I have many friends that choose a family “word” for the year.  I debated for a long time before finally choosing one that best represents my hopes and prayers for our family this year.  Finally, I settled on Peace.

A little less this kind of peace:

A little more this kind of peace:

Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

And this kind of peace:

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Peace that He is in control of our futures.  Peace that He is bigger than our pasts.

For our daughters and ourselves, to have peace in our relationships with friends, coworkers… and even those who are “difficult” to get along with.  We all have a few of those in our lives, don’t we?

For our home to be filled with an overwhelming, overflowing sense of peace… so abundant that those who enter our home feel it and see it and experience it.

For our hearts to be controlled by that sense of peace and trust, even when things aren’t going according to our plans.  For us to trust in His peace even in the seasons when things seem to be crumbling around us.  And peace when we wait for answers, answers about our future, answers to prayer, answers of many kinds.

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Additionally, I have a word for myself personally.  LISTEN.  That’s my word.  It has two main purposes.

First, to listen to people.  To shut my own voice off and listen and hear those around me.  To listen to not only their voice but their hearts.

As a person who loves to talk, it is often hard for me to stop my own blabbering and listen to others around me.   I love to tell stories about things that have happened in my day/life and to entertain other people.    I often sit and repeat in my head while having conversations “SHUT UP KIMBERLY!  LET OTHER PEOPLE TALK!”

Proverbs 10:9 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

Proverbs 17:27-28 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint and a man of understanding is even-tempered.  Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

It doesn’t come naturally to me, but that isn’t an excuse to just keep rattling on and on.  So this year- I commit to listening more, to asking questions of other people and then being quiet to hear the answer!

The second part of listening is to take more time to hear from God.  I get caught up in my prayer time with pouring out concerns and requests and such, and I want to take more time to listen.

James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

So those are our 2010 words of the year!  Have you chosen words? If so, what are they?  (and yes, I’m listening to your answers, haha!!)

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