My Word for 2011
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Dear blog, I’ve missed you. This is the end-of-December post I said I might write.
Ahh… a new year. The blank squares of 2011 are lined up expectantly, waiting for me to fill them with the New and Improved Me. She’s the one who has a quiet time every morning, exercises every afternoon, has a clean and organized home, and is an exemplary wife and mother.
But lately the Same Old Me has been arrested by the thought that my resolution-making seems more about taking control of my life than conforming my character to the image of Christ.
I love what Ann’s community is doing: each member selecting a word she hopes will characterize 2011 for her – naming the year. For Ann, it’s here. Other words I’ve read are simplify, worship, and joy.
For the past few days I’ve been pondering my choice of a word. And what I’ve thought about most is the way I’ve neglected the Word of God and prayer lately. My lack of discipline has resulted in weeds taking root, choking my fruitfulness.
So I’ve known 2011 must be different, because I can’t abide in Christ if I’m not sitting at His feet, taking in His words and offering back my own.
As I wrote this entry, still thinking about my word choice, I was reminded of Mary and Martha again. Martha was distracted with serving, while I’m distracted by leisure, entertainment, and the sticky world wide Web. But Mary chose something better than either service or leisure – the good portion: sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him.
May 2011 be The Year of Listening for me. May I sit at His feet, soaking in His words. May I learn to have a quiet spirit. I see nowhere else to go. He has the words of eternal life.
Hmm, good post, Anna. I’m going to have to be thinking of what my “word” will be this year. . .
Soooo good, girl! Have you ever read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver? I read it years ago and enjoyed it, I just bought her sequel to it for Christmas, and I’m looking forward to (making the time!) reading it. I think we could all do more listening!
I’ve never read it, but I’ve almost bought it several times. 
It’s funny, I’ve heard the “Mary and Martha” story so many times, but I still feel like I don’t take it to heart on a daily basis.
Glad you’re back! I like the idea of choosing a word…am going to think about what my word will be!
I was so excited to see a Hope Road blog post pop up this morning! Thanks for sharing, I like the simplicity of choosing one word or one phrase the upcoming new year, this is whats brewing in me right now.
I too was so happy to see a new “Hope Road” post!For a different perspective from the usual “are you a Mary or Martha” thinking, you might read “When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference” by Carolyn Custis James. I’ll lone you my copy when you come if you’d like. (You’re coming!!!)
*oops – I’ll *loan you my copy.
Beautiful post! And I like your new picture:)
Welcome back, Anna! I’ve missed your posts! Did you have a lovely Christmas?
I’m so intrigued by the idea of choosing a word for the year. I THINK I know what “my” word for 2011 is going to be. But still pondering …
“The Year of Listening” … that’s beautiful!
Very encouraging! I guess I need to ponder on what word to pick… hmm…
That is a good word! Have a happy New Year!
I’m thinking mine will be “contentedness”. Of course, that depends entirely on me being intentionally content, which I’ve proven very poor at in the past! But, God is good, and I’m going to do my very best to bring contentedness to the forefront of my mind and actions this year. Glad you’re back!!! Happy New Year!
I think mine is going to be steadfast love.
First, I followed you from Ann’s
And “listening” – every day we all need this. I know I do.
My word is connecting, not just by clicking, or meeting, but by seeing better and knowing better.
I’ve just finished praying for your year of “listening” that you may sit at His feet, soaking in His words, and have that quiet spirit.
May God bless and you and all of yours
Glad to have you back Anna. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m needing to reorient my heart back on God and His Word. It’s sad how quickly life happens and I become half-hearted. Praying your 2011 starts off strong and continues that way through the whole year!
Welcome back, Anna! I’m excited to read your blog again.
“Listening” is such a good thing to focus on – may God really give you grace in that this year.
GREAT WORD Anna!
Maybe 2011 will be your year for winning as well…. psssst- YOU WON!
http://ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2010/12/chocolate-silver-designs-4000-giveaway.html
I think I am letting Ann choose my word again. she does such a good job 
glad you’re back, and looking forward to listening to you as you listen and learn!
That is a good word! Have a happy New Year!
[...] You might notice that I took my “Links” page down. I went through a major weeding out of the blogs I read. I was reading way too many. Sure, I’m a fast reader, but I felt this urgency to get through each post, leaving me no time to comment or enjoy the community – and more importantly, taking time that should be spent on more important things… like listening. [...]
[...] year I came up with a word to mark 2011, and to be honest, I forgot about it pretty quickly. I found out I was pregnant in [...]
I’m such a Martha, and one of my goals for 2011 is to be a Mary.
I’ll keep you in prayer