Intentional. Joyful. Grace-filled.
Those are my words to focus on this year.
I want to be more intentional, to live life more than be lived, to examine what my priorities really are and to live a life in line with what’s truly important.
I want to be more joyful. I’ve battled the depression monster for most of my years. The last couple years have been hard in many ways and yet wonderful in so many others. I’ve set my sights on finding joy in the moments, internalizing it, and reflecting it. I want to reflect joy, that others may see, and know that joy is real, that it’s desirable, and that it’s accessible, despite life’s circumstances. I want to live the verse and song “The joy of the Lord is my strength!” I want to bless my children with a joyful mother, my husband with a joyful wife, and my Father with a joyful daughter.
I want to be more grace-filled. When I think of the grace that has been extended to me, I can barely wrap my brain around it. When I think of how often I fail at extending grace to others, I’m not sure I want to wrap my brain around it, it’s far too convicting. The world needs a few more grace-filled people, and I want to be one of them…
I continue to count my blessings-
612. fresh starts, again
613. big bowls of popcorn shared
614. more mercies, new every morning
615. cups of hot tea on cold winter nights
616. warm breakfasts on chili mornings
617. fevers breaking
618. coughs settling down
619. congestion easing
620. finishing another knit scarf
621. time spent brainstorming for a Family Mission Statement
622. connecting with old friends
623. nuggets of wisdom found in the Word
624. unexpected funds for much-needed new washer and dryer
625. children trying to read through their Bibles this year
626. hearing a resounding “Yes!” to the question “Is this recipe a keeper?”
627. a couple more minutes of light each day…
628. thoughts of spring
629. buying the 1st new little outfit for an expected baby
630. games to play when the stuck-at-home sick days get long
Fabulous three words you chose for the new year – intentional, joy, and grace-filled…wonderful words and actions for 2011!
Hey there! I just found your blog through A Holy Experience and I’m so glad I did. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better!
Meghan
http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com
@meghantucker
Just visiting from A Holy Experience … enjoyed reading your three words and your list of thanks! We have 6 children (all grown now), spread in age over 17 years. A little similar to your span of ages … Enjoy the year with your 7 blessings!
You’re right about more minutes of light!!! 🙂 I forgot about this! Praising the Lord for that.
I just started my list. Thank you for your wonderful list!
Blessings!
Melanie
Those are three very special words for 2011 – and focusing on gratitude is a great way to start the year! I love the Gratitude Community and find gratitude always makes my life more joyful.
Allie,
What a beautiful post. Those are three words I’d pick for myself. I’m so glad to have found your website from SomeGirl’s Website.
Hi Allie,
Hopped on over here from A Holy Experience. Love your words for this year – wrote about something similar on my blog this week.
http://turningoverpebbles.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/three-little-words/
May your year be filled with intention, joy and grace!
Michelle
Beautiful list and word choices! I have to say that I’d describe you as being intentional, having joy and filled with grace. I know we only spent a weekend together, but those would all be words I would use if someone asked me about you! {{HUGS}}
(Rejoicing over the added minutes of sunshine! And a little behind in blog reading.)