Happy New Year

Happy New Year friends! I hope the beginning 2011 finds you well!

My sweet Elisan told me several days ago that she had "heard" that it was tradition to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve and was wondering why we never enjoyed this tradition at our home. Ah... to be young!

So, the girls were allowed to stay up as long as they wanted last night, but decided around 10:15 that it was late enough and they happily went to bed. I happily joined them. Randy was already in bed. We're such party'ers around here.

I've noticed in the Facebook and blog world people choosing a word for the new year. I camped on this thought for several days and finally, MY word came to me.
This word has many meanings for me.

For one, I will strive to not be full of fear over things I cannot control. This one is a hard one for me. But, honestly, living in fear is paralyzing. I had to come to terms with my fear over the summer when I visited a Christian counselor. He gave me perspective and helped me to come to grips with my irrational fears. I want to keep my fears at bay, and at times, I have harder days than others, but I know, that with Jesus Christ by my side, I will overcome.

Secondly, I want to get over my fears of rejection. I have a list of insecurities that are a mile long. I'm tired of living this way.

Third, I want to get over my fear of trying new things... and failing. Or succeeding... whatever the case may be. I have so many ideas rolling around in my head, but fear keeps me from moving forward. I'm afraid to fail for obvious reasons. Yet, I'm afraid to succeed and inevitably becoming overwhelmed and quitting. (Vicious cycle, I tell you!)

Fourth, I don't want my girls to have a mother who is a chicken. Or a scared'y cat. I want them to see me as a bold, confident woman who loves Jesus Christ with all of her heart who isn't afraid to be the best she can be...with failures along the way.

I've set out a few goals for me this year. If I don't accomplish them I won't chalk it up to defeat, but rather timing.

1.) Run a 1/2 marathon in November - 2011 Rock N Roll Marathon in San Antonio.
2.) Be a better wife and mother.
3.) Get a decent DSLR camera and take a photography class or two. (Or heck, just read the manual and teach myself!)
4.) Dig into the Word again. I mean, really dig and study. Not just read passages of a Bible reading plan.
5.) Renew friendships and make new. Be a better friend.
6.) Be more disciplined at home; Make the MOST of my time while my family is at work/school.
7.) Cultivate my digital design work style.
8.) Volunteer my time/talent in an area that glorifies God.

Fearless.