One word for 2011

It is New Year's resolution time. I heard about this concept while listening to KLOVE today. I have actually been doing this with each new duty station we go to. I come up with what word is God working on with me at this place and time in my life. I usually revolve the words around the fruits of the spirit as you have read in my past blogs. This began when we went to Italy. Since I am catching you up, I will fill you in. In Italy I was afraid. Fear of all unknowns, not knowing how to do anything in this culture. I was alone, without Chris and had two small babies. It took 2 years and a lot of work on His and my part. But God replaced my fear with PEACE.

Next came Norway. That one was a combination of words. I believe I went there learning about Faithfulness. God's faithfulness to our family and his promises of taking care of us amongst the unknown. I was in my 8th month of pregnancy, with two small kids, no orders, no stuff, no idea about where or how this country gave birth. We were relying on God's faithfulness and had only our faith in Him to get us through. He came through in big ways. More than I can write about during nap time. But, if you know me you know the stories, if you want to know, I can tell you later. I will give God the glory here and say that he blessed our faithfulness "overly and abundently, more than I could even imagine to ask."

The second word here for this place was Love. We were given 2 babies in 11 months. This doubled our family in a year. We came to Norway with 2 and left with 4. I had to trust that God would give me the Grace I needed to love all these kids, to be able to have some love left for my husband and myself, and to receive the love he gave me through friends, strangers, and this strange but beautiful snowy country. Again, what a rich lesson in love he gave to me.

So that brings me to this year. What word describes now. I believe God is wanting this season in my life to be self-control. I am working on eating better, exercising, making healthful choices. I want to be controlled by his spirit not my cravings and flesh. I want him to change my mind about exercise. I want to have a good physical testimony to others. I feel like people may see my actions and see light but they may look at my struggle with weight and wonder what is really wrong with her? If my body is a temple, I have not been a good steward. Self-control also is far reaching in other aspects of my life this year as well.... control my spending, my anger, my mouth/words, my time, etc etc.

I challenge you to pick a word as well. I would love to know what it is. It would be helpful if we can pray for each other. If you would like to read about this one word concept for the New Year there is another blog you can go to: http://myoneword.org/category/picking-a-word/

I am going to pray about a word for my kids and husband too. The host on KLOVE today picked a word for her son and is going to pray for him through that word all year. I like this idea and will do it as well. I will post the words that I receive for each of them once I know.