Month: November 2018

Every year since 2014 I have been selecting a “Word of the Year” to focus on. Each year I give careful thought about what my year has been like, how it has affected me, and what I want myself and my life to be like in the coming year. I use that as a guide when selecting my word.

Here is the list so far:

2014- Evolve (That was the year I turned 50 and I wanted to embrace the changes.)

2015- Rediscover (I wanted to rediscover my talents and myself.)

2016- Balance (Something I am STILL working on!)

2017- Conscious (I wanted to put more thought into choices and decisions)

2018- Perspective (I have focused on being a more positive person and seeking for God’s guidance and perspective in my life.)

 

With November drawing to a close I have begun thinking about my word for the coming year and I am feeling a bit torn.

The first word I thought would apply was STRIVE. I have made a lot of progress with changing my perspective this year and I want to continue in that direction. I want to try to be happier, healthier, and closer to God and family. I thought that STRIVE was a good word for that intention of working toward those goals, but I also feel that STRIVE sometimes has a negative connotation to me  because it seems to involve a lot of effort and work.

Someone else mentioned the word FORWARD. I like that word too as it indicates the direction in which I want to move. I do not want to go back to the world of negativity and depression. I want to continue to move FORWARD in changing my life and my focus. FORWARD seems more open to lots of situations as well.

I even went to the bible to seek some guidance and here is what I found. `

Phillipians 3: 13-14

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 43: 18-19

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Proverbs 4:25

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Even after reading the verses I was still unsure about which word to use. I would love to get some feedback from some of you. Which of the two words do you think would be better as a “guide” for the upcoming 12 months? Is there a different word that you think might work for me? I would LOVE to have some input!

 

 

 

 

 

This past week I started on a new Bible study based on the book Breathe by Priscilla Shirer. This Bible study is meant for those of us who get so tied up in family, work, school, or whatever that we forget to take just a little time to Breathe and focus on God’s goodness.

About midweek we were challenged to take a 10 minute Breathe session. Wednesday and Thursday I was just too busy to really do that. Then came Friday.

Here in Kentucky we were surprised with a rare November snowfall- enough to actually cover the rooftops, raised surfaces, and grass, but leaving the roads fairly clear. That was a good thing because I had plans to travel to Lexington to pick up things that I needed for our upcoming Thanksgiving meal.

Now, normally I make a list, jump in the car, rush to the stores, scurry up and down the aisles to gather what I need and then hurry home. This time it was different.

Pulling out of the driveway, I decided that I was going to take my time and just enjoy the day. The road that leads from our house to the interstate winds through the Daniel Boone Forest and Natural Bridge State Park. I could not help but notice the beauty of the freshly fallen snow sparkling in the sunlight. As my car rounded one curve in particular, the sun beamed down at just the right angle to create a Christmas card perfect image. Having no car behind me, I allowed myself to stop just long enough to snap this photo.

I was in awe of God’s wonder! As I continued on my way, listening to the gospel music streaming from my Sirius XM radio, I took in the beauty of the morning. I drove leisurely and even allowed the cool, crisp air to bring some pink to my cheeks through the open window. Over and over again, I whispered a, “Thank you Lord for your creation.”

Eventually I reached the interstate and I sped my car up to the typical interstate rate, but the glorious energy I had received from that short “Breath of Nature” was enough to help me stay on track and truly enjoy the day. I found myself smiling more, chatting in friendly conversations with total strangers, and taking an extra second to open doors, wish people a nice weekend, and extend the hand of God’s goodness to others.

If you are like me and you typically hurry and scurry through life, getting every job done just right, stop this Thanksgiving season- take a simple 10 minute “Breath” to enjoy all of God’s goodness. Take a walk and breathe in the cool air, listen to the laughter of children as they play, sit and talk with someone older and wiser than you who needs to feel they belong. Do something that helps you connect with the Lord and truly Count the Blessings that he has provided for you. It will be the BEST breath of your week! I promise!

Last Saturday was one of those unexpected blessings that God just drops into my lap.

A few weeks ago, Kari asked me if I would like to go to Clinton, Tennessee with her for the day. They were having a Christmas event in their many antique stores. Wanting to spend time with her I jumped at the chance. Then it slipped my mind. I went to Pet Smart in Richmond and signed Truffles up for some obedience classes, totally forgetting the plans for November 4. When I realized that there was a conflict, Kari was quite understanding and was ready to settle for just lunch together.

Flash forward to Friday night. I come home at 8 PM after having moderated 3 academic matches for the middle school. I sit down to relax and start hearing an annoying beep. Realizing that it was our answering machine alerting me to a new message I jumped up to play it. It was the dog trainer. Apparently Truffles and I were the only ones signed up for the class so it was postponed. It only took a quick phone call to Kari to change plans and decide that we were back on for a day in Tennessee.

We left London bright and early on Saturday morning. Arriving in Clinton we spent the day roaming the many antique stores up and down the street, stopping at one to enjoy sandwiches at a lunch counter much like the “old days”.

We laughed and talked, debating which items we could afford and which ones would make good Christmas presents for those important people in our lives.

Leaving Clinton we debated what to do and soon decided that we would like to detour to Middlesboro to visit the mall. Unfortunately we had just missed the exit that would take us straight off the interstate along the “bigger” roads. Kari quickly checked her phone and found us a detour along the “back roads”.

More good conversation ensued as we drove through the twisting, turning narrow roads, sometimes filled with potholes. Rather than worrying about getting lost or debating whether to turn back, I found myself remarkably relaxed, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Reflecting back on the experience now I realize that I was doing what I should be doing more often, enjoying myself and the many blessings that God had provided for me that day.

Sometimes I allow myself to get too caught up in life and its struggles. I need to take those back roads more often and just enjoy being with the people I love. I may not be “young” anymore, but I still think this verse applies:

You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the words of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgement. Ecclesiastes 11:9

Do not make the mistake that I have been making. Take the time to stop and smell the roses or hike through the crisp autumn leaves. Stroll through antique stores or malls with someone you love and allow yourself to splurge on a special little something to help you remember the day. Enjoy a meal at an out of the way slow-paced restaurant rather than cruising through a drive through. Experience the joys of life that God has provided and take the time to Count your Daily Blessings!

POSTSCRIPT: When I was telling Kari how much I had enjoyed myself I said, “I was having so much fun that I forgot to take any photos.” She answered, “Sometimes that is a good thing!” That is one smart girl I have raised!