2011 Word for the Year

Sometimes the words we read, leave the mind quickly...and other times the words follow us around, chasing us through out the day.  Recently, I have found myself being chased by words written by  two friends and fellow bloggers:  Play off the Page and Peace Garden Writer.  In their recent blog posts, they both offer the challenge of finding a word or phrase to represent the upcoming year.

So, I have been doing a lot of pondering and praying. 

Hmmmm, before I could look forward, I found myself remembering the past.  What word or words could I use to describe these past few years? Interestingly enough. the words that have come to my mind....start with R.  (so does my maiden name--Reisch.)

In 2009--Rest.  Traveling through cancer treatment, I quickly discovered that peace only comes when we rest in our Lord.  (I also had to take a rest from many obligations.)

In 2010--Recovery and Reality.   This past year most of my energy was spent recovering from surgeries and cancer treatment.  It was with this recovery phase, that my new reality became clear.  The reality that cancer treatment will always be part of our lives.  When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I thought I would go through treatment and than go back to normal.  Only to discover that there will never be a "normal" like the past.  It is exciting to learn that more and more research is being done with regards to survivorship and the challenges experienced post treatment. 

In 2011--Renewal and Refinement.  Webster defines Renewal as the process of restoring to freshness and vigor.  I am excited!  However, I will admit, I have been fighting the word refinement just a bit.  Refinement often accompanies pain, yet it is within the process of refinement that we strengthen our faith. 

How about you, do you have a word/words for 2011?

It's snowing...it's snowing....and it's snowing!

I love snow!  (I don't necessarily like the wind and cold--but I love the snow!)  For some reason when it snows, I want to get out and walk.  Have you ever heard of something so strange?  Strange or not, the snow is making it easier for me to make my walking goals!  Tonight when I was walking I kept thinking of a recent post by my friend Roxane at Peace Garden Mama on snow angels.  I, so wanted to lay down right where I was at and create an angel.  (To be honest, the only thing that stopped me was the fear that I wouldn't be able to get up with all my winter wear!)

At the beginning of this year, it was my goal to blog a few times a week.  My reality is that fatigue continues to be a daily challenge, thus I haven't had the energy for much more than work and family.  (and taking short walks in the snow--smile!)

Cancer interrupted my life, forcing me to let go of some dreams...but now I have new dreams!  If you have a few minutes, and haven't yet done so, please check out the beginning steps of a dream at Hope Lives Now!