I was first introduced to the concept of eucharisteo when I was about 18 or so. I think I came across it in a blog post or online article of some sort, but I'm not sure where exactly. Most likely, it was something by Ann Voskamp, but I'm not certain. What I remember is immediately feeling challenged, encouraged, and inspired by the idea of living a life around the concept. Since then, I've studied it, meditated on it, started (but never actually finished) the Ann Voskamp book about it, and now I've tattooed it on my body.

Eucharisteo is the greek word for thanksgiving. Within it, is the greek word charis, meaning grace, and it's root word chara, which means joy. I love that this one word encapsulates all three concepts of thanksgiving, grace, and joy. I also love that Jesus himself spoke it. Luke 22 says that when in the upper room with His disciples, he took the bread, he eucharisteo (or gave thanks), he broke it, and he gave it to them saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (This is where the catholic church gets the word eucharist.)

To me, this word means that the root of true joy is found in having thanksgiving for the grace we've been given in Christ.

A life of eucharisteo is a life lived with an attitude of gratitude, full of gracious communication, and a constant pursuit of true joy in Christ. Having eucharisteo tattooed on my wrist is my constant ministry to myself and to others around me. It is my overarching life goal and my resolution in 2017 to live a life of eucharisteo. I'll let you know how it goes!

"I have no idea what the future holds. I have no idea where God will send me or if those places will seem different to many of you. But this I do know: if I do not tell Him wholeheartedly that I am willing to go anywhere He leads and serve anyone He says, He is going to do His good pleasure anyway. And without me." -Beth Moore

As we enter into the new year, I am reflecting on this thought presented by Beth Moore. As we are still without the Army's orders on where we are to go next, Robby and I are in a season of waiting. Not knowing where we will be this year or when we will be there makes it a bit difficult to create goals and expectations for 2017. But I can rest in the fact that God is good and His plan is, too.

This year, my resolutions are a little less concrete and a little more abstract. 2017 will be the year that I pursue love and eucharisteo in every area of my life - my relationships, my communication, my marriage - and that can be done no matter where I am or what I am doing. I have no idea what the Lord's plan is, and that can be frustrating, but I am purposing in my heart to be willing and obedient to where He leads.

I pray that this year I will continue to grow, continue to learn, continue to adventure, and continue to pursue a healthy, happy, whole life. My resolution to actively practice love and eucharisteo in the new year ought to aid in the continuing effort to build on top of what I've achieved in 2016.

What about you? What are your goals and resolutions for the new year? I'd love if we could be praying over each other's as we embark on this new year together!