A weekly check-in to see how I am accomplishing my 2010 goals...thanks for keeping me accountable.
Goals for 2010
PHYSICAL- Lose 57lbs, run a 5k
I have lost 5.8lbs thus far...51.2lbs to go:)
SCRIPTURE READING- Read through the Bible in a year, memorize the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134)
I am two days behind in scripture reading, but will be catching up today. I have memorized Psalm 120 and working on Psalm 121.
READING- Read 12 books of spiritual development, ministry helps, etc.
2 Books down, 10 to go:) I finished Encountering God in the City, and Transforming Prayer. This week, starting, "The Good and Beautiful God"
SPIRITUAL- 1 retreat day a month, devotions 5 days a week, 20 minutes of prayer a day
yes yes yes
FAMILY- Be the best wife that I can be
This week was good..striving to be better
FINANCIAL- follow set budget, pay off school loans, save for adoption
It is easy to follow a budget when you don't leave the house and don't spend money. Definitely was my last week. I did not venture out much...therefore budget=kept.
MINISTRY- Volunteer in Albion, start neighborhood groups, learn about modern day slavery
-Women's Small Group at my house starts next week!! So excited.
-Goal this week: learn how to volunteer in Albion and DO IT!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
My Week in Pictures #1
Welcome to my very own version of Project 365. I am hoping to take a picture each day to describe how the day went. It is mostly for my own benefit, because I will be scrapbooking about it later, but for now...you can check out our lives. Here is the first week. Enjoy:)
Sat. Jan 9, 2010
Today Jon and I spent time with his family, having a wonderful meal:) We were all in different directions for Christmas, so this was a time that we could all come together, catch up and cheat on our diets....(was I the only one that did that?) Jason, Jon's youngest brother is sporting a sweet new shirt from his other brother and sister-in-law. You want one too, don't you?
Friday Jan 8, 2010
I was glad I could stay inside all day today. It was cold and snowy.....I was not made for Michigan weather.
Sat. Jan 9, 2010
Today Jon and I spent time with his family, having a wonderful meal:) We were all in different directions for Christmas, so this was a time that we could all come together, catch up and cheat on our diets....(was I the only one that did that?) Jason, Jon's youngest brother is sporting a sweet new shirt from his other brother and sister-in-law. You want one too, don't you?
Friday Jan 8, 2010
I was glad I could stay inside all day today. It was cold and snowy.....I was not made for Michigan weather.
Thursday Jan. 7, 2010
Thursdays are my FAVORITE days! Why? Besides the obvious impending Friday, some of my favorite tv shows are on Thursday nights. It is a time to chill in front of the tv and to check out for a while. The other reason? ALAINA! God blessed me with this beautiful woman in my life a few months ago....and now....Thursday nights belong to Alaina...with lots of coffee and talking. I am pretty sure I had close to a pot of coffee last night.
Wednesday Jan. 6, 2010
After weeks of studying the Psalms of Ascent with Amber---FINISHED! It was a great journey. I NEVER ever knew about the Psalms of Ascent before this study and wow oh wow, have I grown in knowledge. Next step.....memorizing the Psalms of Ascent. I can't wait to hide the precious words of the Jewish sojourners in my heart.
Tuesday Jan. 5, 2010
I took the first step today in trying to figure out how to pursue foster care. We are still unsure what the future holds for us as far as adoption, but we are keeping all doors open until the Lord decides to close one. Our step today was to call a friend from church and get some information:)
Monday Jan. 4, 2010
If you saw this sight walking outside your house today, don't fear, it was just me trying to stay warm in the frigid cold while I DIED at the workout I was trying to complete. I mean, um, it was SO FUN!:) And yes, those are ankle weights strapped to my wrists.
Sunday Jan. 3, 2010
I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred today. I have a LONG way to go to lose my goal of 57lbs this year. I am following a plan created by my friend Alaina and once in a while throwing in some Jillian.
Saturday Jan. 2, 2010Already this has been a year of journaling. I have always always always been a journaler, but it seems to be the thing that keeps me sane most days. It is something I look forward to, to pour my heart out to, to be real with, and process all that is stirring in my head. You may find me with head in my journal this year.....don't be offended, I will share what's in my mind....after I journal about it:)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
System Breakdown
News on the adoption front: Jon and I are considering pursuing infant foster care, to adopt. We are still learning, and still praying, but this will be our next step.
In one day of phone calls....I have found out....the system in broken. I am so glad that I serve a God that brings restoration to the broken.
In one day of phone calls....I have found out....the system in broken. I am so glad that I serve a God that brings restoration to the broken.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I am not WAITING---I am giving up!
Why didn't someone tell me that I gave up? All this time, I had you---and myself completely convinced that I was waiting patiently and hoping. But I'm not, and I wasn't. I was so quick to give up that I did not even recognize it.
I am finally ready to hurry up and wait. Really. I am ready to start actively pursuing adoption. I am ready for the waiting.
It would be easy to give up. I am really an impatient person and getting this process started just so I can wait again is not my idea of fun.
And not to mention the emotional toll again. I am not so sure that I am excited about getting my heart broken and thrown into rough seasons of depression. I am not sure that I am ready to be THAT vulnerable again.
But...we are not giving up.
Why?
-We have been called to pursue adoption
-The statistics that I read about orphans break my heart every time I cannot NOT do something about it.
It occurred to me today, while I was spending sometime with God (which the more likely case is that God spoke to me) that there is nothing I am DOING to pursue adoption.
There are some people that I need to call, I could be applying for scholarships and grants and researching other methods of adoption (different agencies, lawyers, state, foster care, etc) or simply spend more time in prayer. Instead I have unconsciously convinced myself that I am waiting for a baby to be delivered to our doorstep.
God does want us to adopt (at least until He changes our heart) but this process will be used to refine us and transform us--and I am ready to take that journey--again.
Adoption is worth it. The kingdom is worth is. I am not giving up. I am going to hurry and DO something --that something??? WAIT.
I am finally ready to hurry up and wait. Really. I am ready to start actively pursuing adoption. I am ready for the waiting.
It would be easy to give up. I am really an impatient person and getting this process started just so I can wait again is not my idea of fun.
And not to mention the emotional toll again. I am not so sure that I am excited about getting my heart broken and thrown into rough seasons of depression. I am not sure that I am ready to be THAT vulnerable again.
But...we are not giving up.
Why?
-We have been called to pursue adoption
-The statistics that I read about orphans break my heart every time I cannot NOT do something about it.
It occurred to me today, while I was spending sometime with God (which the more likely case is that God spoke to me) that there is nothing I am DOING to pursue adoption.
There are some people that I need to call, I could be applying for scholarships and grants and researching other methods of adoption (different agencies, lawyers, state, foster care, etc) or simply spend more time in prayer. Instead I have unconsciously convinced myself that I am waiting for a baby to be delivered to our doorstep.
God does want us to adopt (at least until He changes our heart) but this process will be used to refine us and transform us--and I am ready to take that journey--again.
Adoption is worth it. The kingdom is worth is. I am not giving up. I am going to hurry and DO something --that something??? WAIT.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Weekly Check in #1
As an effort to encourage you to make 2010 a year of change, and as a means of accountability for myself, I will be doing a weekly check in on Mondays (hopefully) letting you know how I am doing at keeping my 2010 goals. Now, I know that my decisions in keeping these goals may not be life changing for you, but hopefully we can be an encouragement to each other as we press on to pursue the kingdom.
Goals for 2010
PHYSICAL- Lose 57lbs, run a 5k
So far this has been a great goal, and seeing results already. I have a dear friend who has graciously taken the challenge of training me. Following her work out plan, doing some of my own workouts (with exercise videos, walking, etc) and the South Beach Diet, I am 4.4lbs lighter this week!
SCRIPTURE READING- Read through the Bible in a year, memorize the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-135)
I AM LOVING my time in scripture. I am really devouring it, and my love for scripture is growing. I have read all 4 days of January and have memorized one verse a day for my memorization work. I am always amazed at what happens when I commit to memorizing God's word. I find myself thinking about His ways, desiring Him more...
READING- Read 12 books of spiritual development, ministry helps, etc.
It does not hurt that I started the year with 2 partially read books. I am hoping to have them done in the next week. Reading: Encountering God in the City, and Together in Prayer. Both books have been a great source of training for me, and I am excited to implement several of the ideas! Stay tuned to see how they are implemented!
SPIRITUAL- 1 retreat day a month, devotions 5 days a week, 20 minutes of prayer a day
When I make a commitment to spend daily time with the Lord in scripture and prayer, I am amazed at how I keep craving more and more of Him. It seems like the "structured time" I have is a time that just wets my appetite and I want more!!! I have been reminded this week that I do have a gift of intercession, and how little I use it to further the kingdom. How can I pray for you this week?
FAMILY- Be the best wife that I can be
Will this always be a struggle for me? I know it is a vague goal and not easy to measure....but at least it is always at the forefront of my mind.
FINANCIAL- follow set budget, pay off school loans, save for adoption
On New Years Day, Jon and I sat down and made our January 2010 budget. We are following the Dave Ramsey, envelope plan (using cash for everything). I LOVE making a budget. I like to tell my money where to go, and having control over our finances. We want to be great stewards, after all, we are just managing the money that God has given us....He is the owner.
MINISTRY- Volunteer in Albion, start neighborhood groups, learn about modern day slavery
January 19th, there will be a women's small group meeting in my home with the hope to see women transformed by the word as well as being a part of transforming others. We will be studying Hosea, praying together and serving together. Do you want to be a part of it?
Goals for 2010
PHYSICAL- Lose 57lbs, run a 5k
So far this has been a great goal, and seeing results already. I have a dear friend who has graciously taken the challenge of training me. Following her work out plan, doing some of my own workouts (with exercise videos, walking, etc) and the South Beach Diet, I am 4.4lbs lighter this week!
SCRIPTURE READING- Read through the Bible in a year, memorize the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-135)
I AM LOVING my time in scripture. I am really devouring it, and my love for scripture is growing. I have read all 4 days of January and have memorized one verse a day for my memorization work. I am always amazed at what happens when I commit to memorizing God's word. I find myself thinking about His ways, desiring Him more...
READING- Read 12 books of spiritual development, ministry helps, etc.
It does not hurt that I started the year with 2 partially read books. I am hoping to have them done in the next week. Reading: Encountering God in the City, and Together in Prayer. Both books have been a great source of training for me, and I am excited to implement several of the ideas! Stay tuned to see how they are implemented!
SPIRITUAL- 1 retreat day a month, devotions 5 days a week, 20 minutes of prayer a day
When I make a commitment to spend daily time with the Lord in scripture and prayer, I am amazed at how I keep craving more and more of Him. It seems like the "structured time" I have is a time that just wets my appetite and I want more!!! I have been reminded this week that I do have a gift of intercession, and how little I use it to further the kingdom. How can I pray for you this week?
FAMILY- Be the best wife that I can be
Will this always be a struggle for me? I know it is a vague goal and not easy to measure....but at least it is always at the forefront of my mind.
FINANCIAL- follow set budget, pay off school loans, save for adoption
On New Years Day, Jon and I sat down and made our January 2010 budget. We are following the Dave Ramsey, envelope plan (using cash for everything). I LOVE making a budget. I like to tell my money where to go, and having control over our finances. We want to be great stewards, after all, we are just managing the money that God has given us....He is the owner.
MINISTRY- Volunteer in Albion, start neighborhood groups, learn about modern day slavery
January 19th, there will be a women's small group meeting in my home with the hope to see women transformed by the word as well as being a part of transforming others. We will be studying Hosea, praying together and serving together. Do you want to be a part of it?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Pursuing the Kingdom in 2010
Hey Friends! It is the time of the year where we are all making resolutions and vowing that this is the year where things will be different...the year where change will happen.
I am all for making New Year's Resolutions, actually I thrive on making lists of goals and making plans on how to accomplish them. I get excited for those things.....I am that much of a nerd. I think it is a great practice to reflect on the year past, and plan for the next year.
I have several resolutions, and am excited to keep them all (right?) You will probably fall victim to reading several of those posts later on for the month....but for now.....
How will you be pursuing the kingdom of God in 2010? What will you be doing that will be intentional in making His kingdom known in your areas of influence?
I am all for making New Year's Resolutions, actually I thrive on making lists of goals and making plans on how to accomplish them. I get excited for those things.....I am that much of a nerd. I think it is a great practice to reflect on the year past, and plan for the next year.
I have several resolutions, and am excited to keep them all (right?) You will probably fall victim to reading several of those posts later on for the month....but for now.....
How will you be pursuing the kingdom of God in 2010? What will you be doing that will be intentional in making His kingdom known in your areas of influence?
- How will you step out of your comfort zone to make the love of Jesus known this year?
- How will grow in your love and knowledge of God this year?
- How will you spend your money/time in order to pursue the kingdom and to bring it forth?
- Who will you invest in this year, to share the love of Jesus and to further them along in their faith?
- When will you get started?
- Who will keep you accountable?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Mega Memory Month
Will you join me in Mega Memory Month? This past year, God has taught me the importance of hiding God's word in my heart. Will you join me?
Here is what you do:
1. Find a chunk of scripture that you want to memorize. Make sure it is challenging, but doable.
2. Let me know that you are doing this with me. I can pray for you
and keep you accountable.
3. Start MEMORIZING
The method I use:
1. Day 1: Read the verse aloud 10 times, cover the verse up and
say it aloud 10 times.
2. Day 2: Repeat the verse from Day 1. Use the Day 1 method on
verse 2. I usually say the two verses together 5 times aloud after I
have two verses down.
3. Day 3: Repeat verses 1 and 2 until it is stuck in your mind. Do
Day 1 method with verse 3, and continue on.
Good luck friends!
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