Word of the Year: How to Choose the Right One (Step-by-Step)
What is a Word of the Year? A Simple Guide for Christian Artists & Creative Entrepreneurs…
I will never forget December 23, 2020. That’s the morning I opened the pharmacy app and saw the dreadful word: positive. Covid. I stared at my phone in complete disbelief. Shocked. Annoyed. A little dramatic, if we’re being honest.
I knew exactly what had taken me out: the cookie exchange.
Dozens of cookies. Too much sugar. Too many glasses of “jingle juice”.
My immunity didn’t stand a chance.
I vividly remember the moment it hit me. I was teaching a makeup class at the cosmetology school when a wave of sleepiness fell over me like a weighted anxiety blanket. I left early, went home, and fell asleep instantly.
Within 24 hours:
✔ couldn’t taste
✔ couldn’t smell
✔ felt like I’d been hit by a MACK truck driven by a big, fat, grumpy old man
To make it worse, my daughter and grandson had just moved into their own place after two years of living with us. It was their first Christmas in their own home—and suddenly Christmas was “canceled.”
I sat in the spare bedroom crying out to God (while my husband tossed cold oranges through the doorway like I was a quarantined zoo animal). And in the quiet, God spoke to my heart:
“It’s still Christmas.”
And He was right.
Christmas wasn’t canceled.
Jesus is still the reason.
As I journaled through all the emotions, the Lord gave me a word: ReNew.
“I make all things NEW.”
And right then, I knew—that was my Word of the Year.
What Is a Word of the Year?
A Word of the Year is a single, powerful word that becomes your focus, your theme, and your spiritual compass for the year ahead.
It’s not a resolution (we all know those fade by January 12).
It’s intention.
It’s alignment.
It’s listening for what God wants to cultivate in you.
Your word becomes your guide, your prayer, and your reminder that God is speaking to you personally.
Why Choosing a Word of the Year Is So Powerful
A Word of the Year helps you:
- Stay spiritually focused when life gets messy
- Grow creatively and emotionally
- Track what God is doing in your story
- Stay intentional in the swirl of responsibilities
- Make decisions more easily (“Does this align with my word?”)
And most importantly—
It becomes a gentle reminder that God has something specific for you this year.
How to Choose Your Word of the Year (Step-by-Step)
Choosing your word is simple, but sacred.
Here’s how I do it every December:
1. Pray and Ask God
Your word is not a cute Pinterest idea.
It’s a conversation with God.
Quiet your heart and ask Him:
“Lord, what do You want to grow in me this year?”
2. Pay Attention to What Keeps Showing Up
Sometimes your word appears through:
- your prayers
- a sermon
- a song
- a verse
- a phrase you keep hearing
- a need in your life
If it keeps tapping you on the shoulder, pay attention.
3. Look for Resonance
Do you feel your heart say:
“Yes. That’s me. That’s my word”?
Good.
That’s the one.
4. Pick a Scripture to Go With It
A Word of the Year without scripture is just a self-help slogan.
Anchor it in the Word of God and watch it come alive.
5. Display It So You See It All Year
Put it:
- on your journal cover
- on your mirror
- in your planner
- on your phone wallpaper
- on your vision board
- on a Post-it or Paper Art Doll inside your Bible
- or PRINT IT on a t-shirt, tote bag or ball cap (I’m doing this, for sure!)
A visible word is a powerful word.
My Word of the Year for 2026
My word for 2026 is OVERFLOW.
I’m standing on the promise of John 10:10—that Jesus came to bring life until it overflows.
I’m also leaning into Psalm 65:11 (which I’ll share below):
“You crown the year with goodness…”
And yes, I am fully embracing the “daughter of the King, crown on, head up” energy this year.
Daily Scripture For Christian Artists
Here’s the verse for today’s creative journaling: (So good!)
Psalm 65:11
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.”
This verse reminds us that the Lord already has goodness prepared for us in the year ahead.
Your job?
Put your crown on and walk in it.
This scripture pairs beautifully with words like:
- Overflow
- New
- Freedom
- Abundance
- Create
- Restore
- Courage
- Joy
Use this scripture in your journal to spark creativity and deepen your connection with God as you prepare for a beautiful year.
How to Begin…
- PRAY first
- PRINT the verse
- Create a PRETTY PAGE (decorate the page: doodle, color, collage, tape, stamp, paint, glitter, glue…)
- PROCLAIM! (write a truth statement or prayer)
- POST IT! (#gettingreadydaily)
Behind the Scenes: What I’m Working On Now
I’m currently designing Scripture Writing Plans for the NEW! Monthly Faith & Flourish Journal Sets.
Each month, you’ll get:
- A beautifully handmade journal with a whimsical Paper Doll Cover and chunky charm dangles or tassels
- A monthly scripture writing plan (with a specific theme to grow your faith and your business)
- Hand-painted ephemera to decorate your pages and make journaling fun
Scripture writing is one of the best tools I know for helping creative women grow in their faith, deepen their peace, and become the super successful creative artists and entrepreneurs God designed them to be.
The Faith & Flourish Journal Sets are designed to strengthen and support your daily faith & creativity journey.
Today’s Takeaway
Words are powerful.
Your Word of the Year can shape your mindset, your habits, and your spiritual growth.
One word. One year. One transformed life.
Keep the Inspiration Going
If this encouraged you, you will love my blog post Can you Really Make a Living as a Christian Artist. Whether you’re an artist, crafter, or sourdough maker, and feel called to something more, this post is full of success stories and will inspire you to trust God with your creative business.
And if you are ready to go deeper into understanding your calling as a Christian creative, read this next: How God Revived My Creative Calling at 62. It is full of real stories, miracles and reminders that God is not finished with you.
Resources for Christian Artists and Entrepreneurs
Hey Creative Friend! Imagine a future filled with supernatural abundance, freedom and joy. Are you ready to transform your creative business? I wrote this book for you…
(A Self-Published Guide for Artists, Creatives & Kingdom-Minded Entrepreneurs)
If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your creative calling with your God-given purpose, Getting Ready is for you. Think of it as part faith art journal, part how-to guide, and totally made for creative women like us — artists, makers, and creatives who love Jesus and feel called to something more.
Inspired by Queen Esther’s season of preparation, this book takes you on a heart-level journey — a mix of spiritual growth and practical action — helping you align your creativity, business, and identity with who God says you are.
Curious about my Kingdom-inspired handmade creative journals, original paper art dolls & journal sets? Check out my Etsy shop.
Thank you for visiting my blog where I love blending Beauty & Creativity for Self-Care and Mental Health. Before you go, if you haven’t already, grab the free resource below and Make it a beautiful day! Nancy