My "Word" for 2012 - Yearning to Create

A few years ago I started choosing a “word” for the year.

Making New Year’s resolutions is a wonderful idea, but I found that I was never able to stick with them – probably because we’re still on holidays when the new year begins, and who wants to start exercising or dieting or whatever, when it’s still holidays? Not me.

So choosing a word to live by for the year seems to work for me.

After some thought, but not too much (the words just seem to pop into my head!), I decided that my word for 2012 would be . . .

. . . Courage!

When my daughter saw me making my word block, she commented that courage was a good word for 2012 – you know, for if the world ends!!!

Anyway, the scripture I chose is found in Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.”

I chose “courage” for a few reasons, but I wasn’t really sure how to put it into words. And some were private and personal reasons that I just wasn’t ready to share on my blog! Anyway, last night I opened up the January Ensign and read the First Presidency Message. And WOW!!! President Monson summed up for me exactly why I choose “courage”.

Let me share a little (or you can read the whole short article by following the link above).

“Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ‘Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide on, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.’

Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.

Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

And that’s why I chose “Courage”!

Ready for a quick recap of my other words? This is the third year I’ve chosen a word at New Years.

2011 had the word . . .

. . . Delight!

“Let thy soul delight . . .” (Doctrine & Covenants 25:14)

And in 2010, my word was . . .

. . . Patience!

“Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten His people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.”

(Mosiah 23:21)

My little word block sits beside my bed as a constant reminder to me of my current and past words (yes, those past words still need work!!!)

I used browns and teal this year to match my king size bedding!

Notice that book under my scriptures? That is the first word I ever chose . . .

. . . SIMPLIFY . . .

and it will always be my word. My mom gave me this book a few years back and it sits by my bed because I refer to it often. I have this word (Simplify) hanging in a few other spots in my house too.