The Obligatory New Year’s Post
I bust on these New Year’s ” looking back, looking ahead” posts because I hate feeling like I’m doing something trendy or following the crowd. But, truth be told, I love these posts. I love reading everyone else’s, and I love writing them. There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to write one because everyone is writing one. But if I really want to, then it is just dumb for me not to if the only reason I don’t is because everyone else is!
And honestly, I’ve been doing this kind of thing for a long time – just not publicly. I used to have a special journal that I would write in every New Year’s – looking back on the past year, reflecting on events and lessons learned – and then set some goals for the new year. Something I’ve been doing long before blogging came around.
2013. How do I sum up 2013? I read my blog post from last New Year’s and the word I used to sum up 2012 was loss.
I don’t think I have a word to sum up 2013; it was a mixed bag. There were both major and minor events.
Major would be…well, my second miscarriage; that’s pretty major. Starting infertility treatments and testing. The monumental blizzard in February that crippled Long Island for days. Our once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lake Tahoe. Quitting my second job and starting this blog (well, to me that is major.). My parents selling their our house.
Minor would be, well…just life. And believe me, while I can’t really itemize every moment from last year (another reason why I love blogging: to get all this – this meaning ‘life’ – down on ‘paper’), I don’t take any of it for granted:
No major health issues for me or my family.
No major crises, tragedies, or drama for me and my family (although there were a few minor ones…all of which have resolved themselves by this point. Amen).
Just lots of little, daily blessings along the way:
Watching reruns with my husband after a long day’s work…yard-saling with my new posse of friends (it’s been a while since I’ve had a little group of girlfriends!)… loving Zumba because I finally got down the routines…my successes and failures in the kitchen as I’m (still!) learning to cook…road trips to see my sister and my silly nieces…trips to the mountains with J…becoming members at our church and joining the missions committee (one of my passions)… a rewarding job and co-workers that I love, who support me and make me laugh every day...
To me, that equals a good year.
I was looking over some of my goals from last year, and while I didn’t fully achieve the goals, I made progress (see this post). And I’m good with that. Resolutions don’t really know that they have until midnight on December 31st to wrap themselves up; they take their own sweet time.
So, for 2014?
Well, I’ve seen a lot of bloggers write about how they had a ‘word’ focus for the new year – like ‘time’ or ‘contentment’ or ‘perseverance.’ I’ve never really had that, and honestly, I wasn’t really looking for one.
However, God kinda dropped this word in my lap.
HOPE
I know that sounds all fluffy and cliche, especially given my infertility issues. But I can’t deny this is the word God has given me. First, I wrote about this Christmas ornament I received in my mailbox from my Secret Santa:
The cool thing is that this gift is from a new teacher I don’t know AT ALL and who knows NOTHING about my infertility issues. I love that this is the word that she God chose for me.
Second, I got this newsletter in the mail from John Eldredge (Ransomed Heart Ministries), and when he was praying about what God wanted him to share in the December newsletter, he wrote, “I want to restore hope. ”
The whole letter spoke about the theme or hope.
Then, we got a Christmas card from a woman at our church, and this was the cover:
And finally, when I was shopping the after-Christmas sales for decorations, this is what I found:
There was a whole wall of ornaments like this. A whole wall of hope.
So, I can’t deny it. The word for me this year is hope. I don’t know what that means or how it will reveal itself, but that’s my word.
As for my other goals?
I thought about it a lot (and prayed about it a little – that probably should have been the other way around), and I was realizing that so many of my goals and resolutions are about me – making me a better person, a healthier person, growing or developing myself in some way. Those aren’t bad goals. But I was realizing that they don’t really go far enough.
Wouldn’t that make my resolutions somewhat self-centered? I know that we only have control over ourselves, and I know that it is a good thing to make positive changes. But as I thought about my goals, I felt really challenged to stretch it beyond just developing myself.
But let’s start there. Here are some of my personal, (not necessarily ‘selfish’ – but maybe…) goals for the year:
Read through the Bible chronologically: I know a lot about the New Testament and probably have read the entire thing, but my knowledge of the Old Testament is spotty. I’ve got the history and timeline down, but I have never read through many of those books and stories firsthand. Being that I teach this, I feel I need to fill in some of my knowledge gaps. But I don’t really want this to be just an academic exercise. I truly long for God to speak to me through this. He has before, so I really am anticipating this.
Develop this blog: After several failed blogging attempts over the years, I am 6 months and 71 posts in, and I have re-discovered my love for writing and have experienced an exhilarating creative energy in blogging. Truly a hobby (or more? A lifestyle?) that suits my passions and skills and creative outlets. I love the online community, I love the interaction, I love being challenged by so many writers. Love, love, love. I don’t really know what I mean by “‘develop’ this blog,” but I am so looking forward to giving this my all.
Be healthy: Do I even need to write this? Lose weight, eat better, etc, etc, etc. It’s the same every year. But being healthy is never ‘done’ by December 31st; it’s an ongoing lifestyle, so I’m still at it. I just hope to do it better this year. I fell off the wagon when I got pregnant and miscarried. This week, I am getting back on. Got the new sneakers in my closet to prove it (Happy birthday to me!). (See my last blog post to see some of the detoxes/cleanses I plan to incorporate).
Get organized: I despise disorder, but it is easy for my small house (with lots jam-packed in it) to fall into disarray. Those cleaning and organizational lists I put on my last post? Yeah, I am doing those. Through the course of the year, I want to organize and purge every room in my house. I got a mailing from a veterans’ association that will take unwanted goods, so I can’t wait to clean house and donate.
Use my time more wisely: I’ve come to realize that I waste lots of time. LOTS. Especially watching TV. Now, I can justify it by saying it is a way my husband and I bond after a long day’s work (and that is true). I just think I watch too much mindless nonsense. So, I am committing to watching TV less and to reading more. Listening to more sermons online (I used to do this ALL the time. Definitely could use this in my life again). Listening to podcasts for professional development. I know there is a need for mental down-time…but I think I have worn out that mantra just a little. I can definitely step up my game a bit.
Make and stick to a budget: Well, I’m half way there. I have made a budget. This year, my goal is for us to stick to it. Enough said. My big idea is to move to a cash system and stop using the debit cards. The challenge will be weening J. off of his card. Wish me luck!
Give 100% to my marriage: There were moments this year when I was struck with the epiphany, ‘Katie, you aren’t giving 100% to this marriage.” Things weren’t terrible; there was no major trouble brewing. But I could tell that my attitudes and actions were getting a little selfish. A little casual. A little lazy. That I wasn’t really trying. I wasn’t really prioritizing or really investing in my relationship with J. And I realize that is exactly how good marriages start to go bad. It doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes, it is little by little. So, my goal is to really, as far as it depends on me, consistently give 100% to my marriage and not get lazy.
God: I’m not really sure what to say about this. I know that our relationship took a hit after my miscarriage. I’m still climbing out of that hole. I don’t really know how to fully fix it, but I know I miss being close to Him. That being said, I want to be close to Him again.
I know you are supposed to be more specific with timelines and measurable goals – the “hows” and the “by-whens.” I’ll definitely get to that. But for now, I am happy to just have it down on ‘paper.’
So, these are all about me. Anything else?
Here’s something I wrote last year, and I think this really applies to it not being all about me. I want…
To be courageous enough to obey God in the moment and not stall. To step out and talk to someone…about God, about anything. To be more willing to offer myself to others. To not shy away from opportunities to get involved or be uncomfortable or put myself out there or feel awkward. To be less self-conscious and more conscious of others. To be bolder. To be less afraid of the future. To worry less. To be at peace and trust God more. To be OK with not having to (well, not being able to) control every detail of my universe.
When I think of the person I want to be, I think of someone who is calm, serene, takes the challenges of life in stride with grace and courage and peace. Someone who is willing and available to give of herself to others, without always measuring and calculating and controlling. I want to be more of that person this year.
That is my goal again this year: to be less selfish, more surrendered to God, more willing to obey God in the big and little things. It really comes down to that: surrender and obedience.
That is a tall order.
Well, go hard or go home, right?
Happy New Year, everyone! Bring on 2014.
[Linking up with Circles of Faith and Three Word Wednesday.]
A fabulous end of year post filled with possibilities for the new year. Happy New Year to you and yours and may God richly bless you!!!
Thanks so much, Beth Ann! I love the whole ‘new beginnings’ thing – new month, new school year…it might be psychological, but it still helps! Happy New Year to you as well! 🙂
I of course love the word hope:) God spoke to me a year ago about starting an infertility group to help women discover hope in Him again because it was lost. Hope is so important because it is what faith is launched from. You can’t have faith for something if you are not confidently expecting something. I am hoping and believing with you too girl! I started an online infertility group called hope on fb. You can find it on the right hand side of my blog. I would love for you to join and help share hope with others. Xoxo
On Tuesday, December 31, 2013, WordPress.com wrote: > Kate posted: “I bust on these New Year’s ” looking back, looking ahead” posts because I hate feeling like I’m doing something trendy or following the crowd. But, truth be told, I love these posts. I love reading everyone else’s, and I love writing them. There’s a par” >
Thanks, Elisha! I went ahead and joined the online group. Thanks so much for the invite. I definitely struggle with the faith/hope/belief issue…sometimes I’m a skeptic, too much of a realist – and I know that is a flaw of mine. I’m grateful to be in touch w/ girls like you who have so much faith!
Ps – my devo this morning (Joel 2:18-27) had SO much to say about ABUNDANCE (in content, not so much the word). Thought of you and was really encouraged by what God was saying~! Still need to dive into that a little more!
dive in girl!! You have nothing to lose! My pastor describes faith as the “sixth sense”…it’s not based upon your five senses. I am praying that as you dig deeper, that you will be able to let go of your intellect more and not “rationalize” as much. That’s what I started praying for and God came through…he gave me some new glasses 🙂 You will love your new glasses!!! It takes a weight off your shoulders fo sho!!
Definitely. Thanks for your encouragement, friend!! Love that analogy (6th sense) – xo!
It seems as if the word “hope” may have chosen you. My sister has struggled with infertility for years and we both wear a necklace charm with the word “hope” written on it as this is her word. I wish you a very happy and healthy 2014 filled with hope.
I feel the same way – it chose me. I love the idea of the necklace. So meaningful – and I love that you wear it along with her. So special and supportive. Thanks so much, Karen! Happy new year to you also!
For your budget goal I highly recommend YNAB – youneedabudget.com. It has literally turned B an my finances around. It’s an incredibly good system with a lot of flexibility and the most amazing forums for assistance from the nicest online community I had encountered before I found this one.
Good luck with all your other goals and all the best for an amazing 2014!
Thanks, Bianca! I will check it out today! I am hoping we can pull this together!!
Hope all is going well with you and baby! Lots to look forward to!
Love this! I don’t like to be a “follower” either, but I’m glad you made this post. It’s pretty awesome. I like your goals, but I love the word “hope” for this year. Good luck with the budget. We moved to weekly cash a year ago, and only use to card for groceries, bills, and gas. It’s been a hit for us! I hope cash is the ticket for you guys too!
Happy 2014!
Thanks so much! It will take a little forethought to go to cash, but I think once we get used to it, it will work well for us. Thanks for your encouragement and sweet words. I am really praying that there is lots of hope and joy for us all! Hugs!
Absolutely love this post.. So rich and full…and inspires me to write a similar reflection and goals for the new year. Your writing from last year…Love! Awesome thoughts. I’m delighted that you’ve linked up on Circles Of Faith. Maybe part of your developing your blog could be a guest post with us? We’d love to have you. Blessed New Year, Elise
Hi Elise! Thanks so much for coming by. I am very encouraged by what God is speaking to me, especially after such a hard time (miscarriage #2). I love the idea of being a guest blogger at Circles of Faith. That would truly be an honor! Just let me know what I need to do. God bless you, Elise! Happy 2014!
You have such a great outlook hon and I love all your goals. Most of all I love your word! If I had to sum up my word for 2014 it too would be hope. I’m hoping so much for both of us. I pray 2014 brings all your wonderful dreams and goals to light. Happy New Year!
I love that ‘hope’ is your word, too! Love it! And as discouraging as it gets, hope always finds a way of springing up. Praying that 2014 has a lot of things to make you smile – and fulfill your hopes!!
Thanks hon ❤️ Likewise!!
I’m just joyful that you found your way to my place so I could end up here today. You have a spirit in your words that I think I may fall in love with quickly. Love your word! Love how you weren’t even looking for a word but God gave you one. He is SO good. I will be looking forward to getting to know you better. Grateful God has connected us as we ring in the New Year.
Blessings,
Beth
Thanks so much, Beth! Feel so grateful that our paths crossed. Thanks for your encouraging blog, and I really look forward to following and reading this year! Happy New Year!
Love reading all the small blessings, but LOVE that your word is Hope! The Lord gave me that word this year and it too has been EVERYWHERE! A lot of it started with Heb 6:19! Awesome verse. Have you ever been to the Ransomed Ministry weekends? Here is to a great 2014!!
So cool! I can’t wait to read more about it- and I’ll definitely refresh myself with the Heb. 6:19 verse. I’ve never been to Ransomed Heart Ministries …but I’ve read most of John Eldredge’s books. They were very pivotal for me during some tough times. Very excited to see what God will continue to do this year. This blog world has become a very exciting and encouraging place!
Such a good post! I didn’t want to do a roundup post either but it’s good to have to look back one each year. And I’m not officially posting (well, maybe I will lol) about my word for the year but mine is perseverance. Love you precious! Believing God for good things for you this year. XOxo
Thanks, Baby! Do one! I love your word for the year…makes you a little nervous to think of what is coming, right??? lol Thanks for your faith, Baby. Every bit helps! Thanks for your help on my blog! xo
Amazing Katie! I am so proud of you! You need to write a book! I am so inspired by you! Xoxo I love you— Jodi
You are very sweet, Jodi! Thank you! I don’t know if there is a book in my future, but thanks for thinking so, loll! xo Miss you! Thanks for reading!
I just found your blog through a comment you left on another blog, and I’m so glad I did. Your posts are incredibly inspiring and give so much HOPE… such a good word for the new year. I think that’s all that got me through 2013!
Hi Logan! Thank you so much for coming by! I truly appreciate your encouragement – means so much! I ok forward to checking out your blog and seeing your journey. Hope is so important – and it doesn’t always come naturally for me. I’m grateful God knows what I need. Happy New Year!
I love your goals for the year and especially your word for the year. Last night I was feeling sad over my cat Pebbles (we just put her to sleep this week) and I was looking at my tree and noticed my “hope” ornament which I bought in memory of my baby Hope. She was my 3rd pregnancy after two losses and before I became pregnant with her, I had lost all hope. I ended up losing her at 10 weeks of pregnancy, but my hope was restored in God because of her short life. After I looked at the ornament I decided to start a new bible study in the book of Colossians. Later as I was reading along with a study guide, it said the theme of Colossians is hope. A sweet reminder to continue to hope in the Lord! I also love what you said about thinking more of God and others and less of self; “I must decrease, He must increase.”
Hi Amber, thanks for your comments and for coming by. I am so sorry for your losses – all of them. So painful. I love how God has used that word to encourage you – about Baby Hope, about having hope. Hope really is such a precious gift that He gives us. Not that I think about it, I wrote a paper about hope in high school…I will have to dig that up. I pray that your year is filled with hope – and success. Hugs, friend!
What a great end of year post.
Hope is my favourite word…I never lost it. I suffered 3 miscarriages before being blessed with Emmy and 2 before my Harry arrives.
Hope makes you wake up every day and keep going. Hope never dies.
Happy new year and thanks for linking up.
Wow! Your story really helps to give me hope! What a story you have – and now beautiful babies to show for it. Super-encouraging to me. Miscarriages are so devastating, but when you have babies to show for it, it takes the edge off. I am having hope that my day will come. Thanks for the visit! 🙂
Great goals and I love your word for 2014. Wishing you the best on blogging…it’s definitely not easy, but you’re a great writer and you’re building a great community. Keep up the good work. Stopping by from SITS and planning to stop by more often!
Thanks so much for coming by and for reading, Anitra. I really am committed to it this time…it has been so beneficial to me in so many ways. I appreciate the visit! I will definitely be by to visit yours! Thank for the encouragement!
Such beautiful goals, and I love that hope is your word this year. Thanks for linking your goals up at Creative Home Keeper.
Thanks so much for the link-up! Looking forward to coming back!
I’m so very sorry to hear about your infertility issues but am so inspired by your strength, courage, and incredible positive mentality throughout all of this.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your infertility issues but am so inspired by your strength, courage, and incredible positive mentality throughout all of this.
Also, if you have any advice on “worrying less” I’m all ears 🙂 It’s one of my goals for the new year, too. Stopping in from SITS Sharefest today–so very glad that I did. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Thank you, Charlotte! I appreciate your very sweet words! I am a huge worrier and it is something I struggle with often. I really just try to focus on the positive and good things in my life. As much as things are wrong and there are lots of ‘what ifs’ – present day, in that moment, I am okay and there are lots of good things and things that are going right in my life. For me, the Bible totally helps to bring me hope and peace. The more I think about that, the less I worry. I struggle, for sure, but it def. helps. Thanks so much for coming by! I will definitely be by to check out yours!!! 🙂
Wow some amazing goals and hope in all that 2014 brings. I hope it is as you plan when you sun up at the end of the year again.
Thanks so much! I appreciate the support and encouragement! 🙂
Hi Kate! I found you through the One Word 365 website. My word is also hope. I look forward to seeing how having one word affects your year. I’ve had a one word resolution for a few years now and it always surprises me how much one word influences everything. Wishing you much hope!
Thanks, Jen! Same to you! Looking forward to seeing it unfold for you, too!!! 🙂
Love your word for 2014! And I love to see another blogger speak openly about your faith in God. Amen! Sorry to hear about your fertility struggles – keeping you in prayers!
Thank you so much for coming by and reading! I LOVE finding new Christian bloggers, too!!! So encouraging!!! I’ll definitely be checking out your ‘space’ in Blogworld! 🙂
Katie, I feel that God has brought the word Hope to me also this year for my #oneword365. When I first began to think about what word to focus on, hope began showing up everywhere. I look forward to see how hope transforms those of us in the hope tribe over the year.
Thanks for coming by, Mary! I have seen the same way! The first few days of the year (Even beyond the days leading up to the new year), it was everywhere! Every day! Such a boost to my faith! I looking forward to seeing what God does with this!