:: embracing a new year

This morning as I relaxed with my cup of coffee I began to think about what my word for this year should be. A challenge posed by Layla over at The Lettered Cottage. What do I aspire to do with this year ahead of me? What will my word be? In times past I've struggled with being a Stay at Home Mom. I've always felt like I should have a career and without it I didn't have a real WORTH. I wasn't bringing anything {ie: income} to the table so to speak. I've spent my years at home busying myself with hobbies, small businesses {etsy}, and blogging. I haven't ever really embraced the calling that God has set out in front of me. The REAL job of being a full time mother & homemaker. It truly is a blessing that he's given my family. We are so fortunate that I've always been able to stay at home with my children. In the beginning things were tighter financially, {but we never went without} and over the years things have gotten better and better...which has me thinking of how our family can be the best stewards of his gracious gifts.

For many years I had many negative feelings that came along with being a homemaker. When I was growing up most mothers worked, including my own. She & my father took great care of our home and were great parents, but I still didn't have a real example of what being a full time stay at home mom looked like. No guidelines...if there really are any. Even I started working at 15 {I really wanted a car}, I had had a job outside of my home for 10 years before children. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoyed every second of being a mother and being with my children I still do {I'm so blessed}, but I still had the thought nagging at me "you don't have a real job" mother's everywhere are cringing at that statement because we all know that we don't have one real job we have fifty, or so it seems. I understand all this now as time has gone by and I've matured. Now I can finally accept God's plan for my life.

So this year I've decided that my word should be EMBRACE, as I truly want to embrace the life & responsibilities the Lord has set out before me.  I want to be as good at it as I possibly can. I want to think about it, I want to set goals for myself and accomplish them, I want to explore what being a MOM means to my family & I. I want to create the home of my dreams, and live purposefully & healthily, and share those gifts with my children. I want to clean, organize, simplify & prioritize. I want to prepare healthy meals, and show my children how to do the same. I want to rid my home of all the extra stuff, the stuff that isn't truly necessary {and learn how to use & need less}. I want to be a good steward of the time the Lord has given me, and use it to his Glory. I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions, but this year I think I will resolve to EMBRACE the wonderful gifts God has so graciously bestowed upon me and with an ever grateful heart.

What will be your word for this year? Feel like sharing your inspiration with everyone else? Layla is hosting This Little Word of Mine....I'm gonna let it shine linky part on January 16th I'm going to link up, will you?

{peace, love & hugs}

Carrie