Deb

Words to guide me: My 2014 Star Word

A basket of Star Words. Want one? Just ask!
A basket of Star Words. Want one? Just ask!

This year I have added two intentional spiritual practices that I’m really excited about:
choosing a “Star Word” and
meditating on a “watch word.”

I’m really excited about this “Star Word” concept and wanted to share about it. (I’ll be receiving my “watch word” later on this week and will share more when I receive it.)

My “Star Word” is from a list compiled by RevGal Marci (and others). They are, simply, words printed on stars. There are over 300 words on the list. The Star Words are used by some churches on Epiphany, the celebration of the arrival of the Magi to see the Christ Child. I sat and cut out these stars, thinking about what kind of impact they could have on one’s life.

1  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

3 When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. 4 He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:

6 You, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah,
because from you will come one who governs,
who will shepherd my people Israel.”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” 9 When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. 11 They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

 (Matthew 2, CEB)

 

Some times it takes a while to find your way. Some times you ask the wrong people, or perhaps have made the wrong assumptions. The magi went to Jerusalem because they were looking for a king. And where else would a king be but in the palace? In Bethlehem… hmmm…

The Star Words are an opportunity to allow God to guide you — not by what you can see, but by what God shows you. Your Star Word is just a word — consider how it might apply to your journey with God over the next year.

How do I live it out? Where is it lacking in my life? How does it relate to my life in general, as well as my spiritual life? These are the kinds of questions that I am considering as I pray about this word and what God would say to me about it.

My Star Word for the year is:  VITALITY

VITALITY – noun \vī-ˈta-lə-tē\
: a lively or energetic quality
: the power or ability of something to continue to live, be successful, etc.

There’s a lot to ponder about this… I am someone of high energy and focus. I like to be busy working, writing, engaging in tasks and plans. So that first part of the definition, I think I’ve got it down OK. The second part — what is it that I do that helps me be successful? What abilities do I have that would contribute to this for others having more vitality?

I’m looking forward to journeying through the year with this word..

WOULD YOU LIKE A STAR WORD? Leave me a comment and I’ll draw one for you! 🙂

30 comments

  1. I’d like a star word please and thanks! Also my one word is sow. I want to pray over and act on sowing good things in my health, relationships, finances, etc.

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  3. I love the idea of the star word! I decided to choose one word as my focus for the year as well…sort of a one-word-resolution! The word I chose was “believe.” I love that your word is “vitality!” What a great word to meditate on. Happy New Year!

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  7. I would love to have a star word to ponder and to guuide me in 2014. I have never heard of this. How do I find my star word?

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