One Little Word 2009 & Giveaways

My word is going to be REMAIN which means to continue to be. I wish to REMAIN calm, REMAIN curious, REMAIN balanced and REMAIN in control. This does not imply that I have mastered these things, but rather that I want to go deeper with these things and pursue them, not just let them be skin deep.

My word for this year is "present," in its variety of meanings...
being present
appreciating the present moment
gift...present...of life
Happy New Year to you, Ali!

My word for 2009 is HAPPPINESS. It has been a rough couple of years - the death of my father and my husband caught one of the most deadly strains of staph. Things are better now - and I am determined to see the glass as half full. My grief is lessening and my husband still has his foot! God is good. Thank you Ali for all your words and inspiration. All the best to you and your family in the New Year.

I'm still thinking - wanting to be purposeful in what I do - there in the moment with my kids, living for today, not distracted...

It took me awhile to decide on a word this year, but last night I decided on "devotion." I want to stay focused on devoting myself to studying, reading the bible, devotion to others who need support or encouragement, devotion to my blog readers and my creative endeavors. It's my way of staying on track and putting my whole self into each activity I choose to take on rather than leave bits of myself in things that are never completed.

Wow love your word Ali and also so many awesome words in these comments. So much food for thought
I still haven't made a final decision (am hoping to by the end of New Years Day but my shortlist is
- BE
- DO
- FOCUS
- COMMITTED
Thanks for the kick in the pants to start the year off right!!
Happy New Year Ali and Family.

"WRITE"
I have spent so many of the the last few slower days thinking of things I want to write about. I haven't written consistently since grad school 4 years ago. So many things have been inspiring me to want to write these days: my 3 year old's words, the upcoming inauguration, the hope of a new little one in '09...I share this to the world out there as a hope that I will remember this and feel accountable to many of you beautiful artists who's work I know of thanks to Ali's blog.

Hey Ali,
I need to step out in faith, be consistent, and "TITHE" this year.
Hope all is well in your NEW YEAR!

In 2009 my word is going to be "simplify".

I have a friend who does this every year, but this is my first time picking a word of my own. My word is EXPLORE. I want to explore myself and find out new things about ME; I want to explore my town, my country, my world... I want to explore new possibilities and broaden my horizons. I'm going to explore my relationships with others and my relationship with God. I'm going to EXPLORE, and in the process... I'm going to discover. :)

lots of intentions for the year - one being to let things go. have not completely decided on a word for the year. when I do, I would love to make a necklace out of it.
many blessings,
Jami Mayes
Boise, ID

I've been thinking hard on this one. I'm wavering between Action and Creativity.

Well Ali, I thought I had my word all picked out, "CONSISTENCY." I know that is something I need to work on with my faith, my children, my education and other areas of my life. But then I read Stephanie's blog and Jenny left a comment that made me cry. Her word is "SERENITY". She wrote the serenity prayer and a beautiful quote below her word. I really loved that so now I need to think about it a little bit because I really need to work on that being less stressed and just let the man upstairs take care of it.

Happy New Year Ali -
I'd have to say my word is going to be Vision. I'm starting a new job on 1/5/09 and my vision for 09 is to create more, have less, organize and reorganize what I have, have fun and enjoy life!
Thanks - Kelly Rell

Hi Ali!
My word for 2009 is COURAGE...
COURAGE to make the changes I need to make.
COURAGE to put all trust in God for he has the best plan for me. (Trying to have another baby and I need to accept God's plan even though it isn't my plan.)
COURAGE to keep a positive outlook despite the everything going on in this world.
COURAGE to stay calm in time of frustration.
COURAGE to stay focused and complete my tasks timely.
COURAGE to hug more, listen better, play longer and laugh easier. (Adopted from a writing in Lisa Leonard's blog. Since I read this on her blog, I keep this saying handy where I can see it every day.)
COURAGE to put every effort into being the best mom and wife that I can be.
And COURAGE to accept the things I cannot change.
Thanks, Ali, for all the continued inspiration. I look forward to reading your blog in 2009.
Jill

My word: Reconnect

I thought about this over and over and I kept going back to the same word...STRIVE.
Definition: to devote serious effort or energy :
I know it may be strange but I need that word to not only work for me but for me to work for it. My husband and I have been ttc for almost five years and this year I'm going to strive to become a mother. I'm going to strive to be a better wife. I'm going to strive to work harder and become more successful. I'm going to strive to becoming more healthy. Oh, and I'm going to strive to finish up some of those projects that I keep putting to the side. So there ya go..Happy New Years!
Lauren R.
Oklahoma City,OK.

Hi Ali,
Happy New Year from Australia.
I think my word for this year will be CREATE. I want to be more creative this year in all ares of my life :)

"Obedience" to God

I haven't 100% decided yet, but I think I'm going with BELIEVE ....
Thank you for this and all your fun give-aways and inspirational ideas!! Happy New Year to you and yours!!!!