Strong(er)

Simplify was my word for 2024. Strong(er) is my word for 2025. To be honest, I wanted a different word for 2025, but as I thought and prayed about it, the words of Ephesians 6:10 kept coming to mind, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might" (English Standard Version, ESV). This is a year I want to grow stronger, in my faith, in my marriage, and in my body (in that order).

How will I work towards my goals this year? I like Lindsey Bomgren's (of Nourish Move Love) of having rocks, that is specific things to do each month or quarter that contribute towards those goals. As of right now, those are starting The Bible Recap reading plan (for spiritual strength), doing a weekly marriage devotional with my husband, and keeping up with my physical therapy regimen. Is there more I can (and am trying) to do? Yes, but for now, these are my focus.

The Filter Question. Another strategy I am keeping in mind is that of a filter question. My husband came up with this idea while planning our wedding. The idea was to run every decision through a question. Using my word of the year, I can ask myself, "Does this make me/us/others stronger?" If the answer is, "Yes." I can ask myself, "How?" Everything I do does not have to make me stronger, but if it doesn't, I really need to ask myself if it is worth my time. Although I tried to simplify last year, I still had a lot of stuff on my plate. I still have a lot of stuff on my plate, and I think, in reality, a lot of it is going to stay there. I can choose where I focus, however. I can choose to prioritize.

So there you have it, my word, and what I hope to start to do with it. With God's help, hopefully I can grow stronger in 2025. Stronger in the Lord. Stronger in my marriage. Stronger in my marriage. To God be the glory!