One Little Word

In addition to writing my own blog, I also read A LOT of blogs! When I am short on time I upload my Google Reader and catch up on my reading on a long car trip or, when time allows, before my bedtime. I love Google Reader because it can be used offline.

While I was reading this week a particular blogger grabbed my attention with a "challenge" of sorts... Ali over at Ali Edwards challenged her readers to identify a "word" that sums up what they want for themselves in 2009. It is the "One Little Word" 2009 challenge.

To quote Ali, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."

Intrigued? I was/am... read more of what Ali had to say...

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word. One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.

Well, I accepted the challenge and I chose my word for 2009;  the word "create." I even plan to purchase a sweet little "reminder" of my word at Lisa Leonard Online.

The "Word of the Year" Necklace displays your word to inspire you throughout the year and wear it close to your heart.

My word will find its way in various forms all over my home and in my life... as a reminder... I even looked up the "proper" definition which I plan to display in my home office...

Create....

1. to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.
2. to evolve from one's own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention.
3. to perform (a role) for the first time
4. to make by investing
5. to be the cause or occasion of; give rise to:
6. to cause to happen; bring about; arrange, as by intention or design: to create a revolution; to create an opportunity to ask for a raise.

I have quoted Mark Batterson many times. One of my favorite quotes can be found in the Lion Chaser's Manifesto, "Criticize by creating." Interestingly enough, I have realized that every area of my life, my ministry, my present, my future, etc., is affected by "creating." And particularly, in the areas that warrant improvement (see previous post) "criticizing by creating" is exactly the mantra I need! It is so easy to criticize by complaining and wishing things were different... but criticize by CREATING will change my life in every area (spiritually, emotionally, physically), my family, my ministry, my work and those I encounter!

I want to challenge everyone who stops by Feminine Fire and Take Root & Write to take part in the "One Little Word" campaign. What word will be instrumental in your life this year? How will it propel you?

After you decide, if you don't mind sharing, leave a comment below with your word and a sentence describing why or how... and then come back from time to time to see how "one little word" is changing my life... I'll be checking in with you!