Walking Into the New Year

 Did you make New Years Resolutions?  Me neither.  I had plans.  I really wanted to, but I let it slip.  Do resolutions make you twitchy?  In 2010, I wrote about Releasing the Resolution Grip.  After reading through that post today, I realized that I needed to choose a word.  Just one word to go after, cling to, work towards.  I'm a word-lover, goodness, I have them all over my house, so to choose just one word is a little daunting, yet....  freeing.  So my word for the year is

DILIGENCE.

 I see a pattern.  Two years ago it was INTENTIONAL.  Last year it was PURPOSEFUL.  It's still the same desire, just cloaked in a different color; branded with a different name.

I struggle with diligence/purpose/intentionality.  I have grand ideas, good intentions, and dreams of being consistent.  Sometimes I avoid tasks because of the fear of failure.  This year I desire to be diligent in all that the Lord has entrusted to me.  

How about you?   Are you walking into 2013 with a basket of resolutions?  If it is overwhelming, I encourage you to choose one word and lighten your load.

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My daughter and I took a hike on New Years Eve day, just the two of us exploring  God's creation beneath our boots.  It was a glorious day, spending time with my middle child.

We explored the wooded area of our farm, and discovered a little pond we had never seen.

In the woods we found several treasures.  Check out this old Clorox bottle!  I did a little Google search and found that this may be from the 1950's.

We found this mason jar with moss growing inside.  A natural terrarium; a true treasure.

As we returned home, I snapped this photo of our farm from across the pond.  I still get goosebumps of gratitude when I think about this place.

 2012 was a very difficult year for me, so as I walk into the New Year, I am filled with joy and anticipation of all that life will bring.
Walk with me, won't you?