Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A New Year Of Hope~ 2013


Today I was reading one of my favorite blogger's  post at 10 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place. She suggested choosing a word for the year. A word to live by and think about.  After much thought I have chosen the word "Hope". To me hope is a gift of the spirit. This is even a gift we can pray for. Hope gives us courage to go forward. To look up instead of looking down. I desire to go forward in the New Year of 2013 and live in hope. Hope for a better future. Hope for the good found in life. Most importantly an increased  Hope in Christ. 
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said the following about hope: "Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. It is a confidence that if we live according to god's laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. 
I like this thought by President George Q. Cannon: "Whenever darkness fills our minds, we may know that we are not possessed of the Spirit of God, and we must get rid of it. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we are filled with joy, with peace and with happiness no matter what our circumstances may be; for it is a spirit of cheerfulness of happiness." I believe this comes about through the gift of hope.
I have a little clause in my patriarchal blessing that says as I am optimistic and cheerful that I am promised joy. I have deep faith and hope in those promised blessings. 
I would encourage you today to perhaps choose a word for the Year of 2013. 
May the New Year bring you all greater hope in your  lives. May you look up in hope.
Thanks you for visiting my blog and making comments. I love you all and want you to know how much reading your posts have lifted my spirit, assisted me in being more optimistic and cheerful and more hopeful during trying times. I have gained increased faith in my Savior through your inspiring posts. Thank you for sharing your life experiences where I have witnessed your faith, hope and your charity. Happy New Year for 2013.


11 comments:

Marie Rayner said...

Another beautiful post for you LeAnn. I love your thoughts. I love the idea of picking a word for the year as well. I love the word hope. It is very important to me, but I think this year my word will be restraint. I need to teach myself that in many instances . . . less IS more! Love and hugs to you. xxoo

Unknown said...

I am so excited for the new year. I love your word choice for 2013. You are such a blessing LeAnn.

singing/granny said...

Happy New Year! I like the idea of choosing a word. I am going to think about that! I love your comments as always! Melody

Eve | Inchworm Chronicles said...

I like that idea! I am grateful for your optimism, too. I think we all need to "borrow" that little spark from time to time to re-kindle what we have.

I like the idea you shared here, so I will join in, too!

I think my word this year will be "prepare", thinking of one of Jesus' parables that mean a lot to me, the one with the 10 virgins. I feel that preparing myself spiritually, or making a renewed effort to build that reserve of spiritual "oil", this year will be just what I and my family will need as the year progresses.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Blessings,
Eve

Denise said...

Have a very blessed 2013.

Mom of 12 said...

Hope is so important! It is what keeps us moving forward. Love that you are always so positive.
Sandy

Susan Anderson said...

Speaking of hope, I hope you have a wonderful New Year.

You deserve it!

=)

Galen Pearl said...

That is a lovely word, indeed. I'm filled with hope just reading your thoughts about it. I know this word will guide you through this year with a deepening faith and a positive confidence in the future.

Barb said...

Hi LeAnn!

Happy New Year!!

Love the idea of choosing a special word for the year! We had a speaker talk to our YW, and she suggested a word, that you picked, just for you. She challenged the girls to find that just right, special word that meant something to them, that only they knew. Some of the girls did it - and they loved it! What a great way to start the New Year - with a word! I think mine will be LOVE!!

Hugs and Love to you and your beautiful family!!

Barb

Debbie said...

What a great choice of words, it must be difficult to pick just one!

Beautiful, thoughtful entry!

Kendra said...

Love this idea....hmmm now I need to do it and pick a word! Maybe I will pick a word for me and we will pick on for our family!! Thanks for the great post!