1.12.2012

:: 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
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15 comments:

  1. Embrace... that is an exceptional word. It requires action but in a way that is soft and comforting and loving. Mothering is a job for which there are no paycheck and no days off, but the benefits that come with this job are limitless. You do good work, Carrie, and have much to be proud of.

    xo,
    Anne

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  2. Nicely said. I agree and, being on the opposite side of that fence, i.e. a working mom, I have always had the nagging feeling I should have been at home and wanted to be at home. I have a fabulous job and have met wonderful friends and developed relationships that make me a richer person. But as rewarding and exciting as my job is, I always really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I will follow your lead and try to "embrace" my blessings as well because, they too, are many.

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  3. Embrace ... what a perfect word. I will also follow your lead & embrace the many blessing that are my life. I am a stay at home mom who often wonders about getting a job but I know that even though my boys are getting older they still need me at home. I have truly been blessed to be able to be here for them.

    Diane J.

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  4. I love this Carrie. We are always amazed at the ways that God has provided for us (never going without) as we too believe I should be at home for now. Very humbling and renews my spirit each time I start to doubt my place in this family...I am were I'm supposed to be. At home. For all my boys.

    My word for this year is "Nice". I need to work on killing with niceness even when it would be acceptable in the world's eyes to be ugly.

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    1. You are blessed, I wish I hadn't wasted any of that precious time thinking I should be doing something more. I know exactly what you mean about being nice. Sometimes I have to remind myself to be nice to the ones who are closest to me just because they are the ones its easy to get upset with.

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  5. Love it Carrie! My word is trust and I blogged about it a few weeks back! I love being a stay at home mom too, it is the most rewarding job!!

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    1. Trust is a great one, I could see myself using that one as well...always trust in God's plan, then embrace it. : )

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  6. Great post Carrie! I need to remember to embrace all the goodness in my life too~ thanks for the inspiration...coming from a full time working mom who longs to be at home!

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    1. I know it must be hard being away from your babies & home when that is so where you want to be. I'm sure for now that it's part of his plans, but it never hurts to pray, pray, pray for the chance to be at home if it's truly what you want. I hope you and your sweet little family are doing well. Hugs - Carrie

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  7. I love your word and imgoing to think of mine. I was a military wife and we moved 25 times but I considered myself a stay at home mom. I had a career that didn't go far. I don't work now and from now on when I'm asked what I do with all my time, I'm going to say "I try to follow God's plan." I'm sogladyou're blessed. Enjoy your children while you can.

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    1. Liked your response. I stopped counting after 26 moves with the Army; just could not keep up! After retirement and a new career, our first place was the 1st time ever for more that 3 years anywhere as adults. And then there were more. Now I wonder should I have pursued and pushed more for this or that and honestly can say no. Now there are open doors and I have to almost make myself go through them! Not for paying jobs but as part of God's plan for me.

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    2. Praying for and following God's plan, that is what I so hope to embrace this year. What more is there to strive for really.

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  8. What a beautiful word. One that speaks to many of us who are moms. Thank you.

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  9. i could have written this post myself. embrace is a great word to focus on.

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  10. This is a beautiful post. I love the idea of embracing what the Lord has given us, and doing what we need to do WELL. This is a good inspiration for me because I tend to be a slacker on so many things. Thanks for the great thought!

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I love seeing your lovely faces & reading your sweet comments. Thanks for taking the time to visit me : ) * I do my best to respond by e-mail, if I miss you please forgive me. peace & love * Carrie

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