It’s time for the July One Word Challenge, hosted by Lisa Notes:

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Every summer we do a One Word Sensory Challenge, and it’s one of my favorite ways to experience our words in a fresh way.

Instead of just thinking about your One Word, what if you noticed it with your senses?

Here are three simple challenges to try this month. Pick one or try them all!

1. TOUCH IT

If your word had a texture, what would it feel like?

Would it be smooth like satin or rough like tree bark? Soft, prickly, heavy, warm, cool, or airy?

Try this:

• Find an object that captures the feeling of your word, something smooth, rough, soft, heavy, or warm.
• Create something with clay, Play-Doh, fabric, or natural materials.
• Pay attention to how different textures help you connect with your word.

2. TASTE IT

If your word had a flavor, what would it be?

Sweet like honey? Bitter like dark chocolate? Salty, spicy, tart, refreshing?

Try this:

• As you eat today, notice which flavor reminds you of your word.
• Choose one food or drink that represents your word and enjoy it slowly.
• Draw a picture of that food as you think about why that particular taste fits your word.

3. HEAR IT

What does your word sound like?

Maybe you hear it in a birdsong, running water, a favorite song, or even in silence.

Try this:

• Listen for sounds that remind you of your word.
• Add songs to your playlist that relate to your word.
• Say your word aloud several times, noticing how it sounds and feels.

Here goes….

TOUCH IT

If the word STAY had a physical presence, what would it feel like? Two thoughts come to mind.

The first is an immovable object like a boulder, a heavy piece of furniture, or a grudge. As it says in Leviticus 19:17-18 CEV, “Don’t hold grudges. On the other hand, it’s wrong not to correct someone who needs correcting. Don’t be angry or try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.” In this case, it is a sin to STAY in the attitude of unforgiveness, which is poison to one’s soul.

The second is how fabric feels when it has been ironed and starched. A collar will stay in place, or wrikles will remain at bay. Maybe prayer is like that; it helps to fortify our faith and keep us on the right track.

TASTE IT

What does STAY taste like? I have no idea. Does it mean eating bland food? Does it mean never going to a restaurant? Does it mean sitting at the table long after the conversation has dwindled? The only thing that comes to mind is abiding in Christ. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8 NIV

HEAR IT

God tells us to “stay” faithful and offers us an unwavering, eternal relationship that is grounded in Him. This relationship reassures believers via Scripture, comfort from the Holy Spirit, and a reminder that He will never abandon those who humbly seek Him. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23 NIV