Mindy Lee Hopman

He Calls Me Friend

In a world full of craziness, my One Word was STILL last year. I chose to cease striving, to surrender, to be still. 2023 was the year of surrender. In my mind, that meant surrendering my time, my job, my family, my finances, and my friends to His will.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (ESV)

While ministry increased, the year carried a depth of sadness I did not anticipate. My One Word kept me surrendered and STILL in Christ as so many changes occurred.

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) 

My beloved Grandpa Orv and two sisters in Christ entered into their eternal rest. I have learned that God puts family and friends in our lives to encourage our hearts and keep us going when we are weary from this journey, but really it’s as if we are borrowing them from eternity for a season.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

They are a glimpse of our forever Friend and ultimate Encourager, who is our Heavenly Father, my forever Friend.

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14 (ESV)

Our Heavenly Father has been present yesterday, today, and will continue to be tomorrow.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (ESV)

He Never Changes

Even when the world around us changes, just as the tide ebbs and flows, our Heavenly Father remains the same.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

He is Always Faithful

He remains the same.
He remains faithful.
He is steadfast.

He is completely faithful even when we cannot see or understand what is happening around us.

“…if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

Because He Loves Us

The only reason I can find as to why He is so faithful to me even when I am not faithful to Him, is because He loves me, just as He loves you.

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NLT)

So, where did you see God come through for you in 2023?

• When you were unsure, where did He show up?
• When you doubted, what did He affirm?
• How has He blessed you? 

Where I Focus Matters

In our fast-paced, distracted lives, staying undistracted and focused on what is essential is hard.

As we look towards Christ, who is constant, can you think of One Word to draw you closer to Him this year? Instead of a New Year’s resolution, my family, students, and friends choose one word to focus on for the season. Choosing one word began as a New Year’s tradition because the beginning of a year usually is a time to refocus and adjust.

When we choose One Word, we keep our eyes focused on The Word, who is Jesus. 

One Word

His heavenly fingerprints appear in our lives when we slow down. The moment we slow down, we begin to see He created us for “such as time as this.” When we take time to be still, it is easier to understand how He has placed us where He wants us to grow and thrive in a relationship with Him.

Our purpose behind choosing One Word is to find One Word to help us remember God is constantly at work in our lives. We choose One Word to help us focus on Him, grow in Him, and rest in knowing that we are never alone. Regardless of where we are, our Heavenly Father is always with us.

Throughout the years, my kids and my FCA student leaders have chosen a few significant words: FOCUS, JOY, PATIENCE, PAUSE and PERSEVERANCE. We are all learning to rely on God more and more as we face obstacles and rejoice with Him when He gets us to the other side.

How Do I Choose Only One Word?

1. Reflect on last year and thank God for the gifts He gave.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NASB)

2. Pray over where you wish you were more present last year.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB) 

3. Identify an area in your life you would like God to help you sharpen or refine.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NASB)

4. Choose one word on which to focus in 2024 to help you remember that you are never alone; God is at work behind the scenes, He has a plan for your life, and He will strengthen and help you.

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:13 (NASB)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Choosing one word for the season of life we are in helps us to live with intention and purpose.

Are You Ready?

When I saw my friends in their final hours here on this side of heaven, I did not say “Goodbye” but rather “See You Soon.” While “Goodbye” indicates a permanent separation, “See You Soon” says the separation is only temporary. They were both ready. They were not scared because of the beautiful relationship both of them have with our Heavenly Father. I had studied The Word, prayed, memorized scripture, and worshiped with them over the past 20 years, and I know I will be with them again one day for eternity.

I want to be ready for eternity and for Christ’s return. I pray for those I love to be ready. I pray for those people God places strategically in my life to be ready. My heart comes alive when I get to teach God’s Word and help others get to know Him.

This season my Heavenly Father has encouraged me to “Prepare the Bride.” My word for for this season is PREPARE.

“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44 (ESV)

Some will be ready, but some will not be ready, and that is what gives me a sense of urgency for all to know Him.

“And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10 (ESV)

The Bride of Christ is the church.

What is Your One Word?

I encourage you to take time reflecting on the moments that have led you to this season in your life. I know many of you have recently suffered loss or are anticipating milestone moments in your children’s lives. Through it all, what is God teaching you? What are you learning? What word will keep you focused on The Word through this upcoming season of life?

I can’t wait to hear what One Word you have chosen.

Heavenly Father,
I praise You for always being present, faithful, and steadfast in our lives, even when we are not. Please help us to find One Word to fix our focus on You and lead us closer to You this season. Thank you for loving every one of us, even in our mess. You see past it all and remain our forever Friend.
And for that, I am so grateful.
In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen

Click here for more information on the One Word that will change your life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page