My word for 2017 was steadfast. It’s funny how when I picked that word, I had visions of conquering great things. I didn’t. I couldn’t. That’s not what the word was about. It was more about laboring in Lord and understanding no matter how much I felt as if I were treading water or drowning, it was never wasted. Whatever it happened to be, it was used for God’s purpose.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose}. I Cor. 15:58

 

I could list all the things I accomplished, but I won’t. However, I need you to see something through my eyes. I have CFS  (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). People with CFS see things a bit differently, what may be a major accomplishment for me may be downright ordinary for you. So, with that in mind, let me tell you one of my habits. I list things that I have accomplished. Not so I can brag about it, so I can celebrate the things. I do this especially when I am having a bad day physically. When I have a crash day, I can either focus on the positive things that have happened in my life or the things I can’t do at the moment. Another habit I have it taking copious notes about things I have learned or revelations. Some of the things I learn are on repeat. If I don’t learn it the first time, God sends me the message in another form. Here are just a few gems from my journals:

 

• Stress is reduced when I focus on my priorities and not someone else’s.
• I give myself permission to rest.
• Good enough is good enough.
• Writing comes before house cleaning or laundry. If it doesn’t come first, it doesn’t happen. 
• Using all my energy for the temporal is stressful.
• People are more important than things.
• Practicing hospitality is a gift.
• Not only is it okay to say no to some things, it’s okay to say no to good things.
• Not every good thing is good for me.
• I only have so many hours of energy, so those hours need to be used for things that are important to me.
• Peopling wears me out more than projecting.
• Enjoy the season you are in. Don’t rush it.
• Hunger and thirst after righteousness and you will be completely satisfied.
• When my inner ideals don’t match my outer behavior, I feel anxious and stressed.

Some of my favorite reads in 2017:

Write His Answer: A Bible Study for Christian Writers

You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins

Own Your Life: Living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love by Sally Clarkson

This is my short list. I’ve read most of Joanna Penn’s books about writing and publishing. If you want lists by genre, email me. I’d be happy to share. I am a bookaholic and my list is super long!

 

 I’m looking for reading recommendations for 2018. Do you have any?

*Don’t forget to listen to The Whole House Podcast tomorrow! Please leave a review on iTunes and share, share, share (if you like it)!