One Word

 For some reason the past few months have been odd. I have been busy with out-of-the-ordinary stuff. That throws me off kilter. I'm much better at order and stability than I am at spontaneous and unexpected.

So, it's time to pick a word for 2022. In choosing this year's word, I looked back to see what I've chosen in the past: Steadfast, Resolute, People, Hope, Content, Time, Home, Bold, Freedom, Confident. 

Since I seem to be in a season of instability, my word for this year is Serene. I need to focus on taking care of myself in order to take care of some of the issues facing me. Specifically finding a good living solution for my parents. I need to be calm. I need to rest in the serenity of faith. I need to take very deep breaths. And I need to remind myself of my Source of confidence for the future.

Now, if you know me, you're probably laughing because I am a world-class worrier. So this will indeed be a challenge! I think I can...

se·rene

adjective

calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.

A Glance Back, A Look Ahead

  As I look back at 2020, I can easily focus on how blessed I am. Although we were affected by the pandemic (mainly in the difficulty of finding various supplies and food items), our day-to-day life was not that different.

We are so fortunate to live where we do. The weather allows us to be outside almost every day. We had a brief period of businesses being closed, but it was mainly businesses we don't go to anyway (bars, gyms). It has been rough having the grandkids here for school each day. But other than that, life has gone on. I'm so grateful.

In 2020 I accomplished:

Reading 100 books! This has been a goal of mine for years. This year I signed up for the Reading Challenge on GoodReads and managed to meet my goal. I actually read 102 books. I guess that's the good side of having school in my home. I had lots of time to read in between helping them with their lessons, haha.

Bible Reading: If you've read my blog for any length of time you know that I try to read through the Chronological Bible each year. I really enjoy reading the Bible in the order that things happened. So much easier to understand and puts events into perspective. This year I read it on the YouVersion Bible app. 

Stitching: Well, my stitching really suffered this year. It was almost impossible to stitch during the school day when I was interrupted every 20-30 minutes with somebody needing something (or so it seemed!). I only managed to complete a few projects, although I did finish a Christmas stocking which is a big job.

One Word: My one word in 2020 was steadfast. As I look back on the year I realize that it was the perfect word because I needed to be steadfast. Steadfast in providing emotional support to my daughter and her kids as they lived with us. Steadfast in believing even on the most stressful days that God is in control and things will be better. Steadfast in protecting my health - both physical and mental! When I chose that word I had no idea what a large role it would play in everyday life.

• 2020 Steadfast
• 2019  Resolute
• 2018 People
• 2017 Hope
• 2016 Content
• 2015 Time
• 2014 Home
• 2013 Bold
• 2012 Freedom
• 2011 Confident

This Blog: This summer I was thinking about my blogs (yes, I have two) and trying to come up with a plan to be a better blogger. Blog more, have more directed content, share more family stuff, try to be inspirational. I have a plan, but as I'm learning (especially this year) life definitely gets in the way! Blogging in 2020 was certainly a hit and miss proposition for me.

Family: For obvious reasons I had a lot of family time this year. Having Katie, Sunny, and Thunder live with us for 287 days... well, that's a LOT of family time! During the summer we had a few family events here at home in the swimming pool. We traveled to Kansas in June. And we capped the summer with Dan's 65th Birthday Celebration with the family all heading to Colorado for Labor Day Weekend. JD, Janel, Blizzard and Winter arrived on Christmas Eve Day and we held Family Christmas on Christmas Eve for the first time ever. The most joyous times are when I have all my kids around me.

A Look Ahead...

Reading: My reading goal for 2021 is 75 books. I have several very thick books I want to read and keeping my goal at 100 does not lend itself to reading thick books!

Stitching: My goal is the same as last year; to complete 12 projects. I also really want to finish the afghan I started with Jessica and Janel in (gulp) 2010.

Bible: I started a new-to-me Chronological Bible on the YouVersion app for this year.

One Word: Oh my goodness. I noticed that the past several years I start this category with a lot of confusion and angst over what my one word with be. This year is no exception. As I've talked with my husband over the past week I realized that the word I use more often to describe how I'm approaching 2021 is optimistic. So that's my one word. I am very optimistic about the future and life in general. 

Family: Although no one is living with us now, we still have school in our home. With Katie's work schedule that means we have Sunny and Thunder three days each week. For the foreseeable future. As in, I sure hope this doesn't last until May, but I'm prepared if it does. I think this year we'll be able to get in more family birthday parties, Easter, Mother's Day, etc. We're having a warm, dry winter which means outside festivities are easy to have. We're also planning a trip to the Galveston area in July to celebrate my 65th Birthday. In between there will be lots of sleepovers, cousin days, and other fun activities. We're hoping to get to Kansas at least twice in 2021.

All in all, life is good. We have our health. We have our family close by. We Skype every Sunday with the Kansas family. Everyone has jobs and still goes to work every single day, and has since this all started. (Except the adults in education. One works from home, one goes to work, and one quit her job). So, I'll say it again. All in all, life is good. We are so blessed.

Our original little family: JD, Jessica, Me, Dan, Katie, Zach

One Word 2020

My one word for 2019 was resolute. I have to say that I think I did a pretty good job of staying resolute over the year. I'm surprised at the effect that word had on my dealing with the challenges and opportunities that life throws our way.

So, time to pick a new word. I'm choosing steadfast for my one word in 2020. It's not a word that leaps to mind very often, but I think it's a good word to follow resolute. As you can see, resolute is featured in the definition of steadfast.

To me resolute sounds more assertive and deliberate, where steadfast sounds like a habit to be developed. That's just my opinion.

Anyway, hopefully my venture into resolute-ness has led me to me more steadfast! haha

stead·fast

/ˈstedˌfast/

Learn to pronounce

adjective

adjective: steadfast

1. resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

   "steadfast loyalty"

   Similar:

   loyal

   faithful

   committed

   devoted

   dedicated

   dependable

One Word

I don't know what I was doing the other day, probably half listening to some story on the news, when out of the blue my One Word for 2019 blasted into my brain. I usually spend a few weeks thinking/praying about my one word, but I hadn't even given it a thought yet. So, without further fanfare, here's my One Word:

res·o·lute

/ˈrezəˌl(y)o͞ot/

adjective

1. admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

   "she was resolute and unswerving"

   synonyms:

   determined, purposeful, resolved, adamant, single-minded, firm, unswerving, unwavering, steadfast, staunch, stalwart, unfaltering, unhesitating, persistent, indefatigable, tenacious, strong-willed, unshakable;  stubborn, dogged, obstinate,  obdurate, inflexible, intransigent, implacable, unyielding, unrelenting;  spirited, brave, bold, courageous, plucky, indomitable

Now I wish I could give you some inspiring example of how this word will impact my life in the new year. I wish I could explain with enthusiasm why this word occurred to me. But I can't. All I can say is that I'm going to embrace this word and all that it implies and see where it takes me.

In that I am resolute.

One Word 2018

Usually I start thinking about my one word in the Fall, but this year has been very different. We had so many late year family events that I was busy concentrating on them and did not give my typical thought to the upcoming year.

When I finally got around to remembering that I needed to choose my one word for 2018 I didn't even have to think about it. My word is people.

As I stated in "The Year of the Purge" post, I feel very convicted to rearrange my life to have more time, effort, energy for the people in my life.

I'm eager to see what kind of changes I can make this year to fulfill this goal.

One Word 2017

It's time to chose my one word for 2017. I started thinking about this in October. Words have flitted through my mind. I've paused to consider them. Then my mind has moved on to other thoughts. Nothing has stuck. So as I write this post I'm still trying to make up my mind.

2016 was so chaotic in our country that I briefly considered the word serene. Our family is growing by leaps and bounds so the word family got consideration. Dan and I are trying to make more time for ourselves so I even thought of using marriage. But the word I keep coming back to is hope.

I have hope that our country will settle down. I have hope that the world community will get its act together. I have hope for my children and grandchildren. I even have hope for something as trivial as getting more stitching time in!

But the real reason I am choosing the word hope is because of my faith in Christ. Because of my faith I do have hope. Hope for my future, hope for my family, hope for the world.

So there you have it. My one word for 2017 is hope.

One Word 2016

I was struggling with my one word for 2016. For several weeks I thought I had it picked, but then last week another word rose to the forefront. How to choose?

After much reflection my one word for 2016 is Content. Defined as "in a state of peaceful happiness". I personally don't think of contentment as happiness. Happiness can be elusive, but contentment can be willed. I want to be content regardless of circumstances. After all, I have so much to be thankful for. I don't need to be dissatisfied, or wanting, or grumbly, or unhappy. I want to embrace the joys and opportunities of my life and be content even in the challenges that arise.

For me, the picture of contentment is resting in my faith that God has a perfect plan for my life and my job is to follow that plan. Easy to say, but hard to do. I do know that when I am following Him, I am content. And peaceful. And calm.

If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Job 36:11

So, content it is. And I have to admit that right now I am in a state of contentment. Sure hope it lasts! I'm going to work at insuring that it does.

One Word
2015: Time
2014: Home
2013: Bold
2012: Freedom
2011: Confident

Looking Ahead: One Word

For the past few years I've been choosing One Word for the new year. In 2014 my one word was Home. It was an easy choice. We had just moved into our new home and I wanted to concentrate on using the blessing God had provided us as a way of thanking Him for his provision.

The previous year's words include: Bold, Freedom, Confident. As I look back on them I can see how they fit into what my life looked like at that time.

This year's word came to me loud and clear last week during my morning devotional. Time. I was convicted about how much time I waste. And believe me, it's a huge chunk of time. In 2015 I want to be aware of what I'm using my time for. I want to be in the moment. Fully in the moment. I don't want to while away the hours playing Mahjong or Trivia Crack on the phone. You get my drift.

So there you have it. I need to stop wasting time. I need to be in the moment. I need to have better priorities. Not to mention more self-control. Time. Once it's gone, I can't get it back. I want to be deliberate about how I spend my time.

For everything there is an appointed time,

and an appropriate time for every activity on earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NET

Looking Forward

Here we are. Down to the last few hours of 2013. We rarely stay up until Midnight any more so I'm pretty much done with 2013 and ready for 2014. So without further ado, here's a look at what I'm anticipating this new year:

Faith: I got a new Bible for Christmas! For the past few years I've wanted the NET Bible, but it is very hard to find. I did finally track it down on a website, but in the meantime I heard about the Our Daily Bread Devotional Bible on Bible Gateway. I told my mom about it and she gave it to me for Christmas. I am so thrilled to have it and plan to use it for my daily quiet time this year. I normally use a chronological Bible, but every three or four years I like to switch to something new for a year. Also, you'll notice, this Bible is purple, which is my favorite color! I can't wait to start reading it tomorrow.

Stitching: I have 14 projects kitted up for 2014. I also have six WIPs that I'd like to work on. I also have a list of about 10 other projects that I need to make. Too ambitious, you think?! Me too. I won't get them all done, but I'm hoping to accomplish more than I did in 2013.

Family: My little family of 13 is growing to 14 in 2014 and my entire family of 18 is growing to 20! Jessica and Adam are expecting a baby in June 2014. Dan and I are beyond thrilled to be welcoming another grandchild. My nephew Matt and his fiance, Shelby are planning a wedding this year, which will up our total to 20. As a child, I always dreamed up being a part of a large family and my dream has definitely come true!

One Word: I've been thinking about and praying about my One Word for 2014. And no matter what words Iconsider, it all comes back to one - Home. So my One Word for 2014 is Home and I hope that I will spend this year making our home a place that is welcoming, warm, cozy, friendly, and filled with love.

I have many dreams, wishes, and goals for 2014. Some of them will come to pass and some won't. But no matter what comes, I know that God has a plan for my life and my heart's desire is to follow His plan. I pray that you will have a safe, happy New Year's celebration and a blessed 2014.

Goodbye 2012, Welcome 2013!

I usually spend the week between Christmas and New Year planning for the future, remembering the past. But this year I have not had time for that. I feel all discombobulated.

2012 was a good year and really the only major disappointment I have is in my stitching. Out of my 15 Crazy January Challenge starts in 2012 I did not finish 5 of them. Bummer. I have my 15 Crazy January Challenge 2013 projects kitted up and ready to post tomorrow. I chose several small patterns this year so maybe I'll finish all 15! I also have 2 1/2 Christmas stockings, a wedding sampler, a birthday gift, and three Christmas gifts to stitch. Plus Janel, Jessica, and I are still working on our afghan project.

If you read my last few posts, you know that I chose my One Word for 2013: Bold. I'm also taking part in the 2013 SSMT (Scripture Memory Team) that Beth Moore sponsors. I have a link to her blog on the right sidebar if you'd like to learn more. I will begin reading through the Bible again for 2013 using my Daily Chronological Bible.

I'm going to make some changes to this blog for 2013. I'm ditching the daily quote.The daily Bible verses will be from the NET Bible this year (unless otherwise noted). I'm going to make a determined effort to post a stitching update once a week. I may change around the layout some. I just want to freshen up the look of it. I'm still posting to my Christmas blog, but will make some changes to it also.

2013 is the last year of my 101 in 1001 list. I feel overwhelmed when I look at my list and see all of the items I have not accomplished. I'd better get in high gear!

Since joining the hordes of people on Pinterest earlier this year I've made several of the items I've pinned. I'm hoping to make many more in 2013 and hope to have a couple of Pinterest Parties to that end.

I'm woefully behind on scrapbooking and plan to make January 2013 "Picture Project Month" so I can hopefully get caught up. We'll see how that goes.

I enjoy reading other blogs and get so much creative and spiritual inspiration from them. Isn't it amazing how our "blog friends" enrich our lives? I wish I could meet each one, but until that happens, I enjoy our online friendships.

All in all I'm ready to bid a fond farewell to 2012 and am eagerly anticipating 2013.

One Word: Bold

In 2011 my one word was confident. In 2012 it was freedom. For 2012 my one word is bold.

I want to live my life boldly. I want to live my faith boldly. I want to bold in maintaining relationships. I want to be bold in improving my mind. I want to be bold about my health. I want to be bold when it comes to speaking out about causes that I believe in and support.

Bold. I want to be bold.

When I cried out for help, you answered me.
You made me bold and energized me. Psalm 138:3

My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20

One Word: Freedom

In 2011 I chose one word for the year. It was confident. I think I have more confidence in some areas of my life. But it's definitely still something I need to work on. For 2012 I am choosing the word "freedom".

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

I'm not looking for the freedom to run out and do whatever I want with no regard to consequences. I'm looking for freedom from the bondage of always worrying about what someone will think. Freedom from the struggle between pleasing man and pleasing God. Freedom from being a worrier. Freedom to revel in my faith. Freedom to trust God for every aspect of my life. Freedom. I feel more free just saying it...

Confident – My One Word for 2011

I have heard a lot lately about “My One Word”. I finally googled it and found this website. It states:

“’My One Word’ is an experiment designed to move you beyond the past and look ahead. The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE Word.This process provides clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. One word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future."

Hmmm, clarity? Sounds like something I need! The website then goes on to explain that resolutions seldom work because we focus on who or what we want to become, rather than on who or what God wants us to be. Makes sense to me! Check out the website for the process of choosing your word and other information.

So, I’ve been thinking about my word for a few weeks and in the end I’ve chosen the first word that popped into my mind…

Confident.

I want to be confident by the end of 2011. The website states that at the beginning it may feel awkward or unnatural to live out your word. Gee, ya think?! I’m excited though, in a cautious sort of way, and eager to see how God is going to re-shape me to be confident. I’ll let you know how it’s going, in the meantime I’ll leave you with some verses I found about confidence. And, as always, if you’ve picked ONE WORD for 2011, please share it with us by leaving a comment.

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. Psalm 71:5

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:16-18

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7