My Word for 2015 and a Linky Party #oneword365

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

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Best of 2014 - A Year in Review

You guys, this has been an amazing year for The Altered Past and it's all thanks to you, my readers.  I'm so thankful for your taking time out of your day to read my blog.  It's both exciting and humbling at the same time.  I really do appreciate you all.

As a recap of 2014, I'm sharing my top 6 most viewed posts.  The ones you all chose as the best projects from this past year.  Let's do this David Letterman style starting with #6 first.

The sixth most viewed post for 2014 Is the Patio Set Redo that I made for my daughter's first apartment.  She moved in this past summer and the set has been providing a cozy sitting area for her front porch.  (Click on the photo to read the full post!)

The fifth most popular post from this past year is the Gumball Machine Snow Globe.  I think it's my favorite.  I put the snow globe in my china cabinet this past week instead of storing it away with the rest of the Christmas decorations.

Coming in at fourth is the Take-Out Boxes I made for our Thanksgiving guests.  I was honored to have this post featured in a Huffington Post article.  I'm still amazed that I found the take out trays at the Dollar Tree.  I love that store :)

The third most popular post of 2014 is a project that is somewhat special to me.  It's the Old Window Repurposed into a Chalkboard.  The window came from my in-laws home.  The chalkboard hangs in our den and I change out the message with the seasons or holidays.  

Coming in at number 2 is an easy DIY project that I've done several times and will probably continue to do.  It's the Make Your Own Rubber Stamp post.  It doesn't take a lot of fancy materials.  You probably already have most of them in your home right now.  Click on the photo and check it out.  Then, get to making your own rubber stamps!

And, drum roll please, the most popular post for 2014 is the Pottery Barn Knockoff Grouted Pumpkins.  Another super easy project and the cost was less than $5!  

There you have it!  The top 6 most popular post for 2014!  This could not have happened without you.  I appreciate each of you and I hope you will like what 2015 brings for The Altered Past.  I feel God has some pretty neat things in store for us.  

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!!

Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
MAKING LEMONADE BLOG

Get 20% Off "Building a Framework" Ebook

Great news!  Today through January 3rd, you can get "Building a Framework:  Everything I Learned My First Year of Blogging" by Abby Lawson (aka JustAGirl blog) for 20% off the $24 price!!  Enter the code:  NEWYEARNEWBLOG to get the discount!

Guys, I have this ebook and I can say it is chocked full of great information.  It also comes with 20+ printable pages to create your own blog planner.  With the 20% discount, you'll be getting all of this information for less than $20.  That's a great deal!

If you're already a blogger, Abby will share with you the things she learned during her first year of blogging.  If you're not a blogger, Abby will help you get off to a great start.  I began blogging back in 2009 and I really wish I had this book back then.  

Take a look at what's inside:

So, hurry!  Don't wait!  Click over today and check out "Building a Framework:  Everything I Learned My First Year of Blogging" and don't forget the code NEWYEARNEWBLOG to get your 20% off!  

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!  And, if you're thinking about beginning a blog, I'd love to hear about it!!

Angie

*affiliate links

Organizing Christmas Decorations for Storage

Are you an organized person?  I'm not.  Organization does not come easy to me.  I read once that creativity and organization can act kind of like a seesaw in people.  When I'm more creative, my organization goes down.  When I become more organized, my creativity seems to decrease.  Does that happen to you?  It made sense to me.  However, don't despair.  You can have some of both and we can do it together!  Let's get creatively organized!

Since organizing doesn't come naturally to me, I turned to good ol' Pinterest for inspiration.  I even created a Christmas Decoration Organization board if you want to follow it you can do that HERE

I know some of you may not want to take down all of the decorations right away but there are some ideas that you can be thinking about and gathering supplies for.  Don't worry, these are easy to find items.  (All of the photos are from Pinterest so be sure to check them out on their original site!)

Let's take a look!

This is an easy fix to all those rolls of wrapping paper that are falling out of the gift wrapping closet whenever I open the door.  Easy to find cardboard wine box for free at most liquor stores!

How about this!?!  I usually save the original box for Christmas balls but those other ornaments are usually just tossed in a tote.  Plastic cups are a great idea for keeping those ornaments nice and safe while being stored.  No more bed head for ornaments with hair ;)

Another great idea for those smaller ornaments or for those glass balls that don't have their original box.

This idea of labeled, clear totes is from Yvonne of Stone Gable.  She always has her home beautifully decorated for Christmas (well, every season as a matter of fact) and so she's got organized storage down pat.

Do you use a real tree or an artificial?  This is our first year with an artificial so I'll be looking for a great way to store it.  I have the original box but I'm thinking I may just leave it put together, pull a large garbage bag down over it, and put it in the attic as is.  That may not work for everyone but we are blessed to have a walk in attic in this house...first one after owning several homes and I love it!

Ok, so let's start gathering our supplies...plastic cups, egg cartons, clear totes, cardboard wine box...and get to organizing our Christmas decor!

Anyone with a great way to store wreaths??  I'd love to hear!!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!!

The Focus on Our Savior

You know what I like about Christmas?  Well, I won't lie.  I love decorating my home, getting and receiving gifts, and the warm coziness of watching feel good movies with the family.  However, there is something else happening during this time that I love.  So many are thinking about our Savior and his birth.

While I'm in the camp that believes Jesus' birthday was probably in the fall and not on December 25th, I am thankful that this season can provide opportunities to share Jesus with those that don't know Him.  His birth, to enter this fallen world, to experience our griefs, struggles, temptations, to remain without blemish through it so that He could take the payment of death for our sins.  That depth of love is hard for us to imagine and humbling as we even try to understand how much He loves us.

Wow!  He loves us that much.  While we were yet sinners, He died for us.  It leaves me in awe trying to get my head around it.  What a Mighty, Loving Savior and King we serve!

My wish for you and your family is to enjoy this season and may it carry with us all during the coming 365 days.  Jesus does.  He's always there, whether our minds are focused on Him or not.  He is Faithful.  I typically don't share posts like this but I feel His leading me to do this more in 2015.  More on that when I return to blogging next week~!

God bless and thanks for stopping by!!

In His Love,
Angie