Week 4 - Word

http://myoneword.org/choose/

I thought this was an interesting concept so I decided to share this for this week.

strong

This word totally describes what I want to accomplish this year. I actually enjoy resolutions and look forward to the fresh start each year, but I also understand that most people don't follow through with them. I am a planner and like and need goals to reach for. Having said that, I started thinking about what my goals were for the year in conjunction with my one word, and it came to me pretty simply without much thought.

I have never pictured myself as being strong. Just looking down at my arms alone right now makes me giggle to call myself strong, but I am 30 this year and think it is finally time to be a strong woman in every area of my life.

I want to be strong.

I want to be strong in my body.

I want to be strong in my relationship with the Lord.

I want to love strong.

I want to live strong.

I want to have a strong marriage.

I want to have a strong relationship with my two children.

I want to be a strong role model for them as well.

I want to have a strong sense of self-worth.

I want to have a strong sense of peace even in unpeaceful situations.
I want to continue to build strong friendships.

I want to have a strong understanding of our finances.

I want to be a strong positive influence for my generation.

I want to be strong in patience and compassion.

Our family is planning on riding in the Livestrong challenge this year with some pretty inspiring people in honor of a dear friend and in hopes to raise money for cancer research.

This year I want to be strong!!!

What is your word?

Camille, my 7-year-old,  took my picture. I am hoping that muscle is seen soon!

Week 3 - "PAUSE!"

This evening I was sitting outside on our back porch watching my children jump on their trampoline. They were bouncing, twisting, and occasionally being knocked down. Whenever they needed the movement to stop, they would each yell out, “Pause!” The other one, out of courtesy, would be still until the other one was ready. It was such a helpful system that they put in place.

I could not help but think about the precious people in Haiti with their world turned upside down. They too were getting knocked down, thrown, and finding themselves in trouble, to say the least. Yet, reports of Haitians praising God took people by surprise. They too were hitting the “pause button” in a sense. They were seeking out peace during all the chaos.

We should take the time to pause and seek God every day, as often as we need Him.

Psalm 70:4 -5

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

And let those who love Your salvation say continually,

“Let God be magnified!”

But I am poor and needy;

Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer;

O LORD, do not delay.

Even when we are panic-stricken, we cannot forget to praise our Lord. He is our only source of strength, help, and deliverance.

Week 2 - The heart of a woman

The Heart of a Woman

I have started reading "Queen of the Castle" this year, and so far I have really enjoyed it! She encourages women to love their role in their home.

Something that stood out to me when reading this last night was the comparison of a woman's home with their own unique gifts and personality. Every woman's home is different in design just as we are. We should not waste time trying to compare and measure up to one another. Each one of our homes will be different as well, but one thing I do enjoy is getting inspired by other women and their homes. I find inspiration in God given gifts that are so beautifully decorated in every woman's heart.

I have stacks of magazines that I get in the mail from Pottery Barn. I spend hours looking at the creative ways the rooms are put together and wish I could copy it exactly. If I am not careful, I can get bummed out that my house is not as furnished as the pictures. I can lose site of what a home really is.

People are not perfect and neither are homes. They get messy, have different smells, need cleaning, and are not always put together just right...but they are warm and cozy, full of memories, and have unique charm and style. A home is shelter. A home brings people together. A home is the heart of every woman.

This week, think about what your gifts are and how they show up in your home. Know that each of our homes should reflect us and not all look the same. Find something that you love about your home and yourself!

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (I Corinthians 12:4-6)

Week 1 - "Twenty Ten?"

If you are like me and imagined as a kid what the far future in 2010 would look like, you would have pictured it much like the Jetsons that we watched on TV. Where are the flying cars and robot maids? Well, I guess the closest thing to that would be the Wii. Those things are fun, but not that much has really changed.

Yes, everyone has a tiny cell phone and personal computer, but other than sounding futuristic as Conan does during his "In the year 2000" bit, the year twenty ten is just like any other year in that we all get another opportunity for a fresh start!

We get to take the time to set goals and make lists. We start out looking at the year head on and truly believing that this year will be the year. We will see our dreams come true. We will actually make a difference in the world. We will be heard. We will show love. We will be disciplined! WE WILL!

 

Ecclesiastes 11:6

In the morning sow your seed,

And in the evening do not withhold your hand;

For you do not know which will prosper

Either this or that,

Or whether both alike will be good.

I love this scripture because it tells me I should do my best and not worry about failing.

 Make your lists! Set your goals. Then, go out and do them. Don't worry about failing right now. Do your best and don't hold back because you just might see the victory that you have been wanting and waiting for. Make everyday count and then feel good about it. Let God be in control and hold in his hand our success or failures.

My personal goals for 2010:

10. To keep up with this blog. (It helps to keep me grounded and mindful on God’s Word.)

9. Brush my teeth for the whole 2 minutes. (My friend Erin would be proud.)

8. Read for fun! (After being in school for 18 months learning medical jargon...I will appreciate this!)

7. Work hard every day.

6. Be thankful for the things I have and not spend so much time, money, and effort on hunting down things I could want.

5. Make new friends and cherish the ones I have made so far.

4. Eat well (be hungry), lose fat (sweat a lot), and gain muscle (hurt myself).

3. To be a good role model for my girls everyday because I know they are watching! (I love them so!)

2. For Chad and I to celebrate our 10 year anniversary all year long, not just on March 18th!

1. ENJOY LIFE because God gave it to me to enjoy! (Thanks Pastor Brandon for the great messages encouraging us to do just that!)

What are your "10" things for 2010? Please share them because I am curious to know!!!