Voices. 

I hear voices.  We all do, really.  And it can overwhelm us.  The voices of all those who want help in this or that ministry, the voices of the assumptions of what we ought to do, voices of the clothing store that has a sale and the dear friends on my answering machine - and now that we can hear voices from all around the world anytime of the day or night via the internet and all the mailings that show up in our snailboxes ... we should all be committed. [I'm so glad I don't have text messaging!]

In the midst of the noise there are some voices that can get drowned out.  And they are the voices that I most want to want to hear (that's not a typo ... sometimes I have to want to want to).  Mentally, I know these voices are important.  But in practice, I want to act on this knowledge more often this year.  I come now to my theme for this year [kudos to Dana for this wonderful theme idea - links are at the end of my post].

The Voice of God in

the Voice of my Family

I didn't want to have a theme, really.  I didn't want some contrived theme-because-that's-what-I-do.  After prayer, I really felt one particular thought impressed on me.  And my husband liked it.

One of my greatest fears is that I will knowingly not do what I know to do.  I fully know I need to heed the voices of my children and husband.  I have often thought that if I were to hire someone to care for my family, there are so many things I would put on the list as non-negotiables ... but do I do them regularly myself?

By God's grace, this year I will do those things that no one else will do for my family - those things which I know matter to my husband and boys.  It will be little ... like giving them vitamins every morning.  It will be big ... like sticking more to a schedule, because the important things will not get done if I am not managed by something.  It will be geared to my own family ... like giving massages to my husband because he loves them.   To me, it speaks of simplicity, beauty, habits, obedience, focus and endurance. 

I find complete joy, no guilt whatsoever, total fulfillment, a sense of true peace and feel closest to Jesus ... when I do what I know to do. 

My first step is to make a list of those things which I know matter to my own family and will bless them.