Have you ever done a “Word of the Year” when starting a new year? I haven’t. This is my first year every sitting down and writing out goals or things I want to improve on whether in my business, my personal life, my family, or whatever it may be. The Word of the Year is supposed to be a common theme throughout these goals/accomplishments. It’s supposed to remind you what your goals are and why you’ve set out to do them.

I’ve NEVER done anything like this. I’m not really a type A person. Although, my husband might laugh at me and say that I am. I don’t think I am. I usually like to just jump into things and see where they take me and learn as I go. I don’t ever set a plan…ok, except for weekend plans. I’ve never been one to set goals or anything. But I feel like being in a business, it might be a good idea to set goals and accomplishments…so why not take that into my personal life as well.

Well, today, the kids are out at the babysitters so I thought this would be the perfect day as I start back into the groove of work to start out writing my goals and thinking on my word of the year. That word for 2018 is….PEACE.

If you know me, you know I’m a worrier. I worry about the future, my health, my kids health, things that haven’t even or probably won’t come to pass. I want more peace in my life. I want financial peace. I want peace within my heart. I want peace in my mind. I want peace at home. I want peace in my business by trusting God with it. I want peace with family decisions.

I believe this word peace has a theme with other goals that I want to achieve. I want to be more present with my kids and that means having peace with not being on my phone ALL THE TIME or not worrying about when the next inquiry will come in. I want my kids and myself to speak more kindly to each other and that means having peace by not allowing small things turn into big things. I want to be more confident in who God has made me and that means having peace with all my quirks and weirdness and awkwardness. I want peace in my marriage and that means to be on the same team, to speak kindly to each other and to encourage and be more present with each other. I want contentment with where I am and that means being a peace with the stage God has me in whether that be family, church, friends or business. I want to be able to quiet my soul each day in the presence of God so my mind can be filled with peace which will trickle down to my thoughts, my words, and my actions.

And because my life is characterized by what the Bible teaches me, here are a few verses that I’ve found on the subject of peace that might be helpful to you too.

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Proverbs 3:17

Her [wisdom] ways are of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

2 Corinthians 13: 11

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Galatians: 5:22-24

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Ephesians 2:14

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 Timothy 2: 22

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Hebrews 12:14

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

1 Peter3: 11

let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

I believe peace has an affect with all other characteristics like joy, thankfulness, truthfulness, wisdom and love and having peace with God is a good way to start.

So now you tell me….what will your 2018 word be? I don’t like the word “resolutions”. I want to know what your goals are, what you’d like to grow in more, how you will take concrete steps to get there. Send me a note in the comments and let’s encourage each other in 2018!