the new year

March will be here soon and I’m just now posting about 2012.  I suppose “better late than never” still rings true!

Here are my special 2012 details…

Word:  Eternity

Why Eternity?  Because I’ve been realizing recently that all too often I focus on myself – my needs, hopes, problems – instead of the bigger picture.  I don’t think, “Will this matter in eternity?” often enough.  And God has been showing me that’s very important, so He gave me this word for this year.

Verse: And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” ~ Luke 9:23 

Quote:  What would Jesus do?  (WWJD?)

This quote goes right along with Eternity, because Jesus would naturally do things that matter for forever. 

I want to be more like Him.

My Multitude Monday

1081. newness

1082. a hug from a friend who knows

1083. sissy’s original song

1084. bubbling laughter

1085. Mark 10:14

1086. finding ways to make foods free of my allergy

1087. organizing goals and ideas

1088. my pastor’s message – truth all the way!

1089. friends who care

1090. that He is so good to me

in which Joanna goes to dye

Pouring in the liquid contents of the bottle, I smiled in satisfaction.  Finally I would be able to wear and use these items – I was dying them a dark navy blue, to cover the previous colors and stains.

I took a quick glance at the instructions to make sure I was doing everything right.  I didn’t really need them.  In fact, I usually don’t read those kind of things anyway.  But this was important – I was dying two bags, two shirts, and a skirt.  I definitely wanted to do this right.

I peered into the washer and noted the dark blue color.  Perfect.  I closed the washer lid and went about my other tasks.

Awhile later I heard the washer stop and walked over to get the clothes out and put them in the dryer.  I opened the lid.

I jumped.

I shrieked.

And looked again, hoping that I wasn’t seeing clearly.  It didn’t change the color of my clothing.  They were a light purple!

“Mom!  C’mere and look at this!  What on earth happened?”

Mama wisely said little and read the instructions on the bottle.  “Dear, for this amount of fabric, you have to use two bottles.  It says it right here.”

I groaned,  “This would happen to me.”

My little sister quickly added, “Because you’re definitely Joanna!”

{P.S.  I’m kinda starting to like the purple…I guess it grows on ya}

The End.

2011: a look back, part 2

I’m joining my dear friend Megan in looking back at 2011…

 

What did you do in 2011 that you’ve never done before?

• was a bridesmaid
• rode a real fire truck
• worked in a commercial size kitchen at ALERT…doing things like cracking 400 eggs in a day (aka normal stuff)
• taught in a Christian school
• ate snickerdoodles cookies (I’m serious!)
• milked a goat
• dodged two knives falling from above

Did anyone close to you get hitched?

 

Yes!  Jennnifer married Nathan and I was utterly honored by being apart of their love story and being a bridesmaid.  It was a beautiful, delightful, God-centered time.

 

What’s your biggest achievement this year?

• Keeping my eyes on Jesus in the midst an emergency.
• Earning the Congressional Silver Medal. 
• Loving others no matter what.
• Working a farm job over the summer.
• Tutoring a Mexican lady in English.

Biggest failure?

 

Not being bolder in my faith.

 

Did you suffer illness or injury?

 

I sorta laughed at this one.  Does physical therapy for my leg for several months count?  And several severe sicknesses involving 102 temps?  And nailing my head on wood (pun not intended), getting a concussion, and PCS (post-concussion syndrome)?  And being in anaphylactic shock and having a life-threatening allergy that doctors are stunned over?  If so, then yes, I suffered illness and injury.  I’m so thankful God is the Great Physician! 

 

Whose behavior merited celebration?

 

My family (love and support during my PCS and allergy problems and for reading food labels).  Jennifer.  Megan.  Marie.  Abbey.  Rachel.  Chelsea.  Ruth.  My church.

 

What songs will remind you of 2011?

 

~ Blessings

~ Moonrise

~ Let It Be Said of Us

~ O Church Arise

 

What were the best books you read? 

• Trevor’s Song by T.A. Beam
• Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
• The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop
• Hearts of Fire by Voice of the Martyrs
• Unplanned by Abby Johnson
• A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent
• The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway

What was a valuable lesson you’ve learned?

•  when there’s a problem, trial, or emergency, the tendency is to look at that – the problem.  However, instead of focusing on the problem, what I should be focusing on Jesus!

What is one thing you’re going to work on in the new year?

Definitely being bolder in my faith!

Lord, thank You for 2011 – for all that You accomplished in me and through me.  It was a privilege to let You shine through me.  And while there were tears throughout the year, there was also laughter.  And no matter what I felt, it was always with You.  I love You.

Bloom! is back up!

Just wanted to note that Bloom! is back up after some website issues.  We’re working on a new post, so check back soon!

My Multitude Monday

1069. laughter, bubbling, uncontainable laughter

1070. little girl so proudly checking out books on her very own library card

1071. allergy research

1072. paper, pencils, thoughts

1073. those dear faces

1074. verses that are exactly what I need

1075. tea party with friends

1076. smiling at a friend across the room and knowing what she’s thinking

1077. singing in Spanish

1078. a young boy being a gentleman

1079. gifts from Israel (thank you, Chelsea!)

1080. praying in the night

a happy book giveaway!

{UPDATED ON JANUARY 20, 2012}

And the winner of “a happy book giveaway” is…

LISA!

Congrats, Lisa, for winning a free book!  I have emailed you with details.  Please reply back soon and I’ll have the book of your choice sent to you!

And because I couldn’t help myself (because of the fun and excitement and the chance to bless another person), I drew for second place…

which goes to…

MARCIA

Congrats to you, Marcia!  I have sent you an email as well.

That being said, Lisa (as the first place winner), you have first pick from the four books.  Then Marcia, you will have a pick from the three books left.

All, thanks for participating!  Keep a look out for more giveaways in the future (I feel the itch for another one soon)!

Happy 2012, y’all!  And happy 2nd birthday, Definitely Joanna!  It’s hard for me to believe that two years ago I started this blog…it’s been great and God has been so good!  And in celebration of that, I’m doing a book giveaway!

How to enter:  Share three highlights of 2011.

The what:  If your name is drawn, you have the choice of one of the following books:

• Sacred Singleness by Leslie Ludy
• Millie’s Unsettled Season by Martha Finley and Mission City Press
• Kathleen’s Unforgettable Winter by Tracy Leininger Craven
• Mountains of Spices by Hannah Hurnard

So what are you waiting for?  Go comment and enter for the chance to win a free quality book!

Only one entry per household, please.  All entries will be literally placed in a hat and and one entry will be randomly drawn.  Due to postage costs, open to US residents only (but feel free to comment anyway if you’d like).  Giveaway will close comments at midnight on January 19th.  Enjoy!