My 2014 in One Word: And How It’s Changed Me
If you could sum up your year in one word, what would it be? Tweet this
That was the challenge issued by my pastor at church this weekend.
As I reflected on that question, one word rose to the surface for my life:
Simplify
You see, it was in 2014 that the concept of simplifying & minimizing my life was first introduced to me through reading another blog.
It was in 2014 that I began the ongoing journey of doing just that to my household and life, and shifting my mindset to match.
It was in 2014 that I started this blog to further process my thoughts, chronicle my journey, as well as to have an outlet and audience to develop as a writer at a time when I felt I could do it.
It has been such a fulfilling journey for so many reasons.
Benefits of Embracing a Simpler Life in 2014
I’m more content
I look at the life I have today, and I understand it’s fleeting. I choose joy today and feel gratitude for the simple yet full life I have.
My household is actually getting close to the manageable range
No doubt my manageable range is less than yours. I won’t say I’m entirely there, but things are SO MUCH better than before. In 20 minutes a day I can have all bedrooms and bathrooms tidy.
Main rooms still seem to be a never-ending, all-day project with two little kids running around, but they are definitely less-burdensome than ever.
I see with a deeper perspective
I am able to look past the world in front of my nose, with all it’s glitter and stress and distraction and see with a deeper and more eternal perspective.
I am more open-handed with money and resources
I don’t have the same goals for myself or my life. I’m not so worried about having all the latest fashion or best cars or fun vacations. I do have some investments at the best day trading platform uk. I see the beauty of staying close to home, using what I have, modeling contentment and joy, investing in relationships and being grateful.
So what about you? How would you sum up your 2014? Can you do it in one word? If so, tell me about it in the comments section!
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2014 in one word: Growth. I am so thankful that the Lord led me to your blog. In 2014, we had our 2nd baby. As the year drew to an end, I felt the Lord calling me toward further learning about and embracing my biblical roles as a mother and wife. I was raised in a Christian home, but I feel like I never learned what God wrote in his word about how to serve him as a mother and as a wife and helper to your husband. This post is so encouraging to me, and I am so happy to have found your blog!
Brandi, What a great pursuit and exciting journey God undoubtedly has you on! Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Obedience! In April of 2014 we knew we would be moving, just not sure where. The rental house we live in was being sold and so thus the need to move. At about the same time my husband’s employer asked again if we were willing to move about 2-3 south so he could grow the companies business in another area of the state. We had already picked a lot in a subdivision about 30 minutes from our current home and had almost all the planning finished for building our new home. But as it says in Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps”. We really seen that The Lord was leading us to move to another part of the state all together. After a summer of house hunting and lots of seeking and praying The Lord said yes to our new home. I can’t describe it, but as we toured the property we had that Peace that only He can give. We would have never looked at the house had we not been going out of town to MO (as it was almost a 3hr drive from our current home) and my husband almost canceled the showing as he felt it was too far from the cities he needs to travel to for work. The home already had a accepted offer with contingencies and that same weekend we put in a offer another couple did as well. After our offer was accepted over the others we still had to wait 72 hours for the accepted offer to remove the contingency or decline the home. All the time trusting that if this was the home for us, no plan of The Lords can be thwarted.
While the house might not be perfect, it’s perfect for us! It is such a joy and blessing to know that we are right were God wants us to be. Not that we are without trials and difficulties in this time, but there is such JOY in walking obediently. That the Lord is well pleased and having HIS peace! Were there times of waiting to quit looking and settle? Yes absolutely! We are moving almost 3 hours away from family and friends (family is currently 5 minutes away) to a city knowing no one. The Lord so graciously has closed doors one after another to lead us to this place. We could have said no, and pushed other doors open, I am so thankful that He sustained us and that He is our strength.
We are still in the process of remodeling. The Lord is gracious to give my husband the ability along with some family members help to do the improvements. We are so grateful and thankful to not have to live in a mess! (the new owners of the house we are in now, said we could stay! and are grateful that we are living here for the winter) How Good is Our God! He is in the details of everything!! The moving date has changed now 3/4 times but I am content to wait b/c The Lord is the giver of that too!
Looking forward to all The Lord has for us in this new season! I can honestly say I have no Fear! As we are not to fear or worry. As 2015 comes I want to walk more obediently and humbly before a Holy God and desire that others see Him working in my life 🙂
PS sorry for the comment, you asked for one word LOL….it’s hard to contain the Goodness of God!
I meant **sorry for the long comment** 🙂
Wow Michelle! What an amazing story of God’s sovereignty and provision! How incredible. I can’t think of anything more utterly essential to this life God has called us to than obedience. I’ve realized at many points this year that ultimately, that’s what it all comes down to, always. Bless you and your family on this new venture!