howdy friend! [sorry, that’s what we say here in Bryan/College Station] First I have to say I am so honored that you would be so generous with your time to spend a few moments each week here with me. I promise you, I do not take this opportunity lightly and consider it such an honor. I can’t wait to get to know YOU better this year. I love connecting, interacting and asking questions so please feel free to participate!
BIG CONGRATS to our giveaway winner, Amy Cox! Amy, you’ll have some goodies headed your way soon. Thanks to everyone who entered and shared! *it’s not too late to subscribe and get your pretty free art print!*
Since it’s the new year, let’s just go ahead and talk about all the new year things that I love so much!
cuddling on new years day, of coarse!
In our family, we love thinking about a word for the year. Something to focus on throughout the year – whether that be something we feel like the Lord wants us to work on, an area we need to grow in, or just something He’s put on our hearts to focus on. Instead of writing a list of resolutions, we pray and ask the Lord to show us what it is He wants for us that specific year. Each year we’ve done this, we can look back at the end of the year and see little bread crumbs that the Lord dropped throughout the twelve months to remind us of where He’s leading us.
2013 my word was give.
2014 I started doing a word with Stephen and it was “living alive”.
[which we hashtaged on social media #livingalive2014]
Our word for 2015 was receive.
This year we deiced to have a word as a family, and then each have a personal word.
Our family word for 2016 is THRIVE.
Stephen was actually the one who God revealed this word to. We are anxious to see our children, our family, our ministry, our businesses, our friendships, our church, our neighborhood and our influence thrive this year. When we think about thriving, we think about the world flourish. Now that we’ve been in our new town almost a year and are starting to feel more settled – now is the time to thrive. It’s a new season indeed! We’ll be documenting our year on social media with #eldersthrive2016
my personal word(s) for 2016 are gather + be.
Gather: “bring together and take in from scattered places or sources”
It came to me as I was talking to some friends about why we chose words each year. I was sitting in the leather chair at the Haven when the word “gather” emerged. Something the Lord has been growing in me since we moved here, and something I want to be more intentional about in this new year. I want to be a gather-er of people: in my home, at the haven, in our church and neighborhood, and even right here on this blog. I want to create places of belonging where people can feel free to be their true self. I want to create a haven for people. The Lord has given me everything I need to cultivate this kind of community and my desire is I won’t sit on these gifts: but I will use them for the good of others and the glory of God!
I am expectant for how God will move in our lives this year. His will be done!
Be: —used to indicate the identity of a person or thing —used to describe the qualities of a person or thing —used to indicate the condition of a person or thing
I find it so interesting that the definition of “be” includes both the identity, qualities and condition of a person. So often we find our “identity” in what we DO, but I’m learning so much that our identity isn’t in what we do, but WHO we are. {obviously, this is something we know with our head, but I want to continue to learn it with my heart}.
Something the Lord has been calling me to is just BEING. Being with Him, being present with my kids, being where I am and not 10 steps ahead, and just experience what it means to just be. not to do, but to be.
sometimes “being” looks like sitting in our favorite chair with my guy eating a afternoon cookie. photo by: Asher
Do you do a word of the year? I would challenge you this week if you haven’t put thought to what 2016 could look like for you- pray about it. Ask God to reveal a word or phrase for you to focus on this year. Then come back and tell me what it is!
Hey, I'm Wynne!
Hi, friend! First, I truly am so giddy that you are here. I want you to know I believe in you and all the ways you are growing towards living a more intentional life. I genuinely hope you are encouraged from our time together here.
A little about me, I’m a type 7 on the enneagram, a total extrovert + people lover, entrepreneur, connector, storyteller, people gatherer, and passionate wife, mama + friend. I feel most alive when I’m exploring new places and surrounded by people I love. Give me a day in the outdoors disconnected from wifi, and I am a happy girl. I run on oat milk lattes, Jesus, gratitude journaling and kitchen dance parties with my four kids.
Welcome, come on in!
So good Wynne! My word is GROW! God gave it to me after doing the power sheets! Love you! Let’s thrive and grow + gather and be!!!
My word is diligent! I feel like my vision is clear and my aims are purposeful, I just turners into the Queen of Mediocrity approx October of 2015…asking the Lord to make me diligent with the work He’s given my hands to do and tender with the people He’s given my heart to love! Excited to follow along here. The Carry Camp site made my jaw drop bc I have said for so long that SOMETHING like that needs to exist! Praise the Lord it does!!!!
that is so good! diligent – such a great word! and yay!! carry camp is a pretty special thing. we are actually planning our fall retreat as we speak.
My word is gather, too!
i love it! we are the same 😉
Funny! My word is thrive. Last year it was “maintain” and I feel like I did do a better job being steadfast in house chores and seeking the Lord. But I began to lack joy & passion. This year, I want to do more than just survive, I want to thrive. ((Yes, that song)) Grow, flourish, be fully alive. I’m wanting to pursue some new ideas.
I look forward to seeing your hashtag as encouragement 🙂
I love your word choice. Last year when you guys were in the midst of your big move, our family was dreaming about what adventure God would call us on next. This year is our year, and we have chosen (well…not chosen as much given) the word “adventure”. (I wrote all about it on my blog if you ever want to know the full story behind it.) As of the 1st of the year, we have relocated our family. Now that we are a couple weeks in and the dust is settling, so to speak, I’m popping my head up for air. So if you have any advice on how to thrive in a new and unfamiliar environment…I’m all ears!!
Mimi