imagine, dream, and do

One of the first decisions I make on New Years Day is — which coffee mug will I use today? :)

A peek into our cup cabinet :)

Waking up on the first day of a new year is always interesting to me. I find myself wondering how the day will go—what will I do, think, reflect on, eat, read, etc.? And what do those actions say about the rest of the year to come?

Many times, more than I’d care to admit, I don’t see a lot of continuity from the start of the year to the end, when it comes to goals. I guess that’s more common than not, but wouldn’t it be so nice if we all stayed with our goals through the year?

Back to that mug

I love my coffee mugs, and I think I have a well-curated collection! :) This year, of the awesome mugs I have, varying from cartoon characters, scriptures, places I’ve been, family hand-me-downs, special gifts from friends—each with a story all their own, I picked this one of Walt, Mickey, and Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom.

When I saw this one sitting there this morning, I was struck freshly with the ideas of: “imagine, dream, and do.” Really—imagine, dream, and do—don’t let it just sound warm and fuzzy and hopeful on January 1, but find ways to keep this active and in front of you this year. See what can happen.

On that note, not very long into our morning, I picked up a gift Mark got for my stocking. It’s a great conversation game called Vertellis, that to me, can be a game and can also just be fun for having meaningful dialogue in general. Mark knows that I love random questions, especially ones with meaning, so this was right up my alley! The questions of the version we have all have two things in common—they either focus on the year ahead or ask you to reflect on the year behind—perfect for today!

do tell

Today, we each drew three cards and both answered all six questions. I didn’t know what to expect as we started, but it was by far my favorite part of the day. Not only did it give us a chance to talk and record some of those milestones/mistakes/hopes/goals, but it also gave me an idea . . .

What if we did this on a regular basis at home this year, and maybe on social too, and we call it #DoTellTuesday? (and today is also Tuesday so that seems just right!)

Sounds fun to me!

So the question posed here today, also one we answered this morning: What is the one thing that would make your year great?

Here’s what I said: I would love to look back this time next year (in 2020—what???) and be able to say that I really grew more in trusting God—specifically His presence, His love, and His sovereignty.

These things I generally know in my head, but over the years, there have been times I’ve struggled to understand/know them FULLY in my heart—especially when things don’t make sense at first or feel scary and out of my control. In 2018, the Lord has been so sweet to teach me a lot about who He is in these areas, in a really good way, and I just really want to see that continue into the next year. And the next. And the next!

I anticipate, as in any year, ups/downs, highs/lows, tests and trials . . . my hope and prayer though, when the stresses, fears, and anxieties come, will be to turn my eyes upward more than outward, to try my best to remember that He is in control of any and everything, and that no matter what, I can take confidence in the promise of Romans 8:28, of His working all things for the good of those who love Him, as according to His purpose.

Sovereign. King. Ruler. Father. Loving. Present. Jesus. 💗

The rest of the year

For other Tuesdays to come, I’ll plan to rotate in a variety of questions, coming up with some of my own and finding inspiration in ones others have thought of. But for today, I like leaving us with this question:

What is the one thing that would make your new year great?

And for “extra credit,” what is your part in that answer? :) Feel free to comment any thoughts below if you’d like, and/or record your answer somewhere that you can easily be reminded and encouraged.

I’m excited for a new year and a new idea to share and try. I’m hopeful for what’s to come, as I imagine, dream, and do, and I hope you will too.

Happy 2019!