Word of the year: Thrive
To progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances; to flourish
Friends, if you have journeyed with me through 2015, you know that it was a tougher year. I felt restless, sat in the clouds, contemplated what was next, dealt with failed IUI cycles, and another miscarriage. (Don’t get me wrong, there were some really great parts of 2015 too – I love the many special memories that were created last year. Those joys brought a lot of healing to my struggling heart.)
My word last year was ‘intentional‘ and I had no idea that the year would be spent intentionally trying to be okay with being out of control and uncertain for the future. This word popped up throughout the year in powerful ways for me and I felt like despite the hard, I made a lot of growth in this area. I thought through things more, my actions, my schedule. I was more planful instead of simply being reactive and responsive. God knew what He was doing when He put that word on my heart.
Now this year, I’m focusing on thriving. I ran across these verses from Jeremiah a few weeks ago and knew this was it, my verse for the year, my word for the year:
“Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows; laughter will spill through the doors. Things will get better and better. Depression days are over. They’ll thrive, they’ll flourish … And that’s it: You’ll be my very own people, I’ll be your very own God.’” (Jeremiah 30:19, 22 MSG)
After reading this, I felt like God was nudging me towards a year of progressing forward. I want to flourish. I want laughter to spill through the doors, regardless of the circumstances. I want gratitude to pour from the windows. I don’t want to be in a funk. I want to live in the reality that no matter what I am His and He is my very own God. My very own God.
I had this saved from a few years back and love it even more than I did then, if that’s possible:
“You were meant to do more than just survive. You were meant to thrive. You were not meant to struggle to make it through the week. You were not meant to be shackled by anxiety, worry, and fear. No, you were meant for so much more. You were meant to live life and to have it more abundantly. That is the promise of the eternal God. You were meant to dig deep and reach out. You were meant to know God and make Him known. Surviving is for those who have no hope. That’s not you – not if you’re God’s child, you were meant to thrive.
It’s a simple concept. To thrive, we must:
Dig deep into the roots of our relationship with Jesus. This helps us understand who God is and who we are in him. We dig in to know God.
Reach out to others. This helps us to show the world that we belong to Jesus and that Jesus is God. We reach out to make God known.” (source: Casting Crowns)
So here’s to thriving in 2016. Here’s to digging in deep and reaching out wide. Here’s to being bold in sharing Him, to living with purpose, to embracing everything that comes my way and to not just spend the year surviving. I want dirt. I want grit. I want passion. I want Him.
Your turn! What’s your word of the year? Do you have something you are working on or something you are focusing on for 2016? I would love to hear it! Or do you maybe need some ideas? One Word 365 has some great ideas to inspire you! It’s definitely not too late to pick one and run with it! In fact, make February 1st your starting date! Think about it, pray about it, embrace it. Then get up and start!
Trials Bring Joy 
What an encouraging post! I love the word “thrive” and the version of the verse you posted from Jeremiah is beautiful. This yeah my goal is to refocus and develop intimacy with Jesus. I think this is something I’ve wanted each year, but didn’t necessarily take the steps to get there. My husband and I are also praying God’s direction on some specific things as well! Great post!
Thanks friend! I love reading about what God is doing and teaching others in their season of life. Refocus – I love that word. Tucking that away for future years. :) Here’s to a solid 2016 of growth! xo!
Focus!
GREAT word! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Present – as in being present in my life and enjoying all it has to offer
Super convicting word … love that. Thanks for sharing! Here’s to being present!
What an incredible article. I love the verse you mentioned about God being our own and I things will get better, I need to post that verse on my prayer wall. This year is a year of patience. I struggle with it and I need to fully rely on God. Thank you for sharing.
Aw, thanks Sean! I want to get a print made with that verse … need to do some Etsy searching! Patience – what a great word and focus for 2016. Keep me posted on your progress and journey! <3
Love the the article and the idea of one word. Everything I have been hearing is settling in, being intentional and this gives those ideas boundaries, and substance. My word is transformation and my verse is Romans 12:2, I particularly love the NASB version. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the message Peggy! I have found focusing on one word a year has been monumental in being purposeful on my growth in Him. I love “Transformation” as a word of the year! Just looked up that Romans verse – wow, so great. For those reading: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” I love that!
My word is determined.
I am determined to be a child of God.
I am determined to live by his plan.
I am determined to be happy and at peace with the wonderful life, I am privileged to live.
Determined!!! Solid word choice!! I love that you have your statements written out too – so powerful! Amen! Thank you for sharing!!
Love this post. thischildipray.blogspot.com
Thanks for reading Jenny! Best of luck on your doctors appointment tomorrow and this cycle! <3
Great word for the year! I have thought and thought and can’t decide on my word yet. So much encouragement in reading about yours though :)
I can’t wait to hear what yours is once you figure it out! :)
Chelsea-I think your story is amazing! I think your hope and faith are amazing as well, and I love the word you’ve chosen and the verse behind it. My word is ADVENTURE, as in finding little ways to get out of my comfort zone in daily life. Good luck in 2016; I hope you thrive!! :)
I love ADVENTURE! What a fun word to embrace for the year!!! I want to make that my unofficial word! :) Thanks for sharing! Here’s to an adventurous 2016!!!
Wow! I just saw this post on Lisa’s shout out post and I must say I feel SUPER guilty for basically writing the same thing a few weeks ago. It was in no way to copy this post. It’s crazy to me on our timing of everything (even our giveaways). I promise I am not trying to be you! ha