Saturday, January 12, 2013

2013 word.

I need to start this post off by saying how thankful I am for bloggy friends that have become good friends! Over the now 8 years I’ve been blogging (including the year that no one really knows about), I have been so blessed. I pray that you all have a very blessed New Year in 2013.

With that said, it’s One Word time.

If my memory serves me correct, I was skeptical about this idea that first year I wrote mine. I really didn’t think I’d make it 2 weeks without somehow screwing up and dropping the ball on the word I chose. Last year I know that I felt similar trepidation because balance is not my strong suit. But I could have never guessed how wrong I would be, both times, and how optimistic it makes me for this year!

My 2011 word was intentional. God definitely started a reshaping process in me that I can only describe as being thrown in a fire. I had more people in 2011 that wanted to hold me accountable than ever before. People that depended on me. People that I needed to give my word to, and mean it. I wish I could tell you I was on my game 100% of the time, but I wasn’t, and that was okay. Fortunately those same folks that needed me had a lot of grace. But I am better. Daily I continue to get better. For every stumble, there is a corresponding and reactive victory.

My 2012 word was balance. I was apparently blogging prophetic and poetic when I decided on this word because WOW at the difference a year makes. Balance is hard. And this year was no exception to being pushed and prodded at being a better, more balanced person. While I didn’t make any progress in my weight, I make a HUGE advance in my finances. I stuck to a budget book for the last 10 months. I bought a car! (My first time buying a car!) I kept (and still keep) a balanced checkbook. I know where every penny is going. I started keeping a notebook at work to not be so scatterbrained. I started keeping my house in better balance. I know that I need accountability, so having someone come to my house at least once a week prevented my house from looking like Hurricane Sandy stopped by. I started telling people no when what they were asking was too hard for me. I ROYGBIV’d my closet at home. I haven’t lost a pair of pants in 8 months. I still haven’t achieved full balance, but that’s okay. Also, that’s realistic. Balance for me is also dependent on what is going on. Sometimes balance just means being flexible.

2012 was hard for me. There were so many things going on in my life that I never blogged about, but I carried the weight and stress every day. At the end of the year, I had a day where I got a break. I told someone that it felt like I could breathe deeply for the first time in 14 months. It didn’t mean all of my problems went away, but one very important stress factor was eliminated. And PRAISE GOD for that. I traveled the world (almost by myself) this year. I flew 68 hours in 9 days. I visited another continent. I spent New Years (last year) in Washington DC. I rejoined the online dating world, and then quit it again. (Dear Sweet, Wonderful Husband of mine, I would LOVE to just meet you IRL. Also, please come quickly!) There were relationships that healed this year. I had to grow and stretch, and even though it was painful at times, I know I am better and stronger because of those trials. I have loved more deeply this year than ever before. My best friend’s baby stole my heart all over again. (And He knows it too!) I watched another bestie marry the man of her dreams. I dyed my hair tangerine by accident.



But none of that matters if I’m not changed. That’s why my 2013 word is TRANSFORM.

It’s often said that, if you don’t have a goal, then your reasons for starting something are futile and you’ll quit (whatever you’re doing) in a matter of weeks.

Achieving balance in my life was only one part of the transition of life. The beauty of balance to me, is that it frees you up to some growth and opportunity in areas where you’d only seen chaos. Now it’s clear.

And I need some transformation!

2013 has already started as the year to transform my body. I hate the changes I’ve chosen to me, but my weight is not going to magically fall off. And I have to do something about it.

Romans 12:2 admonishes us that we are transformed by the renewing of our mind. Spiritually? That’s where I need to go. I don’t think I’m fundamentally wrong in my theology, but I need the Holy Spirit to radically transform me this year. Whole new level, if you will.

Daily I have thoughts and attitudes that are wrong. I need them to be wrecked and transformed.

I still have some work behaviors that need to be transformed too!

More than anything (and I know this is a lofty (and will be at times a painful!) goal), but I want to look back at 2013 and not recognize who I was, for the good. I need my heart and head and body to be completely transformed.

I’m ready!!!!!!



Xoxo,

Jenn