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My “One Word” for 2015

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JESUSI am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy here.

For the last several years I’ve heard of bloggers choosing one word to be their theme for the New Year.

Generally I am always several steps behind on trends.  Case in point – I finally bought a pair of skinny jeans the other day and then a friend informed me that bootcut style is coming back in.

<<Sheesh.>>

So here I am a whole year later ready to jump on the one-word band wagon except for the fact that I don’t believe that anyone else is on the wagon with me.

Hubs and I got to go away for a couple of days to celebrate our anniversary this past week and I had 2 priorities (besides enjoying time with my bearded prince).

1.  SLEEP.

and

2.  READ.

2 things that I am seriously deprived of as a young mom being that {{regarding the first priority}}, the boys have absolutely NO internal clock regulating the normal hours of human waking.  I think my children are operating on Australia’s time zone.

I am happy to report that I accomplished my 2 goals successfully and even added a 3rd – binge watch TV.  I hardly ever watch TV at home – mostly because the tyranny of the urgent always wins out (ie. laundry does not go away on its own), but when I go on vacation I turn into a total couch potato and suddenly everything takes a backseat to getting caught up on episodes of Love It or List It.

My mom got me THIS BOOK for Christmas and I read it in less than a day.  Every time I would take a break to put it down I would say to the hubs, “This book is SO convicting.”

My heart was challenged in a hundred ways to be a better mom this year.

And this cannot happen unless I am fully satisfied and filled up with Jesus.

He is what it ALL comes down to.

JESUS.

The gospel is what I want to give my kids more of this year.  I want to pour out on them the joy and forgiveness and patience and kindness that He has shown me through His work on the cross.

When their early wake-up rituals threaten my sanity joy, I will remember that JESUS laid it all down for me.  And I will lay down my desire for sleep.  No complaining.  No fussing.  I will joyfully rise to serve.

Because that’s what Jesus did and I want my family to see the gospel in me.

When tempted to blow a gasket over the messy house, I will remember that JESUS laid it all down for me.  And I will lay down my desire to live in a perfectly spotless home.  I will lay down my need to be in control of every little thing.  And I will laugh at the explosion of Play-Doh and smile at the Sharpie lines in the carpet and the drawing someone did with chalk on the couch cushion.

Because I want my family to see the gospel in me.

When I feel that nagging despair that no one sees or appreciates the 100 million loads of laundry I do or 6 trillion dishes I wash every day or the bazillion hours I spend correcting and training my darling little boys, I will lay that down, too.  Because the gospel is not self-seeking.

Because when we are truly living in the fullness of the Good News WE DON’T NEED THE PRAISE OF MAN.

When I want to fret and be anxious over the boys – their health, their behavior, the weird noise they just made in their sleep – or worry about our finances, my marriage, friendships, jobs… I will lay it down because Jesus trusted His Father and lived a life of open-handed surrender to the One who knows best.

I want my family to see the gospel in me.

When I want to check out and be distracted (ahem – iPhone), I will lay that down, too.  Because Jesus shows us that people – relationships – are more important than things.

I want my family to see the gospel in me.

When I want to punish my children with cold silence and disappointment, I will instead choose to quickly extend forgiveness and throw in a tickle fight, because in Jesus there is absolute freedom from sin.

There is great love and great acceptance.

And in my dying to all the things that my human, weak, frail flesh wants, I discover the abundant, happy life in choosing Jesus.

That is the gospel.

So this year – this 2015 – my one word is Jesus.

I desire more of Him – more of the gospel – more of what He did and what He provides this mama’s heart than anything else in this world.

And when I’m weary of laying everything down, I will simply persevere until the hubs’ and my annual anniversary sleep/read/binge-watch-TV vacation. 🙂

Totally kidding.  Because we all know that the gospel is most beautifully communicated in our weakness – remember that.

Stay humble.  Repent.  Submit.  Obey.  Trust.

And love lavishly.

“But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead—only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved— and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms—all because of what Christ Jesus did. And now God can always point to us as examples of how very, very rich his kindness is, as shown in all he has done for us through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:4-7 (TLB)

julie

 

 

 

**At time of this post, (in)courage launched their annual One Word 365 challenge – see it HERE and join in the fun!  I guess I am not behind on the trend after all. 🙂  And now I’m off to buy the bootcuts.**

Fairy Thoughts, Motherhood
Christian Parenting, Faith, Jesus, New Year's Resolutions, Parenting, Prayer
20 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

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Reader Interactions

20 Comments

  1. Jadie

    January 4, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Love this so inspirational and so true! I’m going to save this for those “off” days to remind me to focus on all my blessings and turn my eyes to Jesus

    to Jadie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jadie'>reply to this comment
  2. Kelie

    January 4, 2015 at 7:01 am

    THIS. YES. THANK YOU!!!!! You put into words what has been on my heart lately. I adore your blog – always a timely message. Thank you!

    to Kelie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Kelie'>reply to this comment
  3. Laura

    January 4, 2015 at 7:18 am

    This made me cry and convicted my heart. I want more Jesus is my life, too, and want to be able to unselfishly serve my kids without resentment, because that’s what Jesus did. Thank you, Julie. Your blog is the most favorite thing in my inbox. Love you and your funny stories and your encouragement and your great ideas! You truly make a difference in my family.

    to Laura" aria-label='reply to this comment to Laura'>reply to this comment
  4. byrnenlove

    January 4, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Had a rough Christmas with in-laws. Needed this reminder to start my year. It’s not about me…it’s how I reflect HIM to those who need his love in their lives. Thank you for your one word.

    to byrnenlove" aria-label='reply to this comment to byrnenlove'>reply to this comment
  5. Merrie Beth

    January 4, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    I didn’t know about this one word trend! But i have had a word come to me over and over again myself the last few days as I’ve reflected on changes I want to make in my own life. It’s MOUTH. I was thinking about how we make short term decisions about what goes IN our mouths and what comes OUT of our mouths that have both horrid or awesome long term implications. But it’s so hard to see how much they add up until we see the fruit (rotten or tasty) of our choices down the road – through things like bigger or smaller jeans and enhanced or broken relationships. So I want to be more aware of my short term mouth choices so that I’m bringing glory to God and making good long term decisions a little bit at a time.

    to Merrie Beth" aria-label='reply to this comment to Merrie Beth'>reply to this comment
  6. Marla Linwick

    January 4, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Beautifully said and I love the reminders for all of us..thanks…?

    to Marla Linwick" aria-label='reply to this comment to Marla Linwick'>reply to this comment
  7. Do Not Disturb

    January 4, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    One can never go wrong with the utterance of the one and only name, Jesus. Thanks for sharing and inspiring as you always do.

    As for the skinny jeans, I am thankful to hear they are on the way out and am now justified that I never found a pair that I wanted.

    Blessings!
    Megan

    to Do Not Disturb" aria-label='reply to this comment to Do Not Disturb'>reply to this comment
  8. Aleksandra

    January 4, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    Gah! This year have started out overwhelmingly horrible (I am fully aware it is only the 4th day of the new year…it feels like it has been WEEKS), and this is EXACTLY what I needed to read. God works in mysterious ways…even via the web! I am glad to hear I am not alone in the frustrations you named above. Wishing you and your family many blessings in the new year!

    to Aleksandra" aria-label='reply to this comment to Aleksandra'>reply to this comment
  9. Tracey

    January 4, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    Julie. You are absolutely one of my favourite people in the world. I was just telling my husband last week that I wish we could be friends. I love that you’re so positive, encouraging and real, and that your bottom line is always Jesus. You help me be a better wife, mother and person in general. Thanks. 🙂

    to Tracey" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tracey'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      January 26, 2015 at 2:03 pm

      Tracey, these words really blessed me today! Thank you for taking the time to write them! xoxo

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment
  10. EDITH HYSELL

    January 4, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    I am very curious, what was the book that you could not put down?

    to EDITH HYSELL" aria-label='reply to this comment to EDITH HYSELL'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      January 5, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Edith! The book is called Mom Enough – you can find the link to it in the post. 🙂 It’s a great read!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment
  11. thedentons

    January 4, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    I needed this encouragement today, friend. Thank you for your honest words and reminding me that the Lord can use me as a mom even and especially in my weakness and failures. Love you!

    to thedentons" aria-label='reply to this comment to thedentons'>reply to this comment
  12. autleo

    January 5, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Very thoughtful, timely and beautiful post. I’m saving it so I can read it when life gets in the way. 🙂

    to autleo" aria-label='reply to this comment to autleo'>reply to this comment
  13. Nishara

    January 5, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    The best thing I have read since the 1st January 2015.I truly am going to make that my 1st word as well coz I want jesus in me.Let the world know the christ thru me.I would love to receive more inspirational msgs via email if u can.Thank u n God bless u

    to Nishara" aria-label='reply to this comment to Nishara'>reply to this comment
  14. Stephanie bowden

    January 6, 2015 at 8:57 am

    Love! Love! Love! Can I share your link on my blog?

    to Stephanie bowden" aria-label='reply to this comment to Stephanie bowden'>reply to this comment
    • Happy Home Fairy

      January 6, 2015 at 3:01 pm

      Of course, Stephanie! Thanks for your sweet encouragement!

      to Happy Home Fairy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Happy Home Fairy'>reply to this comment
  15. Jennifer Ebenhack

    January 7, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Thanks so much for this beautiful encouragement, Julie!!

    to Jennifer Ebenhack" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jennifer Ebenhack'>reply to this comment
  16. Judy Farrar

    January 7, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Patience

    to Judy Farrar" aria-label='reply to this comment to Judy Farrar'>reply to this comment
  17. Diane Amoroso

    January 8, 2015 at 10:59 pm

    Wonderful and inspiring!!!

    to Diane Amoroso" aria-label='reply to this comment to Diane Amoroso'>reply to this comment

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Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

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  • Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from @roolee! #roolee #rooleeambassador #yesroolee #modestfashion #gratitude
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
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  • I saw this fun idea by my friend @melindaagriswold - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
    by happyhomefairy 3 weeks ago
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  • I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
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    I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
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