“Joy” was my focus word of 2016, and I think I’m going to continue on into 2017 with “Joy” as my focus word- year 2! God has taught me so much this year as I have sought Him to help me understand at a heart level what it means to experience true joy and I sense He has much more to teach me.
Understanding joy is closely tied with experiencing contentment, and I can’t thank God enough for giving me deeper revelation about these two words this past year. I wouldn’t necessarily ask to repeat the last year, as it was a year of challenges on the journey toward contentment, but I know I’ll be forever grateful for the fruit that will come from this season. I still struggle to fully understand how to embrace trials as “pure joy” (James 1:2-4), but the last few months have certainly given me a few more opportunities to attempt to learn.
I am starting 2017 filled with gratitude for God’s faithfulness, healing, provision, and answered prayers…healing of physical health issues, emotional healing, contentment in areas I’ve sought decades to find, clarity on my calling, and the gift of a best friend that daily fills my heart with great joy. How could I be anything but thankful? 
GratefulOne 