My Word for 2020

I'm not surprised by the pictures chosen for my Instagram Top 9 of 2019 - weddings and babies with some faith reflections sprinkled in there - sounds about right. . .

2019 was the year of giant moves from CT to OH, starting a new job, tons of wedding prep, marrying my best friend, traveling to Thailand and Japan, finding out we're pregnant, adding a puppy to the mix and making preparations for a kitchen and bath remodel that will start in the new year.

So, I had to laugh when Jen Fulwiler's Word of the Year Generator displayed "pause" as my suggested inspiration for 2020. This year has been filled to the brim with newness and transition, with hopeful beginnings and growing pains, with joyful hellos and aching goodbyes -

- but to be honest, I don't know that I've taken the time to process these memories or really let them sink in. The good and the bad have rushed by, swept away by the momentum of what's to come next.

I don't think it's a coincidence that in much of my prayer this Advent, I've felt Jesus gently encouraging me to slow down and rest, to sit in the quiet and just be.

I need to soak everything in and process.

I need to pay attention and reflect.

I need to pause.

Easier said than done, but I find consolation in these little reminders and winks from God that keep showing up - even via a random word generator.

Here's to 2019. Thanks for being one of the best years ever. I cannot wait to see what 2020 has in store.

Happy New Year, friends!

Peace,
Sarah

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An Intentional 2017

Happy New Year, friends. 2017 has arrived, and with it a fresh, crisp new year with which we can work to experience in beautiful ways.

This year, instead of setting a typical resolution, I have decided to choose a word to strive to embody during these next 12 months (and hopefully beyond that). As I prayed and reflected on what I wanted that word to be, my heart kept returning me to the idea of being intentional.

That's not to say that I currently spend my days being unintentional and lackadaisical, but there are definitely moments in probably every aspect of my life where I have simply gone through the motions, or carelessly did the  bare-minimum to complete I was doing just to so it would be done. It's not everyday and it's not all at once, but every time it happens I've missed an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

With intentionality comes reflectiveness and authenticity. It requires awareness and discernment. Actively choosing to be intentional won't be easy, and I will undoubtedly mess up, but I believe that even simply recognizing times where I could strive to be more intentional will allow me to flourish.

I pray that intentional time, relationships and prayer will lead to deeper listening, understanding, and growth.

And so, here's to 2017! May this year be filled with goodness and bring us all closer to God.

Have you set any goals for this new year? Any tips on how to live more intentionally?

Peace,
Sarah

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