my one word in 2013: unashamed

You know one resolution which would be completely attainable for me?  Eat chocolate.  Every.single.day.  I'm pretty sure I'm on my way to completing this without even aiming for it.

What if my word for 2013 was chocolate?  Would you judge me? Would I care if you did?  A few people have pointed out to me that if I chose something attainable, then I would be missing the point.  I think they're right.  But it's fun to entertain the idea, right? 

Sidenote: My favorite new years resolution I've ever made was from 2011 and it was to watch SNL every week.  Since then, I've become slightly (ok, very) obsessed with SNL.  I run into at least one situation per week (if not, one per day) which can be related back to a certain skit from SNL. 

Ok, real talk time.  My word for 2013 is unashamed.   I picked it on new years day when I read this from Paul in his letter to the Philippians:

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. (ch1v20)

I've found that often I don't express my feelings, thoughts, or opinions with my peers because I'm ashamed that they're not valid for some reason, not developed enough, not smart enough.   I mostly listen to what others say and take it all in, only offering my thoughts when asked.    Even then, I feel the need to apologize for my opinion.  Here's the thing: my thoughts, feelings, and opinions are valid.   

That's often why I don't blog as much as I used to.  I'm afraid of being wrong.  There it is, folks.

I've come to understand in the past year with more clarity that God uses messed up, broken people.  He fills us with His spirit (yielding love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control) even if we've got it all wrong about some things. 

My friend Abby blogged last week about her word for 2013.  Wouldn't ya know, it's also unashamed.

Looks like we can both grow into that this year, Abby. 

At the current moment, it's hard to look past March 17, the date of my marathon.  However, here are some things I'd like to do in 2013:

1. Read at least one book per month of the year...seems small, but right now, anything outside of marathon training seems big.  Maybe I can make up some ground after March 17.

2. Practice hospitality.  Host at least one friend at my house for dinner per month. 

3. Read through the New Testament. 

xoxo,