Want to change your life?
You can with just one word.
Because a single word can be a powerful thing.
It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything.
It can a catalyst for changing and enriching your life.

For the past nine years, I have had a word for the year. Just one word. I don’t exactly remember how or why I started doing this, but in 2008, I did. The word for 2008 was reveal, and it was born out of the prayer of my heart. You see, we buried my precious Papa on Christmas Eve of 2007, and his wife of 74 years – my Granny – was lost without him. And so I began praying for the one thing I wanted more than anything else. I wanted God to show me how to minister to my sweet Granny. Reveal, God, please.

Since then, each year God has given me a word. And each year the word comes to me in an unusual way. And each year there is a story with the word. Well, actually there are lots of stories as God weaves the word into the tapestry of my life throughout the year… sometimes in the most beautiful ways and sometimes through the pain.

The word for 2010 came through my pastor in his first sermon of the new year. In 2012, the word came through Brad as we were exiting the Christmas music celebration at Homestead Heritage. In 2014, it came from Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer during the Ohio State versus Michigan State football game… but don’t try him because they are being horribly beaten by Clemson at this very moment as I type. The word for 2015 came while hiking in the Grand Tetons, and 2016’s word came while Brad and I were burning brush. My word for 2017 has a story, too, but I’m not ready to share that just yet.

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2017?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It can be a thought, a feeling, or an emotion. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This word may not make sense to anyone but you, and that is okay. This is YOUR word.

This little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting… Sometimes a word will pop into your brain, and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that God speaks to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.

Over the years, many of my friends have joined me in #justoneword, and I love hearing their stories about how their word influenced their year. I’ve already heard from many about their 2016 words, as well as new words for 2017: Trust. Fearless. Conform. These friends’ faith spurs me on!

Want to join #justoneword for 2017?

• Choose your word… or let it choose you!
• Find a Bible verse that fits with your word and speaks to your heart.
• Share your word! Post it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #justoneword and please tag me! You can also email me.

And BONUS! From all of you who participate by sharing and tagging OR emailing me, I’ll randomly select one lucky winner to receive a special treat from me with their word. I’ll either make you a custom journal or a pillow – your choice! You must use the hashtag #justoneword and tag me so I won’t miss your word. If you email me, I’ve got you covered.

I’m celebrating my 10th anniversary of #justoneword with a real doozie… drum roll, please!

2008: Reveal
2009: Trust
2010: Brave
2011: Redeem
2012: Unsettle
2013: Transform
2014: Chase
2015: Story
2016: Blaze
2017: Warrior

Much love, a big hug, and Happy 2017!