new year's resolution

Just like last year's resolution, I'm sticking with a one word. My word for 2013 was "intentional." It was fitting, seeing how Husband and I moved to a different state and we didn't know anyone from Adam. I wanted to be intentional with the friends that I made, the ministry I had been given, and the lifestyle I lead. There were ups and downs, and I truly feel that I stuck to being intentional in every decision of 2013.

This year, I have more of a phrase than just one word.

Worry less.
Pray more.

If there's one thing I do too much, it's worry. If there's one thing I don't do enough, it's pray. So, for 2014 (and hopefully beyond,) I want to pray as much as I talk about something.  I want to immediately take captive my worries and focus my faith on what God can and will do in my life.

intentional

I don't have lengthy goals for 2013.

I don't have a list.

I have one word.

Intentional. (done on purpose, deliberate.)

My one word for 2013 is "intentional."

I want my life to be intentional. I want my decisions to be intentional, my relationships intentional.

My movements.

My actions.

My work.

My words.

My free time.

My life.

Intentional.

I have a tendency to be a "homebody." I shy away from get togethers with friends (old or new) and list reasons why I just cannot fit it into my schedule. Not that I lie, there is always something else that could be done...but I miss out on so many friendships, opportunities, and memories. Now, don't think I'm a loner. I have friends (not a whole lot here in our new town...but soon!) I am outgoing once I feel more comfortable around people and I like to think I'm a kind person. But I want to be more intentional with my friends. I want to invest in them, pray for them, grow with them. 

My husband is a youth pastor. That means countless hours at church, youth events, small groups, etc. I want to have to be intentional in my support of him. I want to make myself availiable for those students. I strive to be intentional with the time I have with them. Every meeting, sleepover, shopping trip, text message...intentional.

Everything God does has a purpose. 

Everything I do needs to mirror that same purpose.

To be intentional with my time, is to honor Him in everything.

Everything.

Intentional.

obligatory new year blog post...

Out with the old, in with the new! Packing up the old house.

I haven't had much time to sit and write (what, with moving and all) but I did want to write some about the excitement of leaving 2012 and moving on to 2013.

In 2012, Husband and I had just moved to a new place for a fresh new start. We knew it would only be for a year and once he finished school, we would be off again. It was perfect for us to escape our past and a lot of baggage. Sort of like a big "time out." We desperately needed it.

That brings us to 2013.

Here we are, just moved again.
This time in a whole new state.
And this time, for good.
(at least until God moves us again...but we are hoping that's down, down, down the road.)

We have only been living in the grand state of Tennessee for a few days, but they have been magical.
God has really been putting things together and we couldn't feel more blessed.
I'm writing to you, sitting in our (new to us) rental home.
It is not moldy, over 100 years old, or infested with cockroaches.
(Unlike the last 2 houses we lived in.)
It's so perfect and I have loooooved unpacking and making it into our little space of this world.

For those of you who don't know, my husband is a youth pastor.
We have fallen in love with our new church, his new place of employment.
I mean, you guys have gone above and beyond to make us feel welcomed.
We had about 15 people over at the house to help us unload and got in done in an hour!
And we had a blast last night, bringing in the new year with 3 other couples.
So great.

So, this isn't a normal "looking over the last year" post.
Partly because I waited until the last minute.
Partly because I'm about to leave and go out on an adventure with one of my old college roommates
(woo hoo...someone I know!)
And partly because I didn't want to.

So there you have it.

We are no longer there.
Goodbye, 2012.

We are here.
Hello, 2013.

P.S. I will be back soon with some picture updates about our move and house.

Hello, New Year!

(Before I begin today's post, I want to thank you for the sweet words of encouragement.

Also, thanks for letting me rant.)

Now, on to happier things!

Am I the only one who cannot believe that a whole other year has passed?! 

2011 was full of ups and downs, but I made it out (and with a Husband!)

I'm sososo excited for 2012.

There's a whole new chapter about to begin for my little family. I have no idea how the story ends, but I'm absolutely a-ok with that!

Some of you may remember me starting a "23 before 23" list.
Well, let's just say... I failed. Life happened so fast, I couldn't keep up!
Excuses, excuses, I know!

So, I am going to start this new year with my "24 before 24!"
(See what I did there?)
So, blog world, I give you:

1. Lose 10 pounds.

2. Run 5 miles consecutively.

3. Read the Bible completely through.

4. Have over 100 followers on my little blog.

5. Make awesomely cute cupcakes.

6. Rid my self of sodas. Completely.

7. Sew something completely from scratch.

8. Take my vitamins and medicine, every single day! 

9. Go camping for the first time.

10. Complete and blog 5 DIY's.

11. Make a conscious effort to think positively. Always.

12. Keep my fingernails and toenails prettyful.

13. Beat Husband in a round of Black Ops.

14. Read 2 "just for fun" novels.

15. Be on time (early)  for work. Every. Day.

16. Go on a picnic.

17. One date-night a week with Husband.

18. Try a new recipe once a month.

19. Host a homemade pizza party.

20. Incorporate one article of clothing into my wardrobe that I never thought I'd wear.

21. Become a coupon queen! (Ok, maybe a coupon princess,) I don't have time to be queen.

22. Not cut my hair. (Trimmed, yes.)

23. Sunday's: No computer. All day.

24. Save and spend money wisely.

I leave you with a new favorite treasure I found on Youtube.

Happy celebrating!

Happy New Year!