Congratulations on getting back on track with your weight loss goals. I know how hard that is. My word for the year is focus. https://encounterswiththedavisfamily.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-month-of-focus-in-review.html
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I’ll be praying for God to help you FOCUS on the “right” things this year
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Thank you, I appreciate it 🙂
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Love your word and what you are doing with it. I’ve been blessed and encouraged by the comments you have left for me. My word of the year is Become
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Become, offers such intriguing possibilities.
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Lifting you up in prayer and hoping you have a better day today
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Thank you!
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Mine is “hope.” I’ve actually seen it in action so far. There seems to have been so many losing hope. There was one particular guy who walked into my work every day not looking up, with a scowl on his face. Every morning for weeks, I greeted him with a hearty, “Good morning! How are you?” He didn’t look up at first or even speak back. Until one day, “He mumbled a good morning. The very next day after my usual good morning, he looked up and smiled the biggest smile! I was completely blown away at the drastic change in his countenance! Now, he speaks and smiles the most radiant smile. That, my friend, is hope. Hope restored. Isn’t our God wonderful?!
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Amazing!
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