End of the Year Prompts, Choosing a Word for 2025, & Scriptures for the Season...

It's December, filled with chilly mornings, cozy fires, warm drinks, books, writing, Christmas present plots, and preparing our hearts for the highlight of the month: the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

If you're in the south like me, most of the leaves have fallen by now and there's has been quite a fluctuation in temperature. We went from highs in the 70s, to highs in the 20s and 30s - and a night or two with a low of 13 degrees!! (Brr...)

Image by Holger Schué from Pixabay

Today is the warmest it's been in weeks and the windows are open, birds are singing and a candle is glowing beside me at my desk, just a bit of woodsy sweet smelling comfort as I write.

Have you ever chosen a word for the year?

Last year, I didn't have to consciously choose a word.

I wasn't reading through lists of good words to use as a theme for the year or anything like that.

When the word 'release' popped into my head, I knew it was the right word of the year for me - the one I needed for 2024. -- Click here if you want to read more about Release being my word for the year

So, as the New Year approaches, I wanted to share some prompts for the end of the year, for remembering the past year and all its blessings, as we look ahead and plan the next year.

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Spend some think thinking and praying about 2025 and reflecting on 2024. 

• What was your favorite memories from this past year?

• How did you change and grow?

• Favorite books of 2024.

• How did God bless you this year? 

• What is the focus for the next year? 

• What are some goals for 2025 (think physical, mental, spiritual, social, work, etc.) 

• What are the goals you didn’t accomplish this year that you still want to achieve in the next? 

• What kind of lifestyle do you desire for next year?

• Prayerfully select a word as your ‘theme’ for 2025.

  • Bonus: select a Bible verse for the year!

• Prayerfully select a word for January.

• Break down your goals or new habits into monthly/weekly/daily bites. 

• What are some hobbies you want to continue or start next year?

• Write a book list for the year.

• Find some quotes to inspire you! 

Pinterest pin version of these prompts! ❄❤

Here's a few tips and extra prompts if you are feeling even more inspired!

• What are you feeling drawn to?

• What are some areas in your life that honestly need work? 

• Write down the most important habits or largest goals you have.

  • Now break them down into monthly/weekly/daily chunks.

• Rank your goals and habits from most important to least important.

  • Reread your list and decide whether or not your goals are realistic - modify or scratch some off if need be.

  • Remember: it’s ok to have big goals - but realize you are human and you can only do so much! 

My Word for 2025...

Can you guess it?

*Abide*

Ah, yes, it's a beautiful word.

And it means, according to Webster's 1828 dictionary:

To rest, or dwell.

To remain, to continue.

To wait for; to be prepared for; to await.

To endure or sustain.

To bear or endure; to bear patiently.

-I recommend you to look up your word of choice in Webster's 1828 dictionary, read through the meaning and description, pondering it, and decide if it's a good word for you this year.

If not, choose one that fits your intention for 2025.

I am looking forward to 2025! And I hope you are, too. 😘

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Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

💓🎄❄💓

💖 Leah Beth