Giving ourselves and others grace is key to walking in peace, Linda. I’m a big obedience person versus a goal person. I have enjoyed a Word of the Year as it has brought focus to my walk with the Lord. I sit at His feet, skip under the blue skies, ponder and process all that He is teaching me through the year.
Oh I love this, yes, yes, Lisa -->'I’m a big obedience person versus a goal person.'
Wow. That's truly where we want to be, making space to listen to His voice, soak in His Word, and obey who He's calling us to be and doing what He wants us to do.
Thanks for always keeping my eyes focused on Him. I appreciate your godly presence in my life, friend.
I used to make resolutions when I was "younger", I gave up because my follow through is poor. Lol. I began picking a Word Of The Year when I started writing in 2019, my follow through was fair, then 2023 I did nothing with my word. Sigh... My word for 2024 is Mindfulness and I've already written 3 posts so far. I try to practice intentional mindfulness and it's becoming second nature so I thought why not explore it further for the year. That calendar looks so soothing I'm going to have to check it out. I love your bite sized word of wisdom.
Thanks bunches and bunches for sharing Grace and Space with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend ❤️
Linda, your reminder of the 2 Chronicles verse is so appreciated for setting the tone for this new year. The singing prayer brought great peace to my soul.
Wishing you abundant love, blessings of grace, and a lot of space in your life!
It's such a spiritual high when you see a verse with completely new eyes and an expectant heart. I'm so glad you found some soul encouragement here, friend.
I have no shame in telling you that our Christmas tree still stands straight across from where I sit in our living room. Its twinkling lights still glimmer. I started to begin dissembling it earlier today, but when Zach mentioned how comforting it is, I decided it will stay up. For at least a few more days. I replied to Zach that it is our home, and we can leave it up as long as we want. There is so much freedom in not conforming to the demands of those who don't live here and in not trying to march to anyone else's drumbeat. I also appreciated your reminder about not being in a hurry to decide on a word for the year. God has been gently bringing a word to my mind, and I am almost certain it is the right one for 2024. When I am completely certain, I will blog about it. I want to stay in His rhythm and never feel pressured to try to fit into anyone else's. Such wonderful thoughts from you today, dear friend. I've enjoyed my visit with you so very much.
And I have no shame in telling you that our Christmas tree is still up and running! I'm considering it as part of our winter decor and have no immediate plans to take it down. I love the white lights reflecting on Grandma's ornaments ... and now that I think of it, I think her tradition was to keep it up most of January to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.
You can't make this stuff up!
Keep me posted on your Word, girl. I know it won't come randomly or without a great deal of prayer.
For many years now, it is tradition for my sisters and I to have the same art calendar on a wall in each of our homes. One of my sister's purchases copies for all of us. Although I do not write on it (the paper does not hold pen well), I glance at it daily bringing together the comfort of tradition and more days ahead. So, I agree that an "old-fashioned" wall calendar is an important purchase each year!
I'm a calendar girl and love putting up my new calendars in January. I took down my Christmas decor this weekend and now I am enjoying my winter-themed teawares.
Happy New Year, Linda! I love that verse from 2 Chronicles too - it removes a lot of pressure! So far, my goal for 2024 has been to get more sleep. I don't think I realised until I stopped for the holidays just how exhausted I was! It has gone well so far, but the challenge will be keeping it up when work is busy again.
That verse from 2 Chronicles is a frequent prayer of mine, Linda. This has been an interesting holiday season for us, as Randy had ankle surgery two days after Christmas and his recovery has required a lot of rest and no driving. He works 40 minutes away, so I put in a lot of windshield time last week taking him to work and picking him up in the late afternoon. Surprisingly, it was actually quite nice to deviate from my normal routine and also to remember how much thinking I used do in the car. The girls go back to school tomorrow and some kind of regular routine can resume then. But even if not, that's OK too. :-)
Oh I'm so sorry to hear about Randy's surgery and hope that it won't be long til he's out and about again. So hard for a man to sit still. I hear ya. I hope you enjoyed every minute of your girls being home. What joy.
I usually make New Year's goals and I haven't this year...yet...I might not. I know I want 2024 to be a "less pressure" year. I added Chasing Slow to my TBR, it sounds like a perfect read for this season. Happy New Year, Linda!
I'd love to hear what you think about Chasing Slow, Cindy. May there be nuggets of encouragement in each chapter that will walk you through this hard season. I'm praying even as we speak.
Thank you for the encouraging reminder of that 2 Chronicles verse, Linda. Such a great way to start out this new year. And that singing prayer spoke peace to my soul. Love and blessings of grace and space to you!
I recently came across that verse in 2 Chronicles myself, and was struck by the fact that, though King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah had their eyes on God, they STILL didn't know what to do! (How often have I thought something must be wrong if I'm unsure of how to proceed?) I wonder how long the people stood before the Lord (20:13), before He revealed His plan for them (vs. 14-17)? (How often have I become impatient with waiting?) It's reassuring to know that 1) it's OK to be uncertain, and 2)there is benefit in wait time or God would answer immediately, and 3) He WILL reveal his plan when He deems the time is right.
Nancy, thank you for filling in the blanks of this story for our readers. God never promises He'll wave a magic wand or snap His fingers ... it's those hard waiting room seasons where we get refined and grow. In the meantime, it helps if we remember all the ways He's been faithful to us, all the promises He's kept along the way, and how holy and just His character is. And how deep His love is toward us.
Giving ourselves and others grace is key to walking in peace, Linda. I’m a big obedience person versus a goal person. I have enjoyed a Word of the Year as it has brought focus to my walk with the Lord. I sit at His feet, skip under the blue skies, ponder and process all that He is teaching me through the year.
Oh I love this, yes, yes, Lisa -->'I’m a big obedience person versus a goal person.'
Wow. That's truly where we want to be, making space to listen to His voice, soak in His Word, and obey who He's calling us to be and doing what He wants us to do.
Thanks for always keeping my eyes focused on Him. I appreciate your godly presence in my life, friend.
I used to make resolutions when I was "younger", I gave up because my follow through is poor. Lol. I began picking a Word Of The Year when I started writing in 2019, my follow through was fair, then 2023 I did nothing with my word. Sigh... My word for 2024 is Mindfulness and I've already written 3 posts so far. I try to practice intentional mindfulness and it's becoming second nature so I thought why not explore it further for the year. That calendar looks so soothing I'm going to have to check it out. I love your bite sized word of wisdom.
Thanks bunches and bunches for sharing Grace and Space with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend ❤️
I hear that yesterday was Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day!
* smile *
I really feel zero desire to set any sort of goals or resolutions this year but I am looking forward to seeing how it unfolds!
Joanne, I'm with you! It's a great way to take the pressure off performance, giving more space to simply be who God has shaped us to be.
I meant to set goals for 2024 but I have been so busy living life, it hasn't happened yet. I am okay with that.
Sounds like you just might be living your goals without knowing it?!
You go, girl.
Linda, your reminder of the 2 Chronicles verse is so appreciated for setting the tone for this new year. The singing prayer brought great peace to my soul.
Wishing you abundant love, blessings of grace, and a lot of space in your life!
Hugs and blessings
It's such a spiritual high when you see a verse with completely new eyes and an expectant heart. I'm so glad you found some soul encouragement here, friend.
I have no shame in telling you that our Christmas tree still stands straight across from where I sit in our living room. Its twinkling lights still glimmer. I started to begin dissembling it earlier today, but when Zach mentioned how comforting it is, I decided it will stay up. For at least a few more days. I replied to Zach that it is our home, and we can leave it up as long as we want. There is so much freedom in not conforming to the demands of those who don't live here and in not trying to march to anyone else's drumbeat. I also appreciated your reminder about not being in a hurry to decide on a word for the year. God has been gently bringing a word to my mind, and I am almost certain it is the right one for 2024. When I am completely certain, I will blog about it. I want to stay in His rhythm and never feel pressured to try to fit into anyone else's. Such wonderful thoughts from you today, dear friend. I've enjoyed my visit with you so very much.
And I have no shame in telling you that our Christmas tree is still up and running! I'm considering it as part of our winter decor and have no immediate plans to take it down. I love the white lights reflecting on Grandma's ornaments ... and now that I think of it, I think her tradition was to keep it up most of January to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.
You can't make this stuff up!
Keep me posted on your Word, girl. I know it won't come randomly or without a great deal of prayer.
Love this. I just wrote on the topic of choosing a word or phrase for 2024. Mine is reframe.
Reframe is a fascinating pick, Karen. I'll be by to hear all about it.
For many years now, it is tradition for my sisters and I to have the same art calendar on a wall in each of our homes. One of my sister's purchases copies for all of us. Although I do not write on it (the paper does not hold pen well), I glance at it daily bringing together the comfort of tradition and more days ahead. So, I agree that an "old-fashioned" wall calendar is an important purchase each year!
Oh I love that idea. A perfect connect each and every day. Beautiful, Lynn.
Happy New Year, Linda!
I'm a calendar girl and love putting up my new calendars in January. I took down my Christmas decor this weekend and now I am enjoying my winter-themed teawares.
I can't wait to see what wintertime pretties you've surrounded yourself with, Margie. I'll be dropping by. Only wish it could be in person!
Happy New Year, Linda! I love that verse from 2 Chronicles too - it removes a lot of pressure! So far, my goal for 2024 has been to get more sleep. I don't think I realised until I stopped for the holidays just how exhausted I was! It has gone well so far, but the challenge will be keeping it up when work is busy again.
Sleep. What a lovely way to kick off the new year. Let's hear it for naps. And maybe earlier bed times.
That verse from 2 Chronicles is a frequent prayer of mine, Linda. This has been an interesting holiday season for us, as Randy had ankle surgery two days after Christmas and his recovery has required a lot of rest and no driving. He works 40 minutes away, so I put in a lot of windshield time last week taking him to work and picking him up in the late afternoon. Surprisingly, it was actually quite nice to deviate from my normal routine and also to remember how much thinking I used do in the car. The girls go back to school tomorrow and some kind of regular routine can resume then. But even if not, that's OK too. :-)
Oh I'm so sorry to hear about Randy's surgery and hope that it won't be long til he's out and about again. So hard for a man to sit still. I hear ya. I hope you enjoyed every minute of your girls being home. What joy.
My word for the year is Surrender. I long to be who God made me to be completely. No more excuses!
May your new year be blessed, Linda!
How He must love that yearning and desire to be all He's created to be. Excuses - be GONE!
Love the song that was tagged, one of my favorites. Very meaningful.
Yes, yes.
I usually make New Year's goals and I haven't this year...yet...I might not. I know I want 2024 to be a "less pressure" year. I added Chasing Slow to my TBR, it sounds like a perfect read for this season. Happy New Year, Linda!
I'd love to hear what you think about Chasing Slow, Cindy. May there be nuggets of encouragement in each chapter that will walk you through this hard season. I'm praying even as we speak.
Thank you for the encouraging reminder of that 2 Chronicles verse, Linda. Such a great way to start out this new year. And that singing prayer spoke peace to my soul. Love and blessings of grace and space to you!
A blessed new year to you too, friend. I hope '24 bring you hope, peace, and joy.
I recently came across that verse in 2 Chronicles myself, and was struck by the fact that, though King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah had their eyes on God, they STILL didn't know what to do! (How often have I thought something must be wrong if I'm unsure of how to proceed?) I wonder how long the people stood before the Lord (20:13), before He revealed His plan for them (vs. 14-17)? (How often have I become impatient with waiting?) It's reassuring to know that 1) it's OK to be uncertain, and 2)there is benefit in wait time or God would answer immediately, and 3) He WILL reveal his plan when He deems the time is right.
Nancy, thank you for filling in the blanks of this story for our readers. God never promises He'll wave a magic wand or snap His fingers ... it's those hard waiting room seasons where we get refined and grow. In the meantime, it helps if we remember all the ways He's been faithful to us, all the promises He's kept along the way, and how holy and just His character is. And how deep His love is toward us.
AMEN, my friend!