Words to live by

Happy New Year, friends! Forgive my blogging hiatus but took some time to really focus on being present with family during the holidays and unplug a bit. So, how was your holiday?? Ours really was wonderful. Still sorting through pics and highlights of our travels and hope to share soon.

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Can you believe it's a new year? I cannot. I still cannot get over the fact I have another baby who is growing way too fast {five months today!}. It seems that since Jude was born we have been in constant motion and life has just been a complete whirlwind. Looking ahead to all this year has in store {travels, weddings, etc.}, it does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. While the year ahead is filled with lots of exciting and momentous occasions, I don't want us to lose sight of the everyday moments and wake up feeling like we blinked and missed it all.

Was inspired {and challenged!} by the lovely ladies of Small Fry to come up with my word for 2014 that would ensure I would really make this new year count. Now if you know me, you know I'm indecisive {maybe that should be my word...decisive}, so how could I just choose one word?? Here are a few words that I pray can be the focus for my life in 2014 and for many years to come.

• PRESENT - I mentioned this word at the beginning of this post, and it is one that has really resonated with me lately. I am so guilty of spending time with people, playing with my kids, lounging with my hubs but just being there physically instead of emotionally/mentally/completely. I am challenging myself to really focus on being more present. No matter what the situation. Actually coloring with George at the table instead of scrolling through Intstagram while he creates his masterpiece next to me. Engaging in conversation with my husband rather than going over the to-do list in my head. Pausing and listening to a friend rather than talking just to fill space.

• GRACE - What a big word. It is my prayer that I could show others more grace this year. Others will fail us, let us down and won't meet our expectations, but I need to remember to show them grace. My kids, my husband, my family, my friends but also, myself. I pray I can give myself the grace to fall short, make mistakes and be vulnerable.

• INTENTIONAL - I think if I had to pick one word to some up my goal for making the most of 2014 it would be intentional. Now what does intentional living look like? I think it's everything I've listed above. It's the commitment I'm making to God, my family and those I love and surround myself with to make the effort to live a purpose driven life. It's giving thanks to the Lord for the blessings I have and not taking them for granted. It's spending time in prayer and the Word listening to what He has in store. It's slowing down and not trying to be at everything everywhere all the time. It's learning to say no. It's setting aside time for myself so that I can make sure I'm doing things that will make me the best wife/mom/daughter/sister/friend I can be {and yes that just may be something as simple as intentionally having some alone time while getting my nails done}.

So, what's your word for 2014? How are you making the new year count?