JanineThrossel.com

A few years ago ( in this post ), I wrote about choosing a word for the New Year. I don't often make big January resolutions, but sometimes I do choose a word to think about over the coming year--one that represents a theme or subject I want to ponder.  This year, I was surprised to find that my mom, sister and I all picked the same word! That word is HOPE. What am I hoping for in 2017? Well, of course, there are things I would like to see happen. However, it wasn't so much about that for me. When I thought of the word "HOPE," I wasn't hoping for a new car, job or house. I wasn't hoping the country would change or my circumstances would change. . . or even that the weather would change. I wanted us to change. People to change. I want the ones I care about to breathe HOPE during this new year. A darkness seems to hang over many people these days. Do you feel that? A pessimism. A sense of doom and defeat. Hopelessness. In 2017, I want more HOPE. H...

A few of my friends have a habit of selecting a word each year that represents a theme for them or subject they want to ponder.  I don't usually participate.  However, I, too, have been thinking of one the last few weeks.  The "word of the year" that has been pinging around in my brain and soul is "pause." "PAUSE" before I say something that I shouldn't. "PAUSE" to appreciate the moments I am living. "PAUSE" the hectic day-to-day rush and make time for things that are really important. PAUSE. I am looking forward to a lot of wonderful things this year.  I have eager expectations about the life that God is giving to me in the days ahead.  About family, friends, work and faith.  I am choosing joy and trust over fear and worry.  I am thrilled to be reading the entire Bible this year.  I am excited about the book of stories that my husband and I are writing.  I am encouraged by the things that we see G...