Adrianne writes:
She inspires me in many ways, but one main way is how much she loves doing things as a family. How she can take a day such as new years and really make it about setting goals AS A FAMILY, loving on each other, thinking of others, etc. What an incredible woman!
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Resolutions, themes, beginnings
In the past, we have done resolutions for the new year as a family. Kept them in time capsules hidden away until next year, put them on a sheet of poster board to see all year long. Planned, dreamed, set goals.
New Year's is coming and I'm not sure what we're doing as a family to mark it. Yes, we'll be heading to Mom and Dad's for the Rose Parade and black-eyed peas and thank you note writing (except for Audrey, who already got hers done in record time!).
But we need some time to dream together, to talk together, to set some goals together about what we hope this next year will hold.
I'm thinking the poster may be in order once more. There's something about writing down our hopes and dreams and goals that makes them more real, more solid, more tangible than just talking about them. And hanging that poster on the basement door keeps it present, so that we remember what we've dreamed and hoped and do really want as the year progresses.
At the same time, a theme is emerging as I pray and journal and read. For me, 2011 is going to be marked by LOVE. I want to pay closer attention to how to love the people in my family--in ways they need and receive, rather than just how I prefer to love them, what's most convenient for me, or most comfortable.
Do you make resolutions? Pick a theme? How do you mark the beginning of a new year?
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In the comments section, leave the link to your favorite Simple Wife post. Be sure to include your name, blog (if you have one), and a sentence or two about why the post is meaningful/encouraging to you. The Simple Wife Archives are posted Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Hi Joanne, in case you are reading this, I wanted to comment on this post. At the start of 2011 you wanted to evaluate how you were loving people. But with your stroke, you have shown us all not only how to love you, but how to love and appreciate our own families.
Fear not that you are stuck. You minister to us each and every day.
God Bless you, and get well soon!!!
Love,
Maribeth
Posted by: Maribeth | February 23, 2011 at 09:50 AM
I'm struck AGAIN by your word for 2011: L-O-V-E
I think you meant it to be about love for those around you, but God had something different up His sleeve, didn't He? I think HE meant for you and your family to be on the receiving end of an enormous outpouring of LOVE!!!
Posted by: Meredith | February 23, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I love how God puts on our hearts what we are to focus on. This year is definately going to be a year about love for your family! Thank you for sharing your life with ours. My family is better for having "known" you through your blog!
Posted by: Lee Ann Lee | February 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I heard your interview on the Family Talk with Dr. Dobson yesterday and then again today just hearing about Joanne's stroke. I have spent the last two hours reading about the journey.
What an encouragment!! The power of prayer and the steadfast love of a husband. I am moved beyond words.
Thank you Tobin for being an example of a Godly husband who loves his wife unconditionally!
And for the witness of Christ that you and your family have been to the people who touch your lives as the recovery journey is still ongoing.
I am praying for you.
Posted by: Amy Schmid | February 23, 2011 at 02:09 PM
So timely and so much to reflect upon. How God accomplishes His will in and through us is the mystery. The 'will' is our to yeild and the 'how' is up to Him.
We will, one day, rejoice together around the throne and say with grateful hearts, "Father you did all things well".
Praying today for more of His continual grace flowing into the Heim family. Grace upon grace. (STILL snowing in Idaho!)
Posted by: Kathy Rivera | February 23, 2011 at 02:37 PM
How incredible, Joanne, that you said you were going to spend this year focusing on love and you are. Despite what has happened, your year has become about love -- in such a tremendous way and far differently that you could have imagined -- but still, it is about love.
Posted by: Shawna | February 23, 2011 at 02:39 PM
I am new to The Simple Wife since Joanne's stroke (my SIL goes to church with her folks and she wrote me to pray and check here - I've been a daily visitor since) and have been blessed with the response from the Body of Christ. I pray for Joanne, Toben, the girls and all touched by this. I have also really enjoyed exploring her blog and posts. She is a sister in Christ whom I have come to really appreciate. In exploring I found the blog in her "crafting" section on "blocking" (12-01-10). I think that would be a timely one to repost. God is "blocking" her, twisting and straightening her so that the real shape and pattern of this dear sister are re-revealed in the midst of what might seem chaos. I have faith that the One Who knit her together in the womb, and is reworking her now, has such a plan and purpose for her, a future and a hope that will be so beautifully revealed as she heals through this, bringing healing even to others. She already has... with love and prayers from Kansas, Rachael
Posted by: Rachael Barr | February 24, 2011 at 09:21 PM