Episode Summary:
It’s the time of year when we assess what we’ve accomplished over the past year, and begin to think about goals and changes for the new year. Some people make New Year’s resolutions. Others create vision boards. Pam Farrel and I share two ideas for how to start your new year off right!
Watch on YouTube:
Quotables from the Episode:
- The acronym for FOCUS is Follow One Course Until Successful.
- Whereas new year’s resolutions are usually me-focused, when we choose a word of the year, or a word of focus, we remain God-focused throughout the year.
- In choosing your word of the year: 1. Look back; 2. Look ahead; 3. Look to God and His word; 4. Look around; and 5. Look for helps and tools
- As you choose your word of the year, ask the clarifying question, “What will help me become more like this ____ a year from now?”
- Our mindsets significantly impact how our days and years go. Let’s set up next year for success with the FREE 7-Day Today is Going to be a Good Day Challenge!
- If the new year is a difficult time for you, or you face the winter blues following the holidays, let me encourage you at the FREE Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Webinar!
- If you or someone you know struggles with the blues, or a more significant case of depression, consider participating in the Online Hope Prevails Bible Study so we can support you!
Scripture References:
- Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
- Ephesians 4:21-24 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Recommended Resources: (If there are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
- 7-Day Today is Going to be a Good Day Challenge
- Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Webinar
- Online Hope Prevails Bible Study
- The Power and Process of A Word of the Year
- Looking for Your Word of the Year Downloadable Worksheet
- This Could Be Your Best Year
- Discovering Good News in John: a Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher
- Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher
- Discovering Hope in the Psalms: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher
- Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher
- Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences by Bill & Pam Farrel
- Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle by Bill and Pam Farrel
- Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1
- YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2
- Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference
- Revive & Thrive Summit 2
- Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1
- Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
- Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
Social Media Links for Host and Guest:
Connect with Pam Farrel
Website / Discovering the Bible Series / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest:
Pam Farrel is an international speaker, author of 57 books including bestselling “Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti” translated into over 15 languages. Her newest creative bible study, co-authored with Jean E Jones and Karla Dornacher, is Discovering Good News In John: A Creative Bible Devotional Study Experience , an Amazon #1 bestseller.
Pam and her husband, Bill, together run Love-Wise, and Proverbs 19:8 ministries to equip, enrich and encourage people in their most vital relationships. Pam’s favorite role is being Mom to 3 sons, 3 daughter-in-love’s and Nana to her 5 grands and two new grand babies soon to arrive. Pam and Bill make their home on a live aboard boat docked in Southern California so she also loves biking, a beach walk, kayaking or a paddleboard adventure.
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
All these resources sound fascinating. I’ll check out the Hope Prevails Bible study in particular.
Even though I’ve had a word of the year for many years, most of them were me-focused regardless. I really intend to focus on God and others this year more. My word of the year last year was “JOY” and I remember at one point (before I chose it as my word of the year) someone in an abuse survivor group that wasn’t specifically Christian saying their abusive parents had said JOY stands for: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. That person was angry at this whole idea and I at the time was eager to agree, but now, not so much. I mean, it’s wrong if it’s used by people as an excuse for abuse, but then they don’t understand the meaning of the whole thing.