Step  by step’s and how to’s… It’s not what I typically write, and while I admit, I personally love lists for myself, I like to write for you more from the heart. 

I realize that the encouragement to find your focus word for 2020 may have resonated with you, but perhaps a few practical ideas would be helpful to get you to the next step - implementation.

So, here are a couple handy dandy lists of ideas for you today.

If you haven’t found your “focus word” for this New Year:

1. ASK GOD to highlight a word or short phrase for you.

2. PAY ATTENTION  You may start seeing it, or hearing it in messages, books, verses, songs, conversations.  If something seems to resonate with you and it just keeps circling around, go with it. 

He nudges our hearts when we submit them to Him, so trust what you’re hearing.

3. DON’T OVERTHINK IT!  The key isn’t really in the actual word.  The word is a TOOL in seeking God, seeing Him and yourself more clearly. 

He can use anything if you hold it up and look through it towards Him regularly.

4. And if you’re still stuck, here are some great WORDS TO CONSIDER; 

hope, quiet, forgiveness, accepted, I am His beloved, wait, peace, contentment, abide, faith,

faithful, surrender, Jesus, slow, grace, Abba Father, begin, Divine purpose,

trust, pray, believe, blessed, receive, let go... 

Last year my word was “enough”.  

How to use your focus word as a tool for growth this year:

1. WRITE IT.  In a journal, on index cards, sticky notes, on a chalkboard, screen saver, calendar. Tap into the power of deeper learning & retention by engaging multiple senses.  When we write something, (with pen and paper!), our body and eyes are also connecting to our soul.  (The soul is where our will, desires and emotions live.)

2. SPEAK IT.  Now you’re using your mouth and you’re also hearing it, (more integrated sensory learning!).  Give your word voice, and a place in your daily conversations.  There is also an accountability and testifying that happens as we do this!

3. SEEK IT. Every time you read scripture, or listen to an audible Bible app, (check out “Daily Audible Bible”!), pay attention.  Be watching and listening for where your word or the concept of it shows up.

Consider how a character in the text does or doesn’t live out this word, or how it does or doesn’t affect them.  Look for it as you read about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and The Holy Spirit.  How may it manifest differently?  

You’ll likely notice your Reticular Activating System at work.  This is basically a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that filters out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through.  The RAS is the reason you see a specific kind of car everywhere once you start thinking about buying that kind.  Or when you learn a new word you start hearing it everywhere. 

YOU can decide what is important to you!  Use that bundle of brainstem nerves to work FOR you!  

The more you seek it, the more you’ll find it, and the more you can use it!

4. SCRIPTURE.  Find a key verse or short passage that uses your word or captures the concept of it.  Write it out and consider memorizing it.  Read and speak it daily.  

5. BEGIN & END your day with the scripture, a prayer, or a thought using this word and how you want to connect more deeply to God through it. It could be the same simple verse or prayer each day, or change organically day by day.  I often lie in bed and staring up to my ceiling I turn it over in my mind a few times, thanking God for how He is forming me more and more into His image, through this word.

6. PERSPECTIVE. Remember this word is a TOOL, it’s not the goal or the end.  It is a way to move towards the goal, to be more aware of the goal…  and the goal is Jesus!  Keep your perspective clear, this word is a lens to see Him through, to see yourself and to grow. Don’t allow it to become a task or a duty or achievement to strive after.

7. TAP INTO CREATIVE YOU!  We are all created in God’s creative image.  Yours may manifest through painting or dance, words or music.  Use your love for nature or being outside for poetry or story, science,  or even math… use who YOU are to engage in an exploration of how God wants to open this word to you this year.

What are some other ways YOU have used a focus word for growth?   I’d LOVE to hear what has helped you!  Or how you plan to focus this year.  Also, share your word with us!  This is a great place to give it voice!  

Please consider sharing in the comments!  

I’ll be sharing more about the word I’m using to focus on this year, in upcoming posts.