Berries - Faith

One Word for the New Year

The practice of choosing one word  for  the  New Year  has been an    inspiration for me. Last year my word was gracious, and having this word in mind I was more conscious of my conversation and actions. I paused a little more, seeking kind words. I have been thinking and praying about one word for 2016.

Relationships are on my mind.  I would like to see greater depth in   relationships and openness to new relationships.  Could I grow and  assist others to grow? In the book of Ephesians Paul writes about good work.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.            Ephesians 2:10

The key words in this verse are in Christ Jesus. The good work is possible through Jesus. And so my life needs to be centered on Jesus, drawing strength from a vital relationship with Jesus. Jesus tells us:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit. John 15: 1-2

Images from my garden come to mind. The fruit produced by the raspberry bushes in my yard is a delight.

Red Raspberries 2

In my relationships I desire positive growth, willing to be pruned. This means more time in prayer.

With these thoughts in mind, I have chosen the word fruitful. Have you chosen a word for 2016?

Linking with Sharing His Beauty,  Weekend Whispers,  Essential FridaysSitting Among FriendsGrowing in GraceA Little R & RWholeHearted Wednesday,  Hope in Every SeasonTitus 2sday,  Monday Musings and Word of God Speak

Carol is a follower of Jesus and a wife, mom & grandma. She worked for many years as a childbirth nurse and prenatal educator. She recently retired from clinical work. She has written articles for nursing journals and devotionals. Her novel, Aliisa's Letter, was published in 2010 and she is currently working on another project.

9 Comments on “One Word for the New Year

  1. Hi Beth, what a wonderful word, fruitful, a saying comes to mind; “Be Kind and Be Truthful and Your Life Will Be Fruitful”!

    Thank you for your recent visit, wishing you a Happy New Year!
    Karren
    Oh my Heartsie Girl

  2. I love the word FRUITFUL! God has given me two words for this year that can actually be used together.

    I pray you will find yourself fruitful in all things in 2016.

    I am your neighbor over at Barbie’s Weekend Whispers.

  3. Dear Carol,

    What an inspirational post you’ve written – fruitful is such a wonderful word to choose for 2016!

    I especially like what you wrote about relationships and how your thoughts flowed from Scripture.

    My word for the year is FOCUS and it came to me when I was reading Heb 12:1-2 – specifically the “let us lay aside every weight” portion of the passage. Instead of being caught up in worries and being sidetracked by distractions, I feel that my goal for the year is to stay focused on Jesus and the things that He wants me to do.

    I’m hosting a month-long party for us to encourage one another with our One Word posts. If you have not already done so, I’d love for you to share your words of inspiration with our community!

    Have an inspired year! 🙂

  4. Sounds like a wonderful word, my friend! I was thinking about Joseph and how God made him fruitful in the land of his affliction. Even when we are being sorely pressed and even when we are experiencing physical afflictions and difficulties, God can cause us to be fruitful. Wonderful thoughts your post brought to me today. God bless you in the new year!

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