Thank you for joining me for a new Good Word in this New Year! Let’s get started.
Good Word of the Day: WORD
Wait. What? The Good Word is Word? Yep. You read that correctly. In fact, my word of the year is Word.
Do you select a word to be your focus word of the year? Some people do. Some don’t. No pressure. Some select a phrase or a quote or a scripture. I’m not advocating everyone have one word that defines their year, but sometimes it helps to have something to hang your hat on to organize your thoughts, goals and outcomes for the year.
I love a new year. I know, it’s just a man-made holiday on a man-made calendar. But it has come to represent the beginning of a fresh start. Because of that, it is my second favorite holiday of the year, right behind Thanksgiving. (In case you are wondering, as I’m sure you are, #s 3 and 4 are Easter and Christmas.)
I love new calendars, planners and journals.
Doesn’t it make you wonder what will happen on the days to come that will fill up those pages? It makes you feel like all things are new. It challenges me to find good words to fill up those pages.
There is much in scripture to be said about words. I will share one of those with you each post this year in addition to other words and scriptures related to the new good word each week. What does the Word mean when you see it in scripture? Are they the actual words in the Bible? Does it mean Jesus Himself? What do you think?
We will explore the words and The Word together this year. Words are powerful. They impact our lives in so many ways. Think about it. Just today, how have words you’ve read or heard challenged you? Have you shared some good words with others today? Will you?
What new goals did you set for yourself for 2024? But before we get there, did you have a chance to reflect on 2023? If not, here are 20 Reflection Questions by one of my favorite writers that will help you evaluate the past before you lean further into the new year. 20 New Years Eve Reflection Questions
In the days of 2024, I always want to be a joyful and helpful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. I plan on continuing my Bible reading plan with my church discipleship group. If you need a good plan, I have one for you. Contact me and I will be happy to share.
With my work, I plan on sharing good words with you in this space each Wednesday; to edit my book manuscript; to market my upcoming book and launch that book. To say that I’m a little excited about the book actually being released this year is an understatement. My sweet sister sent me this “Smells like it’s going to be a bestseller” candle:
She included a note that said, “2024 is the year!” The candle fills my office with a fabulous fragrance. I can’t wait to smell, feel and hold my book. I can’t wait for you to do the same. Lots more info coming your way soon on all of that.
Wednesday in the Word
My discipleship group gifted me with the words of John 17:17 last year. I display it prominently over my desk as a reminder of the power of The Word.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John 1:14 MSG
Share Your Good Words
Good Questions of the Week: What is your word(s) of the year? What is your favorite scripture about the Word? What goals do you have for 2024?
The following excerpt is from a story that will be included in my upcoming book, Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the blue link below to see the progress of the book. When you get to the page, scroll down to THE UNSEEN PROCESS — How The Book, Unseen People Is Being Born.
It started with my Sunday School teacher and friend, Jamie, challenging our small group to prayerfully select a word that would represent our theme for 2018. And that’s where the obsession with the word began. Hope. It changes everything. Because without it, the light goes out of our eyes. There is no need to go on. What point is a new year when hope fades?
A Good Podcast: This a brief overview of Unseen People. Take a few minutes to listen. Thank you! Feel free to share.
A Final Good Word
I’m committed to sharing good words with you. The tagline on my logo says so: Sharing Light, Life and Good Words with the World. I pray God’s blessings on you and yours in 2024.
Thank you for reading these words. I’m deeply honored to share this time with you each week. I am compelled by God to share my gift of words with you.
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. Jeremiah 30:2
I’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to share with me whatever is on your heart today. Please share. I value your thoughts!
Contact me privately: deannalynnsanders@gmail.com.
Please share a good word with someone today. Invite others into our Good Word family. I would love to build our community to at least 500 people in the next few months. Each person who receives this newsletter means they have opportunity to know the Word Himself. So please hit the share button and personally invite a friend to join us. Or share on your social media pages. Or like the posts. Or share comments. All of those simple actions give Good Words added visibility. Thank you for doing what you will do to share good words with others this new year.
Thank you for all of this! I love Truth! What a good Word. It’s going to be an amazing year.
Thank you Pat. Thanks for sharing! I appreciate you too. Looking forward to see what the future holds!