Hello 2012... What a JOY it is to meet you.

 I don't think I have ever been so excited for a new year to start. Now don't get me wrong... 2011 was not a bad year at all... I guess I am just really excited for this next year and it's new adventures.


Each year I join the masses and choose a word for the year. As simple as it may sound, this is something that I pray about and truly seek wisdom and guidance for. At first when I started this, the word that I would choose would just be something that I felt heavy on my heart. This year, I didn't feel the heaviness... just peace.


2009- Reflect
This was such a profound word for our family. This was the year that we truly looked back on what we believed in and made a very tough decision to leave California (and our families) and begin our own adventure in Colorado (Aug. 2009). An adventure it has been. Reflecting on where we were in life and where we wanted our family to be lead us to the amazing move to Colorado. Reflect was the perfect word for us this year.

2010-Bold
 This year was a tough one for us, as to be expected with making a  life changing move just a few months earlier. This was the year that I learned to be Bold. I had no idea why this word would be so necessary when I picked it in January... but later in the year I realized just why God had put it in my heart. Bold is gathering all the strength necessary to make tough decisions for the betterment of yourself, well at least this is what it was for me. I had to make decisions that at the time seemed so difficult, yet now seem so vital. I am so much better for this boldness. Sometimes being bold isn't just standing up for good... sometimes it is reminding yourself truly what you are made of, and that you deserve good (even if it is hard to say to yourself!).

2011-Truth
I made a vow this year to seek truth in all I do. In work, art, relationships and family. Little did I know that I would enter this year and have to hold on to the truth with both hands clenched, especially with relationships. This was a tough lesson, but one I am better for. If you know you who you are, and what you hold true in your heart... the rest will follow... especially those who matter. I end 2011 with a few less friends, but am grateful for the strengthened relationships that I now hold. It is a tough lesson when you realize that you can't be friends with everyone... but it makes those who you hold close, oh so much more special.

2012- JOY
This year I will be going back to school. A change in my life that is very big. It has been 10 years since I last sat in a college class. After graduation with my Associates Degree, we found out that I was pregnant in which the best decision for our family would be to have my husband finish college and I would stay home and raise our children. Now that our children are in school, life has settled. It's time for me to finish, and this is exciting. I am not exactly sure why this years word is Joy, but I do now that it has prepared me to look at this new upcoming adventure with happiness. This year, joy will be a choice. It is a choice I can make and I will do everything necessary to maintain this outlook this year. I have seen what God has done the last few months preparing me for this next season. Freeing up my time, my heart and my spirit. I am happy, and am so grateful for this next season in mine and my family's life.

I can see now how each year's word has been just what we have needed. I am very grateful for the growth the past few years have brought to myself and my family. As I look back on these past few years I am reminded of the pain and trials we have had to endure. The wonderful thing is that we are a family. We endure things together. Always have, always will. Together we have grown and continue to grow. As our trials increase in difficulty, so does our strength. We are prepared or will learn along the way. I am excited to see what this year brings us, what every it is... I will work my best to see it increase our joy. There are so many things to be grateful for, maybe counting the blessings will help us remember the joy through out the year.


 In crafty news...

I have been working on a fun project for Brewer Sewing and will be participating in a fun blog hop throughout January featuring the Tablet Keeper by Nancy Zieman. The blog hop starts today! Click on the link below for a list of all participants.

Nancy Zieman Tablet Keeper Blog Hop.

Thanks again for your comments, friendship and encouragement... I am reminded always that I am not in this alone. We are all in this life together... and what a beautiful thing that is!

~Liz Hicks ♥