Happy 2011!!
I cannot believe that 2010 has come to an end. The year FLEW by for The Palace. It was definitely the most defining year of my life, and now I'm excited to take what I've learned into this new year.
The general direction of this year feels like it will be LIVING INTENTIONALLY.
Not just letting our days pass while each blurs into the next, but being aware of each moment.
Choosing how our time is spent.
Stepping back from the things that don't work for our family.
Stepping toward things that do.
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This week, I hope to write about our recent trip to Guatemala. There's so much to share... I want to do it justice.
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Tell me something. What was the most important thing that happened to you in 2010?
The most important things I learned in 2010 were to "hold fast" to the Lord, be joyful in all circumstances and to be grateful. While I don't mind seeing 2010 end, I am thankful for the lessons learned.
Posted by: karen | January 03, 2011 at 07:54 AM
I think I learned to define the word 'appreciation' more in my life and in all aspects of my life. If that makes any sense.
Posted by: Mrs. Oh | January 03, 2011 at 09:20 AM
2010 was a year of mixed blessings. I think the most profound thing was The King's brain tumor and successful surgery.
I also LOVED my trip to South Africa.
And, oh yeah, I enjoyed you, too.
Posted by: Your mother | January 03, 2011 at 02:00 PM
OK your mom is a hoot! I have to say that this year was filled with struggles and praises. But what I learned the most was to praise God in the struggles. As much as I wanted to sit in my pitty pot sometimes. I thanked God. I thanked him for the hot water heater that broke. Thanked him for the car repairs that stressed me out. I thanked him for the thorns in my life. For without the thorns I wouldn't have had the beautiful roses. The trip my kids took with my in-laws, making memories. The weekend get away Hubs and I got to take. See you shouldn't have asked. I wrote a book!
Posted by: rrmama | January 03, 2011 at 03:13 PM
The biggest thing that happened to us in the first half of the year was the deployment of my son to Iraq the first of March.
The biggest thing in the second half of the year is when he returned to the states on Dec 30th. They got a three day pass for the weekend so I drove to MS to spend New Years with him.
It was a really great beginning to a new year.
While he was deployed, he carried a little pocket Bible with him 24/7. He said it was the first Bible he'd found that was written in a way that he could understand the language. I'm not even sure what version it is. (I tend to think that he was just finally at a place where he was ready to understand what it said). Just a few days into the deployment he sent me a verse that I use in my email signature, and anywhere else I possibly can.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. (Phil 4:6)
Posted by: Paula | January 03, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Mine seems kind of blah after reading everyone else's, but I started focusing more on my family and on taking care of myself again. Let go of a few commitments, started a major home reorganization/declutter project to make our home the place we want to be (rather than always on the go/away from home), trained for a 5K. Hoping to continue the "family first" trend this year, and I'm continuing the running, as well.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: RLR | January 03, 2011 at 09:46 PM
2010 was the year that I truly started appreciating my family's health. After my husband's scare on vacation, I'm just more appreciative of the daily stuff that used to (and, let's be honest, still does some days) get taken for granted.
2010 also meant an awakening of something I love: crafts! I've spent so many years as a SAHM and I love it, but now that my boys are getting ever-so-slightly more independent, I'm finding that I CAN make a bit of time to do something I love.
I love the commitment to live intentionally in 2011!
Posted by: Nicole @ Here's The Diehl | January 04, 2011 at 08:26 AM
This biggest change of 2010 was two new businesses in the household. The most important change was a new church family. The greatest challenge has been learning to "see" through new "lenses" (spiritually speaking).
GREATLY looking forward to 2011!!!
(~Fuschia)
Posted by: Michelle | January 04, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Where do I begin....
Where do I end....
One thing in between...realizing I have the best friend anyone could ever want:)
Love you!
Posted by: Lacey | January 04, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Clear MRI scans of my grandsons brain.
Posted by: Britta | January 04, 2011 at 12:21 PM
My most important thing was finally feeling settled and at peace. We have moved almost as many times as we have years in marriage - 14, and I was exhausted. We are settled back near family and friends and back where it truly feels like "home". The adventure was fun, but with 2 kiddos - HOME is a nice place to be. So excited to hear about your Guatemala trip. I always enjoy your posts so much and get a thrill of excitement to watch from the sidelines as God does things in your family (even the things that seem like setbacks can be seen as God's all knowing provision). Thanks for sharing with us!!
Posted by: Kara Messner | January 05, 2011 at 09:22 AM
This year God led us to put our dream house on the market despite being told it would probably take a year or more to sell because of the size and price bracket. It sold in 5 days. God has led us to a perfect older, smaller house that I have loved since Day One. I knew He was leading us into a better position financially but wasn't sure what the reason was. I still don't know what it is completely but having read Radical over Christmas as well as Same Kind of Different as Me I know that He is giving me a heart of compassion for the lost and downtrodden. I am excited to see where God is going to lead. My deepest desire is to be able to go on mission trips with my family and I am so touched by your account. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Melanie Harrington | January 06, 2011 at 06:27 PM