Welcome, 2017 ~

I have been wrestling a little bit with myself and the New Year. I'm a big goal and list person and pride myself on working hard. I have been itching for a new, big, year long goal to work towards over this coming year. Last year I felt God giving me the go ahead to start on the path to bigger financial goals ( not really seeing anything, but getting out of debt! ) and buying our first home. Both of which were big deals and took a lot of time and work! And this year so far has just felt... slow. And a little exhausting. 

During prayer and quite time I feel God asking me to spend more quite time with Him and becoming a better steward of my time in general. Not for any major "goal" per say. Just, investing in my children and worthwhile hobbies. It honestly makes me feel restless! But, after a few weeks of searching and clinging to my own ideas of goals, I have finally decided to jump wholeheartedly in the simple yet difficult task of simply slowing down and bringing more peace into our lives. That's my word this year: Peace.

Peace can mean so many different things. But for me, it means more time with God. Less TV. Less comparing myself with others and other people's view of me. More time playing with my children and less time watching tv or sending them off to play without me. Less internet and social media, more writing and reading. 

I want to do far less shopping and simplify our bills. Pay down debt and put money in savings. Nothing causes stress like financial stress, and I plan on being better at looking long term.

When I think of how much TV we watched this past year, it's embarrassing, even to me. We are doing better, but I still would love to see the TV on less and see what else we can fill our time with. I want to work on nature studies and notebook journaling. I want to fill our time learning crafts and hobbies and exposing the kids to all sorts of arts and letting them discover what they're passionate about. Investing more time cultivating friendships and a sense of community and showing Christlike love to others is also something I want our family to be passionate about!  

So here's to a year brimming with joy and peace ~

Also, only about 14 more weeks until baby#4 is here!!!! Eeek!!!