Helllloooooo 2011!

A new year is here! What will it bring? Only God knows.
I just spent some time reading through my blog posts from 2010, trying to get an overall picture of the last year of our life (because, quite frankly, it's a bit of a blur). It's cool to see how the boys have grown and changed, teeny tiny ways that I have (there's a LOOONG way to go), and to recap fun, exciting, and even challenging events from the year. It's also a bit humbling to see all these projects/ideas I got all gung-ho about and went practically nowhere. You'd think putting it in print would keep me a LITTLE bit accountable.

I'm going to steal this idea from a fellow blogger and do some reflecting on 2010 and projecting into 2011:



1)What accomplishments from the past year are you most proud of? Well, my kids all seem to be intact, physically and emotionally. Haha! Ha.

2) What did you learn about yourself this last year? I'm a bit of a coward, socially speaking. I tend to shy away from uncomfortable or new social situations. I didn't used to be this way or at least not this bad. I'm working on it. More than myself, I feel like I've learned or re-learned some things about God and his immense, crazy love for me.

3) In what ways have you grown? I've been getting out of my comfort zone more. Also learning to be less prideful.

4) What were the high points of the past year? Vacationing with family, James's and my mini-getaway, Labor Day camping trip with Lombard CRC, girls getaway weekend, getting my part-time job at home, our new church starting up, Friday morning coffee time ;), Jeran learning to ride a bike, annual friends' camping trip, and I know there's more I'm neglecting to mention. Have I mentioned how crappy my memory can be?

5) Low points? Keith and Jeni moving to Alaska. Sorry guys. We're still happy for you, but it was hard to say good-bye. :)

6) What inspiration will you carry forward into the year ahead? The realization that I have been given SO MUCH blessing in my life. My children, my husband, our health, SO MANY loving friends and family, an enormous support system dispersed through so many areas of my life. My cup runneth over.

7) How would you complete this sentence: 2010 was the year of...movin' on: the boys (ok, and us) got older and grew in many ways, family moved home, family moved away, we moved to a different church, etc.

8) Pick 3 words to describe 2010. Sleeplessness, Fun, Growth

9)What were the best books you read this year? The Hunger Games, for sure. The Help, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Prodigal God, The Shack (which I think technically I re-read this year).

10) How did you grow in your relationships? I have had a lot of new friendships start up this year which is exciting. We've gotten to know some of our neighbors better as well.

11) What was your single biggest time waster? Ugh. I hate to admit it: Facebook and the internet in general.

12) What was the best way you used your time this year? Those stretches of time when I was exercising and eating right. Anytime I spent in the Word and prayer, particularly when I started my day that way.



GOING FORWARD:

1) What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead? Walking more closely with the Lord, our trip to the Dominican Republic for our good friends', Clint and Merley's, wedding (no kids! Lots of friends!), growing in my relationships with my children, my husband, and others in my life

2) What do you want more of in the year ahead? God and an understanding of His love, time spent with my kids rather than wasting it on things that don't matter (like a clean house -though this is hard for me to give up!)

3) Less of? Pessimism, debt, unhealthy choices, anger

4) What relationships will you invest more of yourself in this year? My kids and my husband. Because I see them everyday I feel like it's easiest for me to just go on autopilot with them. They definitely do not get the best of me each day.

5) In what ways would you like to see yourself grow? Simplifying. Living wisely (see #8 below). Being present in each moment of my day. Praying without ceasing.

6)What are you choosing to let go of this year? People not living up to my standards/expectations; instead, loving them for who they are not who I think they should be. I also want to let go of this whole concept of needing THINGS. There's always bigger, better, more out there for me to want, buy, waste time and money on.

7) How would you complete the following sentence: This will be the year of: healthy choices! wise living!

8) If you had to choose a verse for the year ahead what would it be? God has directed my attention to Ephesians 5:15-17 several times in the last few weeks, and I feel his message for me this year is this: "Be very careful then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

Happy New Year (a little late) y'all! May you grow, change, be blessed in 2011!