2016 - One Word

I've selected a "word of the year" for the past several years -- a one-word focus instead of a million resolutions.  I pray for guidance and then watch/listen to see the words that come to me.  Years past have been Faith, Focus, Abide ... so what will it be in 2016?

If you are looking for your word, here are some word ideas:

Change, Health, Enjoy, Battle, Discover, Live, Mindfulness, Thrive, Persistence, Write, Together, Peace, Possibility, Breathe, Love, Balance, Joy, Adventure, Different, Risk, Truth, Curious, Celebrate, Opportunity, Freedom, Focus, Minimize, Stewardship, Determined, Shine, Integrity, Open, Selah, Uplift, Relax, Adapt, Invest, Transition, Finish, Grace, Appreciate, Soar, Dare, Revel, Imagine, More, Trust, Optimism, Embrace, Brave, Create, Empower, Learn, Purpose, Connect, Silence, Present, Today, Strength, Organize, New, Sacrifice, Pause, Be, Diligence, Momentum, Confidence, Unstoppable, Push, Transformation, Faith, Reflection, Progress, Growth, Perspective, Simplify, Fortitude, Believe, Generous, Action, Direction, Awake, Courage, Forward, Resolve, No, Listen, Ignite, Relentless, Rebuilding, Ambition, Reduce, Release, Choose, Slow, Commit

and a few more:

Compassion
Delight
Generosity
Effortlessness
Wealth
Gratitude
Abundance
Creativity
Willingness
Change
Growth
Freedom
Mastery
Kindness
Health
Presence
Acceptance
Courage
Confidence
Self-Love
Action
Forgiveness
Forgive
Release
Trust
Knowing
Patience

Secret Santa Swap 2015 - Questionnaire

1. Do you collect anything?  Yes-- too much! I collect cookbooks, nesting dolls, crockpots (don't laugh!), Shawnee pottery, polka dot anything; although I'm currently in love with anything with lumberjack red/black plaid
   
2. What are your hobbies? I love to read, craft, bake, sew, crochet, and watch movies
3. Favorite colors? My favorite colors are red and white
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? Food allergies? Allergic to animal hair/dander, and milk in large doses
5. Do you have any pets?  YES, a great dane/mastiff and two tabby cats (I take a lot of allergy pills)
   
   
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? NO coffee, YES to flavored teas and cappuccino K-cups, and yes to milk chocolate in small doses
7. What do you like to read?  I LOVE to read -- culinary mysteries are my fav genre, Christian romances, sci-fi, too
8. What is your favorite holiday treat?  My favorite cookie is a Russian Tea Cake/Mexican wedding cookie - shortbread with pecans rolled in powdered sugar
9. Does your tree have a theme? Kitchen tree is full of my red ornaments, I have a small white tree with mini ornaments from swaps, and our huge rotating tree is stuffed with family ornaments collected over the years (I haven't passed them on to the grown kids yet; I just can't!)
10. Describe your favorite Christmas/seasonal tradition. I love driving around looking at lights; I love giving gifts anonymously; I love hiding the Christmas Pickle ornament for the kiddos to find; I love setting out shoes and letters to Santa on St. Nicholas Day eve (set out 12/5, St Nick Day is 12/6), I LOVE my Secret Santa Swaps!!!

Want to join the fun?  Registration is open until December 6.  Details at http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/2015/11/secret-santa-swap-2015-sign-up-info.html

One Word of the Year -- FOCUS

Have you ever done this -- chosen just ONE WORD to focus on for the new year? One year, mine was "Faith", then the next year it was "Abide." I didn't settle on one for last year but am asking God to reveal my word for 2014. It's already set to be very different from 2013.

And 2013 was an amazing year, no doubt -- new home, new car, new school for T, ... And, in some news I haven't shared with many people yet, I will have a new job in 2014 as an HR Information Systems Analyst in a local school district. A different employer and boss after 20 years! Lots of change for sure.

So, what will be my ONE WORD? I used Christine Kane's Word of the Year Discovery Tool and the family and I decided on each of our words this afternoon. 

Mine, for a variety of reasons, is ......

I'm anticipating great things as I strengthen my "focus" muscle this year!  Hebrews 12:2 We must fix (focus) our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Crochet One Skein Wonders

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters around the World
 

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

I hope everyone is ready for the big day tomorrow.  My middle daughter and I planned the big menu and shopped on Monday night.  The crowds weren't TOO bad and I was so proud of myself for being DONE - even got a free turkey with purchase.  So where did I find myself tonight -- at the store to buy some things for tonight's dinner!!  Grrrr!  See what happens when you let menu planning go to the wayside??  I will remedy that and get back on track.  I'd like to at least finish the year strong. =) 

Over at Apronista, I've posted my cooking timetable - step by step start/cook times to have everything done at the same time.  Recipe links, too!