My Word For the Year

I have decided to pick a word to focus on for this new year instead of a bunch of lofty resolutions that I will likely not keep. This word is PEACE.

I want PEACE in all areas of my life: in my spiritual quietness, in my home clutter, in my finances, in my children, in my community, in my friendships, in my marriage, in me, period. This means that with all decsions this year I will think, "Will it provide me/my family PEACE?" If the answer is no, it has to go! If the answer is maybe, I will stop and wait awhile. If the answer is yes, you can't stop me from racing towards it!

With so much uncertainity in our lives, collecting unemployment, on a multi-state job hunt, and the like, the thing I crave the most is PEACE. Worry is not an invited guest in this home. He has been kicked to the curb.

I have watched God provide time and time again over the last 3 months. We have been blessed with lots of laughter, times of teaching, reconnecting with each other, friends who pray with us, food in abundance, and tears of joy. The bills are all paid in full. No one is hungry. God is good.

So this year, as I reflect on PEACE in all (even miniscule) areas of my life, I challenge you: What word or phrase can you reflect on in 2012? Could it be SIMPLIFY? TRUST? PRAISE? CONTENT? GROWTH? Your word is and will be as unique as you are - a precious child who our Maker delights in. He sings over you now.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3