These are fabulous questions to help you reflect thoughtfully on the past year…and to help you look forward to the next!
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally this year?
You’d think by now I’d a’ learned this… But here it is…not to take things personally. To get over myself. Of course, sometimes it is personal, and it hurts. Bad. But most of the time, it’s not personal. So many people in our midst are doing life from a broken, hurting place, and oftentimes we get caught in the cross-fire, or we are ignored, or left out, or blamed, or forgotten, or whatever. It’s not personal. And like a good friend reminded me recently when I was stewing over an issue, “They haven’t given you a second thought.” So true. Not a blasted second thought. Now move on in confidence that God has been and always will be my unshakeable, faithful Father, defender, and comfort!
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
Earlier this year, I began praying very specifically for a friend who was dealing with some pretty crazy-kind-of-hard stuff. I only wish I could tell you the crazy-kind-of-answered prayers I saw. Do I believe that her situation depended on my prayers? No way. God is way bigger than that, and He doesn’t need my prayers to enact change in someone else’s life. But He does use my prayers to Him to remind this forgetful heart that He is real, tangible, alive, and active in the lives of His people.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Oh, how I wish I could say I had trained for a marathon or exercised faithfully 3 times a week or completed P90-X again. But I didn’t. No guilt here. But I sure do feel better when I’m exercising regularly. Here’s to starting it back up:).
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
Hmmm…well, I wouldn’t say this concept is new, but it remains so important if we are going to have relationships that are worth a hoot. Jon Acuff states, “You have to believe that everyone is more interesting than you.” Read his entire post HERE. When is the last time you asked someone about their story? Trust me, they have one.
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work?
I do not work outside the home, so my “work” is my home and my little blog. I enjoy much about both…keeping our family on track by maintaining a (flexible) routine. While I do not love laundry and unloading a dishwasher and scrubbing toilets, I do love the satisfaction of tending well to what I have been given. Plus, our family operates better when there is order…and much of that depends on my “work.”
As for the blog, the most enjoyable facets are the creative outlet the blog has provided and the genuine, sweet friendships I have made through blogging! A few I have had the privilege of meeting in person, many I have not. Hoping to change that this year, Beth!
16. What was the most challenging part of your work?
Balance. Forgiving myself when I drop the ball (as a mom or wife). Fatigue.
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this year?
Facebook. Without a doubt. Now, don’t be fooled, Facebook is also a big positive in my life…staying connected to old friends, updates on weddings and babies and illnesses, updating blog posts, etc. But just shoot me for the amount of time I’ve wasted scrolling through mindless status updates and getting myself in a tizzy about how boring my life is compared to so-and-so.
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Intentional, uninterrupted time with Maddie. I automatically get that time with Lainey, and this year, it’s important to me to snag more one-on-one time with John David. Date nights with David. Blogging.
19. What was the biggest thing you learned last year?
Sorry if this sounds cynical. I guess it is. But it’s just true.
Again, this is not “new,” but I was reminded repeatedly that most of us live life like it’s all about us. We all do it to an extent. I do not want to live out my days solely focused on me. I do not want to live a pseudo-Christian life because it’s a socially-acceptable, neatly-packaged way to live. God is not fooled.
What will it take for us to live authentic lives?
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.
Seek His face.
Derived from I Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Translated in my words…Quit trying to do life in my strength, doing life apart from Him, like a hamster on a wheel.
Seek. His. Face.
To print out your own list of questions, simply click the Incourage link above, where you will find a PDF file. Great questions for you and your spouse, a close friend, a community group, or your family to answer!
Blessings to you this first week of a new year…
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emily says
Great thought-provoking questions. I agree with Facebook being a huge time waster (yet very important). I hate that it’s become such a huge part of life these days, yet where would we be with out it?!
Happy 2012.
Chandra Chinnis says
I just love how each of your answers spoke to me. I definitely agree with you about Facebook. I am going to try to do these questions with my hubby. Thanks for e-mailing me. May 2012 bring the desires of your heart within God’s plan.
HappyascanB says
I mean, could WR be more alike? Your answers rang true for me just about every question. I really need to sit down and do this.