2018 Beginnings

Things have been so crazy busy for us  in this past  forever......

so, today we spent the whole day at home as a family.

Enjoying the New Year and the last day before all of the stuff starts back. 

We played this new game.

watched a movie together

enjoyed our gas logs on this super cold day,

and ate a traditional New Year's Day meal.

Now, I sitting here watching the Rose Bowl (Go DAWGS!) and thinking about the goals I have for this upcoming year.

Every year, I have a word or words that I feel like God is calling me to do or be in that year.

This year is no different. 

This year, I feel God is calling me to do the following things.

1. Be Brave 

Scripture says repeatedly "Do Not Fear".  

Ken got me this bracelet for Christmas.  I was SO excited for two reasons. First, 20% of this sale goes to Special Olympics.  And second, it affirmed to me that Be Brave and not fearing was to be one of my words for 2018. 

2. Be Present.

 I spend so much time thinking about what I have to do next and worrying, that I don't focus or pay attention to what is going on now.  

I need to be more present in each day.

Which I think will lead to more Gratitude. (a word from last year)

3. Trust more.

I know that God wants me to trust him more with more aspects of my life.

I also have a few things I would like to start doing this year. I guess you could call these resolutions. 

*I want to journal more regularly in the evenings. This will be a good way for me to actually write down the ways that I am present and being grateful each day.

*I would like to make time to blog more.

*I need to get back to exercising.

*I would like to possibly start my own business.

scares me to even acknowledge that....

*I would like to get up early enough in the mornings that I am not simply reading my bible quickly and then getting ready for the day. I would like to have time to read my bible and then sit in prayerful listening for God to speak to me each day. 

* I want to spend more time praying for the people who ask me to pray.  

And keep up with how those prayers are answered.

*In my marriage,  Ken and I both want to do a better job of going on dates.

*In being a parent,  I want to be fully present with each of my kids.

Time is flying by and they are truly almost grown.

I have also asked  my family to come up with a word for this year.

These are their words.

Ken - patience

Allie - courage

Maggie - courage

Lillie - calm

Brady - kindness

AND. The DAWGS did it!!!!  On our way to Atlanta!!!!!

What a good beginning to a new year this day has been.

I know that whatever may come in 2018, we will travel this journey together as a family. 

Allowing God to guide us as we go. 

Do you make resolutions or have a word for the year?  I would love to hear what they are!