In this episode, we continue our annual tradition, sharing our Word of the Year! Each year we each ask God to give us a theme to focus on for the new year and invite you to do the same. After personal prayer and reflection, we share our words for 2023 and how our words of the year have been connected over time. At the end of the episode, we also share an exciting announcement about our upcoming Lenten Book Study and insights into the theme for Season 12 of the podcast!

Sister Miriam's One Thing - Belovedness by Sarah Kroger

Heather's One Thing- Only Jesus Playlist

Michelle's One Thing - Amanda Cook Edens

Michelle's Other One Thing - Placemakers: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace - Christie Purifoy

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you from this week's episode?
Which podcast host's "word" resonated most with you and why?
After prayer and reflection, what's your word of the year?
How can you see your spiritual progress through the evolution of your words of the year over the past few years? How have these words or themes built upon each other?
If you have never done word of the year and want to, what ways can you ask God what it is?

Journal Questions:

How was God present to you in your word for 2022?
Take some time to reflect on what God desires to reveal to you as your word of the year. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this to you. Make sure to write it down and memorialize it in a way that will keep it at the forefront of your mind throughout the year.
What is one change you can make in the coming year to be more open to the will of God?
What themes has God been using as an opportunity to encounter Him?
Are there specific scriptures, saints, or quotes that will serve as a guide or reminder of your word during the year?

Quotes to Ponder:

Trust makes us willing to be what God wants us to be, however great or however little that may prove. Trust accepts God as illimitable Love." // Caryll Houselander,

"No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly." // J. R. R. Tolkien

"He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows." // Saint Gregory of Nissa

"We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can, namely, surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us." // Saint Teresa of Avila

Scripture for Lectio:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Announcements:

We are excited to announce our Lenten Book study!! This year, we will be reading Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. Through the guide of this book, we will discuss how the Sacraments can heal and transform your relationship with Jesus Christ. Supplies are limited so we recommend you order your copy of the book as soon as possible. Ave Maria Press is in the process ordering more and by purchasing early, you can help them estimate how many are needed.

Ave Maria Press has graciously provided us a discount code if you order the book through their website. Use the code TRANSFORM at checkout to receive 25% off not only Be Transformed, but your entire order (through 3.31.23 with some exclusions)!

You can also order the book through Amazon using our affiliate link. We do receive a small commission if you use our Amazon link. Anything we receive is used to help support our ministry. Click here for Amazon in the US.

Sponsor - Pink Salt Riot:

This year we are once again excited to partner with Pink Salt Riot to help you keep your word of the year close to your heart for 2023. In addition to brand new, updated versions of all of their word of the year necklaces and bracelets they have offered in the past, this year they are also offering an engraved cherry wood word of the year desk sign and a word of the year journal with prompts for each month throughout the year to help you walk even more intentionally with your word. All Pink Salt Riot word of the year products are custom made and engraved in their studio in Oklahoma. You can get 15% off your ENTIRE order at Pink Salt Riot with the coupon code AT15 at checkout through March 15, 2023 at pinksaltriot.com.

The New Normal with CISA