My word for 2014 was Refine, and I think it was rather fitting. It was definitely a year of testing and trials, and the fire was HOT! I will be posting my 2014 wrap-up hopefully in the next couple of days, but I ask that you bear with me because we still have a lot of settling to do from our big move. The refining process isn’t always easy, but I really feel like I am going into 2015 with purpose – or at least a desire to seek purpose!
Definition of Purpose from Dictionary.com (in this case I’ll be focusing on the noun):
[pur-puh s]
noun
1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3. determination; resoluteness.
4. the subject in hand; the point at issue.
5. practical result, effect, or advantage:
“to act to good purpose.”
Of course, for me purpose also means God’s purpose – His purpose for me as well as Pea of Sweetness as I pray to reach others for Him.
Purpose as it applies to myself for 2015
Everything our family went through last year caused confusion in the midst of it, but like many trials, they refine. Trials have a purpose. The trials we endured definitely had a purpose as I really got to consider everything – consider my purpose. My heart was unsettled. I was working more online and doing less around my home. When I looked back on it I realized I was veering from my purpose – my family. Of course, my health is important as well because as I struggled more than ever with my chronic health issues and depression, which made it even more difficult to care for my family and home. I love blogging. I love that I had an opportunity to help financially support our family during a hard time, but my heart wasn’t in it because my purpose is here first: caring for and educating our children, caring for my husband, taking care of our home, and above all, honoring God in all I do – which starts with focusing on my purpose.
He has blessed me with amazing opportunities to reach others, and I will do so while also making sure I don’t stray from His purpose for our family. I have children to guide to live for Him, and that means I have to be present in so many ways – also ensuring we’re getting involved in fellowship and ministry.
Purpose as it applies to Pea of Sweetness
Over the last year I worked to hone in on a focus on Pea of Sweetness. I felt like I had gotten so caught up in “other stuff” like the reviews and giveaways that I was losing the purpose for Pea of Sweetness. It has changed a lot over the past few years as it started as more of an eco-friendly living and even business type blog. Since then, though, I have prayed a lot and really want to focus Pea of Sweetness on my tagline: My Journey to Proverbs 31. This, of course, fits with my personal purpose, and Pea of Sweetness is a way to share it. My main focuses will be homemaking, homeschooling, Faith, family, and special needs. This is what I’ve been working on over the past year, but it was still easy to get caught up in things to keep good relationships with sponsors. In connection with my purpose to focus on my family, I have realized sometimes I just need to say no. If it doesn’t fit with my purpose and takes too much time from my personal purpose, it’s time to say no.
I’m not saying no to eco-friendly living, of course. It’s part of our life, and it will always be sprinkled in, but my eco-friendly focus continues to migrate (and even more so) to Deals of Sweetness. I’ve decided I’m no longer going to make exceptions beyond those to which I committed before the move (I’m working on catching up!). For eco-friendly living, health and fitness, beauty, etc. and broader reviews and giveaways, I would love to have you join me over there.
I will still offer reviews and giveaways on Pea of Sweetness, and am thrilled to be a member of so many great organizations and groups, but these will stay within my topics of purpose.
It’s been a hard process, and my traffic waxed and waned due to the changes, and it made me question my decision, but it has never been more clear. I have a purpose for Pea of Sweetness. God has a purpose for Pea of Sweetness. I pray it will grow, but most of all, I pray I stick to my purpose and look to God for guidance. Although I get self conscious and worry about low traffic, I know if I stick to my purpose – His purpose – everything will fall into place. I can’t teeter on indecisiveness anymore, and I won’t accept defeat. It’s my purpose to reach more people, to grow, to share more of His love with you.
Pursuing my Purpose
2014 may not have been the year I expected, but the refining process was so very necessary. It is ultimately a blessing as it helped me see what is truly important. I know 2015 is going to be a year full of blessings. It is my heart to share my purpose with YOU and pray you are blessed!
Word for 2015
What is your word for 2015? Please share by linking up below! If you didn’t blog about it, I’d still love to hear about it in the comments! If you have a link-up as well, please be sure to include {Linky} in your entry when you link up! I can’t wait to connect and reconnect with you!
Thanks for hosting! I love your word and how you shared your journey to it. I pray that your 2015 is beautiful and blessed!
Lisa recently posted…My Week in Review #18
Thank-you so much!
Emilee recently posted…Top 10 Posts from 2014 {Link Up!}
Great Choice! Defining your purpose makes it so much easier to come up with a plan!
That is so very true!
Emilee recently posted…Top 10 Posts from 2014 {Link Up!}
I like how you started this post with the word from last year. I wonder if it would be helpful to pick a word at the end of the year that truly fit our life that year too.
Just rambling thoughts.
Lisa R recently posted…1 Word Resolution: Picking a Theme for 2015 #NewYearsResolutions
Ooh that’s a good idea! My word was fitting for the year, but there are definitely times when another word would have been a better fit, so that would be a good idea!
Emilee recently posted…Beautiful, Unique Flowers from The Bouqs
That’s a great word! I’m trying to figure out how to be more purposeful with my blog as well…I think my blog has ADHD as bad as I do! 🙂
Meg recently posted…Favorites of 2014: Top 5 Recipes
Oh my goodness, I can totally relate!
Emilee recently posted…Top 10 Posts from 2014 {Link Up!}
Being more purposeful fits with my plans, too. Are you off to a good start?
Jennifer recently posted…Scripture And A Snapshot
I definitely feel like it! I feel like I’ve been “quiet” on here, but it definitely is for a purpose as I have a lot to tend to at home as we get settled!
Emilee recently posted…Top 10 Posts from 2014 {Link Up!}
Emilee—thanks so much for commenting on my word for 2015 post! It reminded me that I hadn’t added your linkup to my list of other Word link-ups. Now it’s there! 🙂
Are you beginning to see “purpose” work itself out in your live? I have definitely noticed some moments of “grace” in mine!
Have a lovely day!
Melanie (Wren) recently posted…Quote of the day….Blessings!
I definitely am! It’s been a great start to the year, and I pray I continue to seek purpose for both myself and Pea of Sweetness!
Emilee recently posted…Top 10 Posts from 2014 {Link Up!}