One Word, One Year: A Fresh Take on New Year’s Resolutions

As the New Year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and contemplating changes for the year to come. The tradition of crafting New Year’s resolutions is often met with enthusiasm but quickly becomes overwhelming. Long lists of goals, though well-intentioned, can be difficult to sustain or even remember by the time February rolls around. What if, instead of detailed resolutions, you chose a simpler, more focused approach?

Imagine starting your year with just one to three carefully chosen words. These words would serve as your guiding principles, your mantras for navigating the days ahead. This minimalist approach makes your resolutions more memorable and also helps align your actions with your faith.

Words That Reflect Your Journey

Choosing your words requires thoughtfulness and prayer. Reflect on the areas of your life where you seek growth or change. Perhaps you are striving for more gratitude in your daily life. The word "Gratitude" could become your anchor, reminding you to thank God for His blessings, both big and small. The verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 comes to mind: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Or maybe this is the year you aim to cultivate a more positive outlook. In that case, the word "Positivity" could guide you. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

If your aspirations include working diligently in your personal or professional life, consider the word "Hard Work." Proverbs 14:23 reminds us: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Let this be a year where you put your hands to the plow with determination.

Bringing Your Words to Life

Once you’ve chosen your words, consider pairing them with one or two Bible verses that resonate with their meaning. Write these words and verses somewhere visible—on your mirror, in your journal, or as a background on your phone. Let them become a part of your daily rhythm. When challenges arise, these words can remind you to stay grounded in your goals and in God’s promises.

This approach to resolutions is not about perfection but about intentionality. By focusing on one to three meaningful words, you are setting yourself up for a year of purposeful living. Each time you reflect on your words, you’ll be reminded of God’s presence and guidance in your life.

A Call to Action

As you prepare for the New Year, take some time in prayer and reflection. What are the words that God is placing on your heart? Write them down, meditate on them, and trust that with His help, you can embody these principles throughout the year. Let’s make this year one of clarity, focus, and faith.

So, what will your words be? 

Here are some of our latest picturesque holiday moments for your viewing.

 

 

(Ayden plays the goalie against Jace's "knuckle puck" shots.)

 

 

(The family poses before the Christmas Eve service at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.)

 

 

(Annabelle actively participates in the family Christmas Eve with singing and dancing.)

 

 

 

(Annabelle unpacks her Christmas stocking filled with goodies.)

 

 

(Jace continues his tradition of hugging blow-up decorations at my parents' house.)

 

 

 

(My family poses in front of the Christmas tree at The FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin, Tennessee.)

 

 

(Jace tries on his new snow boots, which were among the presents given by my parents.) 

 

 

(Jace enjoys the many moving ornaments on Grandad JayJay's Christmas tree.) 

 

 

(Like Jace, Annabelle often hugs blow-up Christmas decorations.)

 

 

 

(A close-up photo of my family in front of the Christmas tree at The FrankTown Festival of Lights.) 

 

 

 

(Annabelle enjoys the train that continually circles the Christmas tree at Grandad JayJay's house.)

 

 

 

(The cute couple at Christmas time.)

 

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Following the Star: The Magi’s Journey of Faithfulness and Contrast

Focus: The contrasting responses of Herod and the Magi teach us about surrender, faith, and God’s faithful protection.

Key Scripture: Matthew 2:12
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."

The story of the Magi beautifully illustrates contrasts: resistance versus surrender, fear versus faith, and dominance versus humility. These differences shine through the actions of Herod, the Magi, and Jesus Himself, inviting us to examine our own responses to God’s kingship.

• Herod: Herod represents fear and resistance. The announcement of Jesus’s birth disturbed him, not because he misunderstood its significance, but because he fully grasped it (Mathew 2:3). To Herod, the newborn King was not a savior but a threat to his power. This response resonates with a difficult truth: we often resist Jesus’s reign in our own lives. We cling to control, titles, ambitions, or even a false sense of security, fearing that surrender will cost us too much. But as Herod’s story shows, fear-driven resistance leads to chaos and destruction, both for ourselves and others (Mathew 2:16).

• The Magi: In contrast, the Magi embody humility and faith. They left their homes, their comfort, and their certainty, journeying into the unknown to find and worship the King (Mathew 2:1-2). Their worship was active—they sought Jesus with purpose, brought their finest treasures, and knelt before Him in reverence. But their faith didn’t stop there; it extended to obedience. When warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they trusted God’s guidance and changed their course (Mathew 2:12). Their faithfulness protected them and also thwarted Herod’s plans. Like the Magi, are we willing to leave behind comfort, listen for God’s voice, and trust Him when He leads us down unfamiliar paths?

• Jesus: At the center of this story is Jesus—the child, the King, the Messiah. Unlike Herod, who ruled with fear, Jesus’s reign begins in humility (Mathew 2:6). He does not demand allegiance through power but draws us with love and peace. And unlike the Magi, who sought Him, Jesus seeks us first. His presence transforms hearts and invites us to embrace His quiet yet powerful kingship. Are we ready to surrender to His love, even when His arrival disrupts our expectations?

Saved by Faithfulness:

The story reveals how God saves those who faithfully seek Him. The Magi’s obedience to the dream God sent ensured their safety and demonstrated His sovereignty. They remind us that faithfulness is not just about seeking Jesus but also about trusting Him when He speaks, even if His guidance challenges our plans.

Just as God protected the Magi, He promises His faithfulness to us when we listen to His voice. He often guides us in ways we do not expect—a star, a dream, or a still, small whisper. Are we paying attention?

Challenge:

This Christmas, reflect on these three figures. Are you resisting God like Herod, faithfully seeking Him like the Magi, or fully embracing His peace like Jesus? Consider where you might be clinging to control, and ask God for the courage to surrender. Pray for ears to hear His voice and a heart willing to follow His lead, no matter the cost.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the lessons in this story of contrasts. Help me to release fear and surrender to Your loving reign. Like the Magi, give me courage to seek You, faithfulness to follow Your guidance, and humility to worship You with my whole heart. Lead me along paths that reflect Your peace and transform me through Your presence. Amen.

Here are some of our latest family photos for you to browse. The Christmas season is very much alive with the Cartee’s this winter!

(Annabelle and Jace meet Shoney Bear at the Ice Bears’ hockey game. Both children love animal mascots!)

(Jace hugs Shoney Bear several times.)

(We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Coffey family in Chattanooga, longtime friends of the Cartee’s.)

(We attended the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees, where families enjoy crafts, festive food, and a decorative collection of Christmas trees.)

(I have two Star Wars Christmas blow-up decorations outside near our patio. Annabelle and Jace hug them nightly as one of family Christmas traditions.)

(Lisa and Jace enjoy desserts at the annual CRU Graduate Ministry Christmas party.)

(The kids pose and enjoy their interactions with Santa Clause.)

(We regularly visit our local parks and playgrounds. The kids happily swing with smiles.)

 

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #Christmas #MerryChristmas #lifelessons #3WiseMen #3Magi #ThreeWiseMen #ThreeMagi