My One Word for 2017 ~ Faith

I always have the most difficult time choosing a word for the year when December/January rolls around.  One year, I just chose a verse on which to focus.  Well, this year, because I am a rebel like that, I have chosen a verse that sort of fell into my lap a few times lately.  The verse reminds me, without even using the word, to have faith.

I like to check Webster's 1828 dictionary for word meanings.  (It's funand educational to see how words change over time.)   I chose the definition there that I felt best conveyed Faith in my new year.

4. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation.

Being justified by faith Romans 5:1.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:1.

For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7.

With the heart man believeth to righteousness. Romans 10:6.

The faith of the gospel is that emotion of the mind, which is called trust or confidence, exercised towards the moral character of God, and particularly of the Savior.

FAITH is an affectionate practical confidence in the testimony of God.

FAITH is a firm, cordial belief in the veracity of God, in all the declarations of his word; or a full and affectionate confidence in the certainty of those things which God has declared, and because he has declared them.

 So there you have it.  Our word for 2017 is FAITH.  And our focus verses are James 1:5-8.  

I hope you feel inspired today, and all year, to have faith.  Do not doubt.  Do not fear.

Much love!

The Homeschool Review Crew is linking up our words.  Come and see what everyone else is thinking about for 2017.

One Word for 2016 - Peace

For about six years or so now, I've picked a word for the year.  I don't remember many of them for certain.  I do recall Smile and Improve and Gracefull (sic).  I really haven't been super intentional about any of them.  Words are small.  Words are also powerful.  They can lift someone up or let someone down.  I had an awful time trying to choose a word.  I didn't think I was going to know it when I heard/saw/thought of it.  Thankfully, my word came to me when, twice in one day, I read

  

Peace

This year, I plan to really make the effort to think on my word regularly and what it means to me.  How can I use it to connect with my family?  How can I use it to sooth my anger?  What does God tell me in His Word about my word?

Peace

This year, I'm also going to study verses regarding my word. I'll study many verses, but I'm beginning with these two key verses.  I want to come back to these verses any time I need a reminder.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27


I like to use Webster's 1828 dictionary when learning about a word.  I've copied the definitions that I feel mean the most to me this year.  They mostly have to do with inner peace and peace in relationships.

PEACE, noun [Latin pax, paco, to appease.]
1. In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind.
4. Freedom from private quarrels, suits or disturbance.
5. Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquillity; calmness; quiet of conscience.
7. Harmony; concord; a state of reconciliation between parties at variance.

To be at peace to be reconciled; to live in harmony.
To make peace to reconcile, as parties at variance.
To hold the peace to be silent; to suppress one's thoughts; not to speak.

It was interesting to me that the words used most often in the definitions were FREEDOM and HARMONY.

Peace, my friends.