2012 Hopes

"For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what he already sees? But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure." (Romans 8:24, 25 AMP)

I'm not in the mode for setting resolutions this year. Still waiting to close on our house, two weeks from my due date, packing our house, after a somewhat difficult past few months it's honestly tough for me to wrap my mind around goals. Survival is more realistic.

But still, I have hope. Not hope that is the wishy-washy, "maybe this will happen," but the type that is mixed with faith that God will accomplish all He intends to do in us and through us this year.

Some of my hopes for the year, in no particular order:
-to give birth to this baby peacefully and safely at home, and cherish those special first few days and weeks that go too quickly
-to move into our first real home, one that is ours!
-to enjoy learning with my kids as we do school together
-to have new opportunities for building relationships now that our house will be centrally located for so many of our friends
-to establish a routine that brings life to our household
-to exercise regularly
-to enjoy gardening this summer and maybe have chickens again
-to begin to fix up our house and enjoy the benefits of our work without fear of having to move again in a year
-to pursue God and experience His presence in our home
-to treasure each member of our family, being grateful for the amazing way God fits us together with all our strengths and even our weaknesses.
-maybe, as our transition to four children allows, to tiptoe my way back into leading worship some

New Year's is always a bit boring to me. I don't really understand what motivates every single grocery store clerk (that wouldn't say Merry Christmas) to go out of their way to wish you Happy New Year. 2011 had pain and joy and so will 2012. But God is there already. My mantras right now: stay faithful, keep praying, release fear and control, trust God, and get enough rest and good food!

For anyone reading, what I wish most for you this year is that you know more of God and have a desire for Him and His word. He has come that we may have life to the fullest!