Celebrate...

Here it is the first of February and I have just now decided on my word for the year. I wanted to really think about it and pick one that felt just right! I had a word all picked out but then I started reading a book that changed it all. My dear friend Jess who is an answer to a longtime prayer and who loves me even though she knows so much about me and my messed up ways, got me a beautiful book for my birthday. I am embarrassed to admit I put it away and kind of forgot about it. I found it last week and picked it up to read, I have not put it down since then. I even carry a highlighter with me to mark the parts that really speak to me but to be honest I have a feeling as I read it again over the years the whole book may be marked up. Each and every little chapter spoke to me and I have even read bits to my Bible study group. If I had the money I would go out right now and buy one for each of you! The book is called Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. The cover says celebrating the extraordinary nature of everyday life and that is what she does through each short story of her life she shows just how extraordinary God is. It got me thinking do my kids know that I think they are amazing, does my husband, my family(in laws too), my friends, the wonderful group of ladies I meet with at church? Have I taken the chance to tell those around me just how amazing and unique I think they are? It makes me sad to think how often I have let that chance go by without saying anything or better yet doing something to let those around know just how wonderful they are. How many times have I rushed on by or not answered an e-mail or phone call because I just have to many things to do? Why have I let my to do list become the thing I live by, ok I will always love a to do list but I need to add to it not just daily household things but eternal things. So my word for the year CELEBRATE! I hope to celebrate life's little things that add up to  make  something amazing, my friends and family who help me everyday to move closer to being the women God has called me to be. To teach myself and my kids along the way to stop and see God in the everyday things and celebrate! So my blog may look different and I hope my attitude too as I take on a new adventure of trying to Celebrate each day.