ENOUGH

Expectations. The very word can evoke a sense of failure, disappointment, and insecurity. I often set expectations, knowingly or unknowingly. Then more often than not they are unmet, unreachable, or inconceivable based on the situation. Sometimes my expectations are based on the norm, based on dreams, or on convictions. Lately I have found myself in this funk of personal disappointment. Be it my prayer life isn't "long enough," my daughter isn't physically strong enough, by marriage isn't fun enough, my friendships aren't deep enough.... but who is to measure.

I have been so focused on measuring "enough" that I haven't counted the many blessings that God has given me. I am striving to shift my focus. What has God done to bless me beyond my worth? He has given me the most wonderful man to grow old with, to challenge my faith, to complement my weaknesses, to partner in parenthood. He has blessed us with a beautiful, fun-loving daughter. I have family and friends who love me more than I deserve. Ultimately, he desires a relationship with me. The creator of the universe, the God who saved me from myself, wants me. ME. Shouldn't that be ENOUGH!

So I am challenging myself to be thankful in all I do, and put things into perspective. Everything I have, every relationship, each new day day, every material possession is an undeserved blessing. God is enough.

Books of 2012

One of my goals for 2012 is to complete a minimum of 12 books this year. An average of one a month. Doable, right!? I have struggled to find the time, energy, even desire to read the past 18 months. I have great intentions in the morning, but by the end of the day I am drained. I cannot focus, comprehend, or even stay awake.... and this is by 7:30! In all honesty, it baffles me! With that, I am hopeful that my reading list isn't to ambitious....but please, feel free to ask how or what I am reading.... I am lacking accountability, and would love some.


Almost finished with: Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman-companion to Shepherding a Child's Heart.

A Praying Life, Paul Miller (Beyond excited about this)
Radical by David Platt
Grace Based Parenting by Ted Kimmel
Parenting with Scripture by Kara Durbin
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst (for a Bible Study)
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore (currently reading for a Bible Study)
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer (devotional companion)

This is the list I have compiled, in no particular order. This brings me to 12. Some I am using as devotional companions/Bible Study/Book Study. With that being said, I am hoping to add to this list throughout the year. Recommendations anyone??

Goals of 2012

Each year, as the seemingly majority of America, I reevaluate, restart, and redo my list of goals. This year, rather than making a list of well intentioned goals, set myself up for failure, and throw in the towel January 2nd, I have committed myself to a manageable plan. A plan that allows me to make lists (something I cannot function without), and alter as necessary.

I have organized a list of things I hope to accomplish in the year 2012. The following is not inclusive, but a general overview:


Spiritual Goals:
Bible in a Year (Have been doing this in 6 months, but want to stretch it out)
Memorize 100 Verses this year (2 a week)
Find a church (have been searching for 4 months)
Complete our Personal and Family Mission Statements
Continue our prayerful search for mentors
Pray for ministry opportunities outside of home (ideally through our new church)

Relational:
Date night twice a month
Family/Friend visits once a month minimum

Motherhood/Parenting Goals:
Consistency in Discipline
Continue to add scripture to Bailey's heart training
Patience
Eliminate pacifier
Independent Play
Potty Training----maybe.

Homemaking:
Reevaluate our Menu Plan/Meal Budget
De-clutter: 30 items in 30 days at least twice this year
Evaluate and update Household and Emergency Binder
Compile a 3-5 day survival kit

Personal Growth:
Exercise 4 times a week
Read a minimum of 1 book a month



While the list is very manageable, I cannot succeed by taking it all on January 1st. So each week/month, I will be evaluating the list and chipping away bit by bit. With that said, the objective for January is the following:

8 Verses Memorized
Genesis and Job read (utilizing a chronological reading plan)
2 Date nights
1 Play date
Complete 1 Book
Exercise for 20 minutes 5x's week
Reevaluate food Budget

Decades Delayed

I yearn for simplicity. I thrive for a slow paced life. I am mentally more suited for the lifestyle lived decades before us. I love the peace it encouraged, and the connections found in the quiet reflections. These are the desires of my heart. However, I am a women designed for communication and fellowship with like minded people. I have scheduled, restricted, fasted from, and obsessed over modern communication medias. I have struggled to find the balance between the simplicity I am yearning for, and the fast paced, technologically driven society we are in.

This is the reason for my abrupt end of updates and posts. While I do not claim to have found the balance or perfected my schedule, I have a deeper insight of what my heart is yearning for. I am excited to share with you the journey of my life, and look forward to your insight and wisdom!

Father's Day

To my dear Husband,

• 11 years ago: Our introduction was made, a friendship ensued, and your girlfriend I became.

• 8 years ago: You graduated from a boy into a young man; To college you went.

• 6 years ago: A bridge we crossed, a ring on my finger.

• 4 years ago: Two united as one.

• 2 years ago: Through loss we cried, we mourned, we questioned and together we grew.

• 22 months ago: New life was preparing to enter the world.

• 1 year ago: I watched as you were vulnerable and full of love, adoration, and wonderment. A FATHER you became.

I love that I have spent these last 11 years watching your transformation. I love the way I can hear you smooch our daughter 3 rooms away. I love the way you play peek-a-boo. I love your "Daddy-Daughter" time. I love the way you read aloud. I love the annoying wind chimes. I love being the mother of your child. I love your passion to grow. I love that you are striving to become a Godly Father to our daughter. Never have I loved you more. Thank you!

Happy 1st Father's Day!!

Cheap Date

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I would compile a list of frugal date ideas. Since some of my readers are either newly married, new parents, or parents to be, any other ideas you would like to share would be welcome! Michael and I have learned how important it is to set aside time for just the two of us on a regular basis. It is our goal to do this at least twice a month, so finding cheap dates has become a priority. It is so important to find time to devote to your spouse without the distraction of the children, work, school, and life. I challenge each of you to set a side time for your significant other on a regular basis.

1. Movie and Popcorn. We have rented from Redbox, saved a Netflix movie, or even borrowed from friends. It is nice to just spend time relaxing and not going anywhere.
2. Take a scenic stroll. Find a nice neighborhood or park and just walk.
3. Candlelit dinner for two. I have taken a meal from the freezer, baked it, grabbed a salad from the fridge, add some fresh fruit and wallah......Romantic dinner with minimal fuss.
4. Read a book together and discuss.
5. Attend a sporting event. This might cost a little, but you are helping to fund your local athletic department, so it is worth the cost.
6. Bake or cook together.
7. Game night! Play scrabble, skip-bo, Yahtzee.
8. Mini golf (look for coupons to cut the cost).
9. If you live in a university town, look for free/cheap concerts/plays/athletic events/seminars.
10. Picnic in your area park/living room.
11. Play tennis, go for a bike ride.
12. Make a consecutive date search...for example, finish each date off with a visit to a different ice cream shop in search of the best tasting dessert of your liking.

Happy dating! :)

Valentine's Day

My Valentine:

This year will mark the 11th Valentine's Day with my sweetheart! While I love receiving gifts, flowers, chocolate, and getting to spend time with Michael, I feel the day has been taken over by commercialism.....and the pressure to, quite literally, "buy into it."

I love mushy, melt your heart, make me swoon, sweep me off my feet moments......but I want them when I least expect it. As a women, I need to feel loved and adored all year, not just when the calendar demands it! Michael has captured my heart multiple times when I least expect it. I am one of the blessed who can say I love and respect him more today than the day before!

This year we will be staying home, having a quite dinner, maybe watching a movie and cuddling on the couch. It probably will not be on Valentines Day, and I couldn't be more excited about it! Ladies, Please tell me this isn't one of the most treasured times with your husbands?

What are your plans for this Valentine's Day??