A word...or two.

When I returned from Belgium I had a realization that I had just done something...or several things, actually...that I never imagined I'd do. I flew across an ocean. I went to a foreign country. I spoke in a public setting. The crazy part of all of that? I am afraid to fly. Especially over an ocean thankyouverymuch. I never really had a desire to go to a foreign country...especially without my husband to keep me safe. And speaking in front of people? You may as well just put bamboo under my nails...pure torture.

Well...isn't it amazing what we can do when, #1 God is in control and, #2 we are willing to follow His lead. I give God the utmost credit in helping me to build up the courage to go through with it all. But I also give myself a teensy bit of credit for being obedient to Him. I could have said no. I could have pretended I didn't hear Him whisper. I could have just allowed my fears to rule and not done any of it. But I didn't. I listened. I obeyed. And I trusted. I would say in this case, God and I made a good team. Trusting Him is never a let-down. Ever.

When I returned from Belgium and got unpacked and got settled back into my routines here at home, I realized that I had just done something that, for me, required something I never had...bravery. I am not, nor have I ever been, a brave person. On the contrary, I've always been somewhat of a scaredy cat. But suddenly I realized that had changed. And right then and there I thought to myself, "I think the theme for this year is BRAVE."

I didn't really think anymore about it. I've pretty much just been living life...taking care of my family...waiting patiently to see what's next on the horizon. It's been quiet...and slow...and calm. And I have to say, I've been liking it.

But then the New Year was just around the corner...and I had the thought to write down my goals, for the new year as well as for life in general. If it was an idea in my head...a desire...something I'd like to try or make or bake or accomplish...it was written down on The List. And in the process of writing this List I had a another realization...and it was just one word...and that word was DO. It's not pretty. It's not poetic. It won't look cute written on my body somewhere in Sharpie. But it will help me to get some things accomplished in my life.

So for 2011 I am going to be BRAVE and I am going to DO things rather than reading about others doing them.

In 2011 I am going to DO BRAVE. And I'm pretty excited about it!