Goals

so, i don't usually use the term "new years resolution" for some reason. 

i tend to stick to the simple word "goals". 

and the way i usually arrive at the ideas for my goals is through

reflection from the previous year, prayer, and having my eyes 

opened to some random things that just plain stink in this home (or more likely this heart!) 

and need to change.  change does not come over night darn it!
i am trying to learn that the fact is that these goals
in life need to be cultivated, practiced and prayed over.  lately i have been asking
God to give me a heart of conviction.  not for any one thing, but for many
things.  that i would be a woman who would stand stronger for Him and trust
Him with everything.
i have to apologize for writing so all over the place.  i am used to journaling for only myself
where it's okay that things are scattered and make no sense to anyone else!
here's a few pics of these sweet people God has given me to serve...

okay, this last one was to make you laugh.


here goes...some of my thoughts and goals for the year

Spiritual:

-Continuing to make my morning quiet/devotion time a priority

-Digging deeper into the Bible with Conviction

-Intercessory prayer

-Praying with more people right there on the spot!  Let's do it not just say we are going to!

-Be about a million times better example of Jesus to my kids 

-Learn more about Him so I can share more about Him

-Love with Christlike love -- deep and perfect and true -- void of my ugly self

-Empty to fill

-There is always so much in this area. i could go on and on!

- Read more good books

Physical:

-Continue working out 5 days a week (i do understand this may sound extreme, but i promise it's not!  i have a very devoted workout partner who works out with me and we just love starting our days super early with a workout. and it helps me stay on a good schedule to just do it all week instead of intermittently throughout the week.)

-Add in the elliptical 2-3 time per week (I saved up for one and it should be here soon!  i have always wanted one!)

-I have gone without sugar since the new year.  wow.  that's all i have to say.

-I have gone without white flour too.

-To not eventually freak out from not having white sugar and flour (it's my life dream to be able to say NO to these two awful things!)

-Get outside more

-Juice once a day

Mothering/Homeschool/Wife:

-Love on them more more more hold tight and soak up every moment

-Softer tones

-More consistant disciplining with love of course

-Take it slow

-Plan better for more fun activities and projects that will be remembered

-Show them Jesus 

-MORE DATES with husband  Shooting for 2 a month! we've gone years at a time without a date so this will be quite a feat but our marriage depends on it!

-Be very attentive to husbands needs and show lots of love  

-Pray and Pray and Pray for the wisdom and strength to care for my family the way they deserve!!!!!

i think i may end up to be a terrible blogger!

wow, it's like i think i want to blog and it sounds so fun to journal through the internet, but dang, you really have to make some time for this stuff! and i clearly have not!  heck, i don't even know who will read this!  i guess i have the hope that maybe some of the women whos blogs i truly enjoy will maybe enjoy and relate to my (non-existant) blog too.  i guess that's the point right? am i right? i don't even know!  i am a terrible commenter on others blogs because of time constraints (hence the fact that i cant seem to commit to my own!), but have been SO blessed by a select few blogs and i know i really need to let these girlies know!  anywho, i shall try...
let me share how the Lord has blessed us these last 7 weeks of school!  it's been hard and beautiful and trying and we are learning through it all.  i have three sons 10,8, and 6.  i really struggle to parent my very difficult middle babe.  he seems impossible sometimes.  i get depressed.  i get angry.  i cry.  and i do my very best to surrender this (and my sweet little boy) to Jesus.  and it's still hard.  all i want is to see him have peace and desire to obey and not be SO selfish.  it makes all our lives so so so hard some days that my head will truly THROB and ACHE from the stress.  i KNOW that he is in God's hands, but i fear that i don't have what it takes to be his mama and then my heart breaks and grieves over my shortcomings.  i KNOW i am in God's hands.  He holds me.  He loves me and little dude too.  so, this is on my heart right now.  this is what i am struggling with on a daily basis.  God is so faithful and i know that through prayer, fasting and the Holy Spirit in me i will be able to accomplish the precious tasks before me.

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is GOOD; His LOVE endures forever!
                                                                                                        Psalms 106:1
 

i love this guy.  i am so thankful for him. and i know that with God's grace and help i can do this!