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Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts

Thursday, January 1, 2015

My Word for 2015 and a Linky Party #oneword365

thealteredpast.blogspot.com, the altered past

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  Can you believe we're actually 15 years into the new millennium?  Why is it when you want time to go faster, it creeps by, and when you want it to slow down, it flies.  As I get older, time seems to really fly ;)

Do you have a "word" for each new year?  I didn't know I did until I began to think about it a couple of years ago.  I could look back and see different themes for prior years so, I guess, you could call that my word for the year.

My word for 2015 is ACTION.  This whole past year God has been nudging me to dream.  I don't just mean "oh that would be nice" kinda dream.  I mean d-r-e-a-m and dream BIG!  So, I did!  I began dreaming about some of my biggest goals in 2014.

That was fun!  Just thinking about what those dreams are was fun.  And exciting!  However, now that I know what those dreams are, God's encouraging me to act on those dreams.  Move toward them.  Work for them.  Knowing it may not be all fun and games, I'm going for it.

It's funny that even in our dreams, we limit ourselves and God.  We tend to dream safely, if you will.  We think if the dream doesn't work out, at least we won't be that disappointed.  I did that at first.  I was setting goals (dreams) in safe mode.  Each time that I did, God would respond, "Ok, but I'm bigger than that."  It was incredible.  He knows how to give beyond where we even know how to receive.

So, the action part.  That's what I'm moving toward this year.  Have you ever felt that you were made to do a certain thing?  That thing inside that has always been with you?  That idea of how something would be in your life because you "just knew" it would be?  Maybe it's that thing that just comes naturally to you, like making a house a home, tending to those in need, sharing a skill with others, hosting others in your home for fellowship, etc.   I have and that's what I'm acting on in 2015.

Do I think it will go smoothly?  Nope.  I'm sure there will be stumbling blocks in some areas, tasks that appear impossible, laziness and doubt on my part even.  I may even feel like giving up and want to shift into "safe mode" again.  However, my hope is to keep taking that next step, moving toward my goal.

So, who's with me?  Are you ready to act on those dreams?  Get dirty, tired, frustrated, excited, motivated, elated?  Sounds crazy doesn't it?  Have you acknowledged that b-i-g dream?  Dig deep in your heart.  Bring it to God and say, "Here it is.  You created me to be _____.  Let's do this!"  Then hang on!  Some of the ride may not look like what you had expected but I know it will be so worth it.
Stay with me this year and we'll compare notes.  Deal?

If you have a "word" for 2015 post, be sure to link up below!  If not, be sure to check out some other great blog posts for their word of the year.

Thanks for stopping by and may you be all that God has created you to be!

Angie







I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS
HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

Monday, January 20, 2014

My Un-Word for the Year

A lot of people like to begin the new year with a new "word" to reflect upon, strive for, or aim to achieve during the upcoming twelve months.  This year, I'm joining Edie, Nester, Darlene, Angela, and many other bloggers in sharing an UN-word for the year.  Edie put it best when she described an un-word as " a word that we want to ditch in 2014.  A word that haunts us, that we want rid of for good.  A word we want to {UN}do in our lives."   



I like that idea.  A word to ditch.  Like shedding leaves in the fall.  Letting go.

Outside of blogging, I'm a homeschool mom and also a director of a tutorial with about 100 students.  My year begins usually in August.  That's when I begin my reflecting and prayer to see what God has for me in the upcoming year.

My Students


This past August, it was more of a phrase than a word.  I felt God was telling me that we need to give each other more credit.  In terms of an un-word, I guess that would be uncondemning.  I know we're instructed not to condemn but our flesh, our sinful nature likes to point a finger.  It likes to jump to conclusions.  It likes to assume things based on our perspective instead of truth.

We could have much more peace if we give each other more grace, if we don't jump to conclusions before having all the facts.  Not only would you have more peace with others, you will have more peace with yourself.  I'm really talking to myself here.  I tend to be a micro-manager.  I'm still learning how to let go when things aren't done the way I think they should have been.  Ah, letting go does give peace.

Peaceful sunset from our road

I guess it basically boils down to the saying I've seen posted many times on the web.

"BE KIND, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING THEIR OWN BATTLE."

I'm sharing this over at Life{in}Grace.  Be sure to check out the other {un}words and get inspired to find your own word to ditch :)

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie
I'm linking here:





House on the Way

Savvy Southern Style