Word for the Year

In recent years it has become popular to pick a word for the year. I have never been big on resolutions, so it was appealing for me to have just a word to focus on that can lead to goals in my daily living. My word for this year: simple.

Why this word? I have noticed since having Emma how scatter-brained I am many days. Of course some of that is completely normal as a mother of two littles! However, I think a lot of my issues come from being distracted by unimportant matters, like getting a specific to-do list done, checking Facebook, being caught up on emails, etc. I lack focus, majoring on minor things. The Holy Spirit brought me to conviction especially when I continually was brought to passages like Romans 8: 5-7. I can't tell you how many times a devotional I read or a friend referenced this passage. I know it was no coincidence!

 ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. ⁸ Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Setting your mind on something involves effort, stewing. Most nights I put my head on my pillow and realize how much of my day I have stewed about "things of the flesh." My soul feels dead, and discouragement sets in. Did you see where it said that a mind set on the flesh is "hostile to God?" Yes! That was the conviction I needed. Do I want to be hostile to God? Of course not! However, setting my mind on things of the world was not honoring God! It wasn't until I began to meditate on this verse and focus my prayers on asking God what he wants me to "do" in a day that I felt "life and peace." 

So, I want to live more simply. This passage of scripture helped me to bring my thoughts into focus.

Mark 12:30-31
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all yoursoul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

If how I am spending my time isn't helping me to love God or love others, then I should evaluate if that particular action is necessary. In the least, I should limit my time. For example, sometimes Facebook really helps me love God and others. I love to post verses or send encouraging messages. I read a lot of great articles via Facebook too. However, most of my time spent on there is mindlessly reading through statuses in order to escape from reality. Usually it's when I am stressed or "need a break from the kids." 

What are some specific ways I hope to apply my word for this year, simple?

1. Pray over my "to do" list daily. Ask for wisdom regarding knowing when my perfectionism is coming out and when that task or chore is a way to show my love for God and others.

2. Keep meals simple. I love clean eating! Meals don't have to be fancy! Resist the urge to constantly try new recipes. 

3. Don't overcommit to Bible studies and read too many books. This year I want to focus on continuing my plan to read the whole Bible in two years and memorizing Romans 1, 8, and 12. The Roman's Project was a great program Ann Voskamp did last year, and I hope to complete it!

4. When push comes to shove, I want to value people over tasks! Make sure I am spending time just talking and playing with my children!

Do any of you have a word for the year?