Clark Family Chronicle: Happy 2013!!!!

We've been on a re-charging holiday... one of those holidays with a little bit of everything - adventure/routine, sickness/health, family time/friend time, inside/outside, sun/rain, late nights/late sleeps, good books/ridiculous TV, ice cream/porridge- one of those good, long, well-balanced holidays. And though real life hasn't fully set in since Tony's still got a week before he starts a new job and we've got about two and a half weeks before we start school, I've been doing a bit of reflection and have a few ideas about what I want in this new year.

I've been reading an interesting book called "Seasons of a Mother's Heart" by Sally Clarkson, and though the cover looks very old-fashioned, I have found it very inspiring and have been encouraged to really ask God what it is that He wants me to do in this season with my children and family. I feel very good about this coming year as a home-school family; and since the current plan is to start both children in school in 2014, I am really looking forward to making the most of this season with Hunter at home! I believe it is going to be a significant time for both of us (and Helena from August).

We've also just read "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Stearns which has also inspired us to re-examine or re-assess our priorities as Christians. I'm not totally sure what God is about to do, but we both feel a bit of a stirring so my "goals" for this year are going to seem a bit different as I am asking the Lord how to live my life purposely, lovingly and according to His path for me/us - not just what seems logical or orderly or just good - but what is His best plan. But of course, those answers do not usually just come in one big download, so that means I've got to start with the basics: Love God, Love People (Matthew 22:34-40); Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly (Micah 6:8); Sow Generously (2 Corinthians 9:6). That's a pretty steep starting block, but with the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength that's where we'll start... and aim to finish!!!

Wherever you are, and whatever you've experienced in the past - the beauty of a new year is that it is just another opportunity to start again. In fact, that's the beauty of each day! I want to remember a few other things this year to keep me focused on growth in God as a woman, wife and mother: