One Year. One Word.

Three days into the New Year and I've already been brought to my knees by Jesus.  He's humbled me, and it hasn't been painless.  However, I have a feeling that it's going to lead to a great year. 

Sunday night I made my weekly trek to church.  Let me tell you - I was not prepared for the butt kicking the Lord was about to give me. 

The Sermon was given by one of Hope's Elders: Mark Hintz.  He told us the tale of his family.  Last year his wife gave birth to a stillborn child.  Through his story God brought me to my knees, and it was not a gentle process.  He threw me to my knees. 

That night, driving home, I didn't feel right inside.  God had humbled me when I didn't know I needed to be humbled. 

I was uncomfortable. Through Mark's story God was calling me to respond.  I just didn't know how I was supposed to respond.

That was when my friends at Real Teen Faith directed me to a new movement for the New Year.  Most people make resolutions.  Resolutions generally are doomed before they even start. 

Why?  People pick a need in thier life and try to fix it.  As a social worker I was taught that the best perspective was a Strength Based perspective.  Look at what you're good at, not what you're doing wrong. 

RTF directed me to My One Word.  Instead of making a long list of resolutions, you pick one word that you want to live out for the year, and you focus on that one word. 

Inside me God was calling me to respond.  I sought for one word that could sum up that feeling.  Through some soul searching and praying I found my one word for the year.  The one word that I'm going to try to live out. 

My one word is "All-In".
When it comes to my relationship with God this year, I want to be all-in, holding nothing back.  When it comes to my relationship with others I'm betting the pot.  This year, I'm all in. 

Along with my one word God has revealed a scripture verse that will guide me. 

"He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
-1 John 2:6

This year I'm going to be All-In with my walk.  In my next few blog posts I'm going to be exploring how Jesus was All-In in everything that He did. 

I challenge you to walk alongside me.  What's your one word for the year?  What verse are you going to focus on to be the person God wants you to be? 

Join me on this journey.  We can be who God wants us to be.  You are not alone.