Friday, January 1, 2016

My word for 2016: Happiness

Hello and welcome to my first post of 2016!
I'm a bit shocked at writing this post, as I
I haven't picked a word for the year for myself for a few years. I hadn't planned on choosing a word this year till recently. 
But because last year had SO many challenges for me and I gave so much of myself and felt so drained of energy by the end of the year. it just seemed appropriate to decide on a specific word for 2016.


Definition from Dictionary.com
"The state of being happy."
synonyms:
pleasurecontentmentsatisfaction, cheerfulness, merrimentgaietyjoy, joyfulness, joviality, jollitygleedelight, good spirits, lightheartedness,well-being, enjoyment;  exuberanceexhilarationelationecstasy,jubilationrapture, bliss, 
blissfulness

I've been reading and praying about the word - happiness - in Scripture, in Christian theological writings and blogs. I'm learning that happiness is not something God doesn't want us to have. In fact, the opposite is true. It's not that we shouldn't pursue happiness, but instead we should understand where to pursue it and what we base it on. Hopefully, in 2016, I will learn and grow and share about what this word really means. And ultimately allow true happiness through Christ to fill every part of my life. I pray that, as I share, others may find happiness in their lives, too!!

My Scripture for 2016:
Psalm 16: 1-11(specifically vs. 6,9, & 11)
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
    in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
A favorite song by Chris Tomlin that comes from Psalm 16:6



Here is another verse. I have chosen to be my specific verse of the year:


Feel free to share you new "word" for 2016 in the comment section, if you have one!




You may find me linking up at any of the blog parties listed on the left sidebar.(or go to my blog party page link, below)

Favorite Blogs Parties where I Link-up 

18 comments:

  1. Ann, I LOVE this...and for what it's worth, my One Word is SnOoPyDaNcE!!

    Your neighbour at Weekend Whispers...

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/01/your-dying-spouse-100-real-fear.html

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Andrew! Interesting choice for your ONE WORD! :) May you have a blessed year!

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  2. I studied the Beatitudes this past year with my Sunday School class, and your word brings back all the lovely truth of what Jesus says will make us happy in His upside down kingdom. Who would have thought . . .?
    Blessings and Happy New Year!

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    1. So true, Michele! The Lord has given us every good and perfect thing...how often do we miss the happiness we can have by not tuning our hearts into His precious gifts to us!! May 2016 be full of grace and goodness for you!!

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  3. I like your choice of word- love the Psalm too, and the Chris Tomlin song. I have chosen a word for the first time this year- mine is surrender. Visiting from Weekend Whispers. Happy New Year to you!

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    1. Wow!! "Surrender" sounds like a word full of possible challenges, but so many blessings, too!! As you learn to surrender to Him, may you find the year ahead one of joy and a closer walk with God!

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  4. I love how the Psalmist writes, I have no good apart from You. That is what I cling to - Christ is the source of it all. As long as my focus is Him, perhaps I too can feel the happiness, contentment and joy written about in scripture!

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    1. Amen, Carrie! He truly IS our only hope and joy! I do believe when we chose to focus on Him in all circumstances, He will give us true happiness!!

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  5. I love "happiness" as a word for the year. It says it all!

    My word for the year is "renew" and you can view art I created about "renew" and my other words from the past years at http://www.thestylishstudio.com/2016/01/renew-word-of-year.html

    Thank you!

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    1. What a great word to start off a new year - "RENEW"!! I will stop over and check out your art!! Thanks for stopping by!! May you have a blessed year ahead!

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  6. I love that song from Chris Tomlin. May the joy of the Lord fill you with much happiness in 2016!

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    1. I love listening to most of Chris Tomlin's music, but this is a favorite! Thanks for stopping by, Joanne!

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  7. Love this reminder God wants us to be Happy! What a great word to dwell upon in the new year!!! Mine is THRIVE...
    I love how we can also use our words to continue to do God's will!! Visiting from nextdoor at Intentional Tuesday!

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    1. So true, Kathy! I am sure God will be using each of our chosen words to not only grow in our faith, but also serve and encourage others to do the same!! Thrive is also a awesome word - a word that I only recently have been hearing in the beleiver's community. Thanks for stopping over!

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  8. Love yours and you're so right! (see choose joy book post if you like) My word is Winsome - loving that so far - it will be linked to faithbarista tomorrow - if you want to link up w/ us there. May you new year be filled with happiness!

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    1. Thanks, Sue! Along with your word, I love all of the unique and new words gals are choosing for 2016! I will be sure to check out the link-up tomorrow and take a look at the book you recommended.

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  9. Such a beautiful word choice and a lovely way to remind ourselves each day there are so many blessing to be thankful for and each day is a gift. Best wishes for you in 2016!

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  10. Happiness is a great word for 2016! It is similar to mine - live, because for both of our words, it is a choice. It is a choice to stay near to the Lord and experience Him in the fullest!

    Blessings to you, friend! Joan

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