Another Year

Here we are at the end of another year and we have certainly had a lot to handle again this year. Maybe you, like me, were expecting more. More peace and understanding, and most of all love for one another. Instead it seems, we see discord, chaos and difficulties. But I am realizing more and more that I need to choose again to look forward to the new year as I always do with goals in mind and a direction I believe God has given me. So… let me share my thoughts in hopes that it will encourage your direction or thinking as well.

Let me explain that my goals are not like a resolution list. My goals are anything and everything that I pray over as my year begins and through out the year. It’s exciting to watch where God works. Not everything on my list takes place, but I found God to be faithful again and again to me with His direction and my list. In this process, I also pray over a word that I ask God for that will carry me in the direction He would like me to go for this next year. I study the word, I read up on the word, and my goals have something to do with my word usually without me really planning that. So…let’s get into it.

What is this word, you ask? As I have been praying over the last few months, one word came to me again and again. Now when that happens, I usually thank the Lord for that, and ask if this is the one, will He confirm it to me so I know. As a friend and I took a girls trip together, I saw this word pop up on several places like artwork, bookstores, and in the activities we did, and our schedule. And since we don’t often get away together, just the very trip was a nod to my word. It resonated with me completely. God has been teaching me to live more in the moment than ever before. I believe that is because it is so easy for us to get distracted by what is going on around us. That is what the devils forte is…distraction. I am very excited about the ways in which God is going to teach me to Savor moments, friendships, my home, the little things and big things, a warm mocha and a fire, a candle light reflecting through glass, and many other experiences. A life made lovely through a simple word…savor. It can mean the following:

1 : to give flavor to : season. 2a : to have experience of : taste. b : to taste or smell with pleasure : relish. c : to delight in : enjoy savoring the moment. *Merriam-Webster

This word of course reminds me of my favorite Norwegian word: Koselg. Kind of the same meaning in some ways. I want to savor my life, my family, my traditions, friends, and all the goodness around me. There are times now when I get into bed at night and talk to the Lord and I am a bit disappointed that I have maybe let unimportant things keep me from savoring the more important moments as they come. However, those times are getting less and less. I have been really sick in the last three to four weeks with a winter cold and I really had to just let things go and not worry about it. I was still having to take my hubby to doctor followups and physical therapy appointments even though I wasn’t feeling well. What happened during that time was that I felt more than ever that I wanted to start the year strong in January. So I did what I needed to do and nothing more. I rested, and when I did, I found my energy level started to return. I wouldn’t say I am 100% quite yet, but today is a good day and I sure have gotten my fire back and I am enjoying my plans for the upcoming year. I plan to “savor” it all!

I have a plan for a couple of Bible Studies I will be doing because I want to get back to my study of the Word and let it guide my year once again. I have started writing my goals for the new year as I do every year. I have several great books ready to start and I am excited about what I will learn by those efforts. I have been doing some reading and studying on various recipes and bread making that I want to improve upon. I also found some great organizers for my kitchen that has save me lots of room and let me find things easier. My son came and built a pantry area out of a closet, and back splash for behind my range. All these little things lead into a new beginning for January. THAT is part of savoring of my home and environment…it makes me happy! I have also made a point of getting together with friends because I know it is important for me and many others feel the same way…we need each other. So we meet up and savor our time together and now that I feel better, I plan to do that more in the next few weeks. Whether it is a few minutes or a coffee meet up or a text, it is a way to encourage one another…so needed today.

So as we all go into the new year, I hope this encourages you to maybe do something you haven’t done before or done in a while. I want you to live with contentment and savor moments and the people God has put around you. And if you think of it, share if you have a word for the year for yourself, and leave it in the comments. I love hearing about it and will certainly pray for you and the word God has placed on your hearts as it relates to your new year.

The other area that I am challenging myself is with a planner/journal. This one is a great one in that it helps with all the areas I want to work on. This isn’t a striving thing or something I feel I “have” to do, but more what I want to do to enhance my life. I don’t feel less than, so… I have to do this. It is an inner desire to not miss anything around me. It is enough that we have so many changes and requirements and dos and don’ts, and I want to live my daily life more like it could be my last. It sure makes me grateful for everything that happens each day. I am not such a good “planner-user” just because I don’t have to do the work that requires it. However, I think this will be fun to keep me going forward towards what I desire my life to be like… a life well-lived. It’s a good reminder.

Don’t forget…it all is a movement forward and that is a great direction!

Until next time…

~JoAnn