One Word 2015

It is the first day of the new year and a time for reflection and perhaps resolution.  This year I am not making any resolutions, but I am again choosing one word to dwell on this year. 

For the last 6 months (or longer if I am really honest about it) I have been a stressed out mess.  And every area of my life suffers from "messy buildup"  from my health to homeschool to house and more.  The word for the year 2015 is clean. More than just the removal of dirt, this word is about coming clean, eating clean, and working clean. 

One word: Simplify

New Year's is a time for reflection and contemplation.  A time to look back, but also a time to look forward. Last year's word was intentional.  While I did not explicitly blog on it, intentionality definitely had a role in my decision making process this past year.

  

This years word is simplify.  Over the past four months or so it has become increasingly clear that my life is too full and complicated.  Too much can hinder a well lived life.  I do too much.  I own too much.  I complicate things too much.  I am also tired, so very tired.  I'm tired of being tired. So I am focused on getting rid of the excess.  Slimming down, not only my figure but all areas of life.  

Last year my word, intentional, was really about going through an attitude adjustment.  This year's word, simplify is more about action.  I hope to blog periodically on how the simplification process is going in all different areas of life including home and homeschooling.   Join me as I set goals, not resolutions, in the new year. 

I look forward to a new year with excitement and expectation.  How are you looking forward to the new year?  

   

Living Intentionally

Word of the year: Intentional.

It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”   ~Henry David Thoreau

The idea of a word, a single thought as a focus for a whole year can seem a little bit daunting.  But I want to spend a long, long while exploring this idea, sinking deep to the idea of living an intentional life, a life lived deliberately, on purpose, for a purpose.

I've been living a reactionary life, running from drama to crisis and back again, always frantic about something.  This stress has done harm, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I need to step away from that stress, but I cannot just up and move, {however desirable that might seem to my wandering self}.  I am here.  So how can I move away from the stress and strife of this life with out physically moving away? This question has really haunted me.  This is my solution:  Live differently.  Live intentionally.  I see intentional, purposeful, deliberate living as a straight arrow through a waving wheat field, as the rock in the stream, not letting drama and crisis sway, but rather staying focused, abiding, and acting with necessity not in reaction.

Intentional : done on purpose; deliberate

What does an intentional, deliberate life look like?  I don't fully know yet, but I am looking forward to exploring the idea.  Here are some of my starting points:

Worrying less.
{Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Mt 6:34}

Searching out God's will in my life.  Finding my purpose.
{But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Mt. 6:33}

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
{ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.And be thankful. Col. 3:15}

In addition to this word of the year, I wanted to chose a scripture verse for the year as well.  One that dwelled in the same space as intentional.  The verse that I choose was

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

What do you think?  I welcome comments.  Do you have a word of the year?  I'd love to know.