The Big White Farmhouse

January’s goals are exciting and scary, but I suppose that’s the point when you are trying to be brave, right?  The first three are specific to the areas I want to work on this year (creativity, food and giving), but I hope to complete all twelve.  Here’s January’s list:    

1. Being brave creatively: cross-stitch something difficult and turn it into a wall hanging.
2. Being brave in the kitchen: make a warm breakfast at least three times a week.
3. Being brave in my giving: donate items to our church’s Refugee Services.
4. Read two books.  Let me know if you have any favorites!  I’m always open to recommendations.
5. Launch the Big White Farmhouse shop!  I am so excited (and nervous!) about this one.  Stay tuned for lots of exciting announcements!
6. Stay up to date in my Bible reading.  Back in November, I decided that I wanted to tackle an item on my life list: reading the Bible in one year.  This month, I am in Leviticus, Numbers and Psalms!
7. Walk #40milesinjanuary.  Due to an ankle injury, I haven’t run in a little over a month.  I’m still not fully healed, so I am easing back into exercise by walking and following along with my fellow running ladies on Instagram. 
8. Make my handwriting a font.  One of my penpals introduced this idea and I’m excited to try it out.
9. Finally install the art wall in the master bedroom.  Those frames have been sitting on the floor for way too long.
10. Embrace the camera and get at least one picture with the entire family in it.
11. Catch up on all correspondence.  I’m looking at you, penpal letters, thank you notes and letters to my Compassion kids.
12. No sugar all month.  By far the hardest goal, but I need this detox ASAP.  Wish me luck.


What are your goals for January?  Share in the comments or leave a link to your post. I’d love to hear them!

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are feeling rejuvenated and excited for 2014.  I know I am!


Last year, I participated in the practice of choosing one little word to define my year.  Back then, I was an overwhelmed mamma who was tired of just coasting through life.  I felt like I was standing on the sidelines and I really wanted to fully experience all this precious life had to offer!  Knowing that this goal would take some effort, I chose the word “intention” and it has been amazing how much that one word has guided me. 


After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided that 2014’s word will be a further extension of the idea of intention. 


My word for this year is brave.


I want to get uncomfortable.  I want to push myself to do things I’ve never done before.  I want to try things that scare and intimidate me.  I want to fully allow myself to be molded and used by God.


Each month, I’ve decided to focus on three areas:
1. In the Kitchen: I want to try new recipes, learn new techniques, and embrace the joy of feeding my family instead of eating out.
2. Creatively: I want to branch out to new ideas and materials.  I want to create beautiful things with my own hands.
3. Giving: Giving back is such an important thing for me and I want to do even bigger things this year.


Of course, there will be so much more.  And as always, I plan to use this space to share my experience along the way.  I hope you’ll follow along!