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!

If Jesus were a house-guest??

Years ago, I remember my Mother asking me, "What if Jesus were a house-guest?" Several years later, I still find it to be a simplistically profound concept for a 9 year old. The challenge was to rid my life of things that I wouldn't include if Jesus were physically with us. (At the time, I remember it being in regard to a stack of old"Teen Beat" magazines that my friend had given me. ) This reflection has challenged me to re-evaluate my life, hobbies, entertainment, food, and daily activities. If Jesus were to walk in my front door right now, what would I feel shameful of? What would I eliminate, hide, or purge if he were to call ahead with a warning? How would my daily routine evolve?

Would Jesus and I sit down for an entertaining episode of "Grey's Anatomy?" What about the CD collection I have accumulated from College.... Britney Spears? The Dave Matthew's Band? What in there is glorifying to him? What would I feed him? Would I serve my Savior the frozen Pizza that I have in the freezer??

I have found in my own life, I have become accepting and desensitized to worldly influences. How has this happened?? By filling my life with the impure. Little by little, my mind has been tarnished. I am striving to eliminate those things that are filled with sinful values and morals. Some things will be harder than others. With few exceptions, my music collection is not secular (My Britney Spears CD was free.....and I never listen to it, so please don't poke fun). However, this does mean an end to my much loved Grey's Anatomy. :( What of the relationships, conversations, and food I have filled my life with? How are they exemplifying Christ?

This endless battle will need frequent examination. However, the exchange of a pure mind, home and heart will be well worth the sacrifices made. I am desiring to be different, to be a light for Christ. In order to do that, it must start in my home.

Less Locks to Love on........

Well, folks, I did it! I cut my hair, 6 inches of it.....all gone! Swept away forever. I don't do change, I don't adjust well, and I liked my long hair. What was I thinking?? Michael says he likes it, so that is comforting. Time will also be saved in my morning routine, and time is something I don't have enough of. I guess I will assess the damage in the morning post shower. Until then, I am rather enjoying the feeling of weightlessness upon my shoulders. :)