One Little Word for 2014

When I was in college preparing to interview for jobs, one of my professors made us answer some of the most popular interview questions.  Most of the questions were easy for me like "Why do you want to be a teacher?"and "What are your strengths?".  However, there was one question that I took a lot of time to decide on an answer.  That question was "What do you fear?".  You see I am not really afraid of the normal things like spiders, snakes, mice, heights, closed spaces, or other things.  (I mean I don't like some of these, but I would not say I am terrified of them.)  After a lot of thought, I decided that I feared failure.  I know it sounds crazy, but I do not like being unsuccessful at things.  This has lead me to be a self-proclaimed, independent, OCD (or CDO like I prefer to call it) workaholic.

This title can be good at times.  However as I reflect over the past few years, I have realized that all of my work has led me to fail as a growing Christian, an active friend to many, and so much more.  While trying to not fail in this world, I have been failing in my relationships which is far more important than all my works.  Therefore instead of making tons of resolutions, I have decided to take up Ali Edwards' project of picking "One Little Word" for 2014.

The word I have picked is Shine!

Photo credits to http://heartsquotes.tumblr.com/post/49445028758

I want to shine as a Christian, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a teacher, a friend, and so much more in 2014.  It is so easy to get be a stalemate in which you are just doing what you have always done, and you let your light burn out.  I feel that is where I have been lately.  I have been overwhelmed with everything going on and trying to make everything work out.  I have not had time for my self or others which has stolen some of my happiness.  I am going to work on that changing in 2014.

It's like the song we learned as kids

Photo credits to http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e5/ad/76/e5ad76d425d336460610e589c60f657b.jpg

I want to let my light shine in 2014. Matthew 5:16 states "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  

Photo credits to http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/e5/0a/27/e50a279e504088293bd12f362d3e2779.jpg

I want others to be able to see Christ in me and in everything I do.  This includes in my quest for better health, my extracurricular activities, and my day-to-day routines.  If my light burns out, I will not be able to shine.  I will become dark, negative, and one that others do not want to be around.  I want to be the opposite!

I want to

Photo credits to http://weheartit.com/entry/75083432/explore

So here's to a Shining 2014!

Elizabeth

I'm Back...Gratituesday

I am so excited about being back to blogging!  I really have missed it this past year, but I had so much going on that I could not work it all in.  Therefore, I thought it would be great to start back blogging on Gratituesday to show what all God has done in my life this past year.

I am grateful God gave me a loving husband years ago who was able to help me tremendously this past year with housework, personal issues, encouragement, and most of all with unconditional love.

Most of all he helped me fulfill a lifelong dream of mine, to obtain a Master's degree.  I am thankful that God gave me the knowledge to be able to complete this dream while working full time and keeping up with my responsibilities of being a Christian wife.

I am more than ever grateful God blessed us as a family of three this past year.  (Yes!  I was in my last semester of college while I was in my 1st trimester of pregnancy, but God rewarded me with no morning sickness!)  We were blessed with a healthy, 8 lb 7 oz, baby girl, Adelaide in June!

My life has changed for the best, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in the future.  Check back to see.

 What has God blessed you with?

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!