Mindy Lee Hopman

He Makes All Things New

Focus Matters

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

As we fix our focus on Christ, consider one word that can draw you closer to Him this season. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, my family, students, and friends choose one word. The tradition of choosing one word started because the beginning of a year is a time to refocus. It’s also a time to adjust.

When we choose One Word, it’s simple to remember and helps us focus on The Word, Jesus. 

One Word

His heavenly fingerprints are in our lives, and when we slow down, we notice them. The moment we slow down, we see He created us for “such as time as this.” Understanding how He has placed us where He wants us is makes it easier to grow and thrive in a relationship with Him.

Our purpose behind choosing One Word is to find a word to helps us remember God is “Emmanuel,” always with us. He is constantly at work in our lives. We choose One Word to help us focus on Him. It helps us grow in Him. We rest in knowing that we are never alone.

Throughout the years, my kids and my FCA student leaders have chosen a few significant words: FOCUS, JOY, PATIENCE, PAUSE, PERSEVERANCE and PREPARE. 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 2025 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.

“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?

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

This season, my Heavenly Father continues to encourage me to “Prepare the Bride.” My word for last season was 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 and Jesus is the bridegroom. When we place our trust in Christ, we begin a covenant relationship with Him. He brings us together as ONE in Him, we function and serve as ONE body together, and one day we will be reunited with Him in ONENESS at the end of time!

And my word for this season is ONENESS!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV)

What is Your One Word?

When we reflect on the moments that brought us to this season in our lives, such as loss or major milestone moments in our children’s lives, we begin to understand what God is teaching us.

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 book One Word that will change your life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page !!