Do you choose a word or intention for the year? Most years, somewhere in between Christmas and the end of January, I do -- sometimes it's a word that comes out of an intentional time of seeking, sometimes it's just a vibe I've been feeling and I run with it. I usually take my birthday in June to check in with my word, see how it's going, and adjust if necessary. This year, I felt that this would be a Year of Celebration, a very welcome change after several years of working through heavy things. I take a look at my past year (being 37) and honor all the things worth celebrating, take a beat to note what didn't work so well, and look forward to what's coming.

What is your word of the year? What has been worth celebrating in your life so far this year? What hasn't worked so well? You don't have to wait for the new year... you can pick a word/intention NOW. Let me know what it is!

Scriptures:

Proverbs 17:21 - A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

Links:

Essentialism Book

Tea Time Discipleship

@hostinyourhome

Fair Play Book

Loving Lately, Celebration Edition:

Dollar Tree

Coffee Table Books, specifically How To Celebrate Everything by Jenny Rosenstrach

Thrifted Decor and tableware to elevate the occasion on a budget

Pig Pickin Cake

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What have you learned about friendship in the last year? Whether the thought brings up happy memories you want to recreate, or a tinge of hurt or sadness, just know -- you aren't alone if friendship in your 20's, 30's, and beyond feels a bit challenging. I asked my IRL friends to chime in with their lessons from the last year, and share some hard-earned and life-worn lessons of my own. Love you!

1) Real friendship takes time, intention, & work.

2) You can only experience true friendship to the extent that you are willing to be open, seen, known as you truly are, & inconvenienced.

3) There are different friends for different seasons of life, & different types of friends that can be like a mosaic making up the community you need right now (The "5 Friends" rule isn't best applied in adulthood! You are more of a patchwork quilt of everyone you've ever loved and been impacted by, whether they're still in your life or not.)

4) Celebrate bids for connection, whether you have capacity to follow through or not right now. Someone reaching out is a gift!

Scriptures:

Proverbs 17:17

Galatians 6:2

1 Thessalonions 5:11

Proverbs 27:17

Ecclesiaties 4:9-10

Links

My "Feelin French" playlist on Spotify

Duolingo

French kids Eat Everything

Bringing Up Bébé

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Whether you know it or not, you're building something with your life RIGHT NOW. It might be something that has the markers of "success" we tend to look for in our society, or it might be something small and quiet, yet nonetheless powerful, meaningful, and worthy. Name what it is you are building! Own it, don't look to the left or to the right to compare what you're building with what someone else is, and keep going. You're doing great.

Scriptures:

Psalm 127:1

Proverbs 4:24-27

Links:

Come Sit by my Garden Lyrics/Poem

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade

A comparable pitcher for summer

Old Navy Fit & Flare Midi Dress

Old Navy Square-Neck Linen Tank

Old Navy High-Waisted Faux-Wrap Linen-Blend Skort

Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Super Wide-Leg Pants

Pamut Daphne Dress in Citron

Simply Grey Life Women's Linen Dress OLIVIA in Red Checks (use code ALLYOUNEEDISLESS for 10% off)

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Sctiptures:

Romans 8 (especially verses 5-16)

Links:

At Home with Sally Podcast

The Lifegiving Home Book

The Big Boo Cast

10 Things to Tell You - Laura Tremaine Podcast

Elizabeth Elliot Podcast

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Scriptures Explored:

• 1 Corinthians 9 - it's about endurance and the REAL prize, salvation and living your life with God!
• Hebrews 12 - less about our perfection and more about showing up to the race and staying IN it with Jesus with HIS perfection covering our humanity

Links

• Iris Ministries Harvest School
• I Went to the Woods poem
• All Things Lilly Ann
• Blueberry Coffee Syrup Recipe
• Meat Schmoosher
• Phone Box (idea!)
• The Tech-Wise Family book

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