Before I start this new blog, I'd like to ask you to overlook any grammatical or spelling errors. I'm writing as I think in my head, sometimes in fragments, sometimes in run-ons. :)
I am not always privileged to see God's hand in my life in immediate circumstances and living, but I do know He is at work in me. Sometimes, it takes years for me to look back and finally realize exactly what He was doing and is doing. Occasionally, I see it at the moment it's happening. Right now, I see nothing. I feel nothing. I am distant from Him, from everyone else, from me. Even in my distance, I KNOW He is at work. Doing what, I don't know.
It has been years since I have made real goals for myself. I haven't written goals, dreams or visions in years. Habakkuk 2:2 says "...write the vision". I need to get over feeling ridiculous writing down goals and dreams for myself, no matter how unattainable they may seem on paper. With God, all things are possible (to those who believe). I have to ask myself, "do you believe what you talk about?" I DO. Now, I just have to act on my belief. I need to strengthen my faith. Jude 20 - "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit". I need to spend a little more time in prayer and building my faith. This means changes for me. Less TV, more WORD. Less chatting online, more chatting in prayer. Less of ME, more of HIM!
One of the priorities I feel that God has put on my heart for 2011 is to cultivate my friendships into lasting, strong and deep friendships. Not to just have many acquaintances, but to have meaningful relationships with people I care about, and who care about me. 2010 was a year in which I met many new ladies, and I look forward to this year being filled with those ladies in my life. Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) - "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
I have also been giving much thought to laziness. Proverbs 10:4 - "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth" I know, without a doubt, that I have allowed myself to get really lazy over the past 10 years. I went from running/walking/working out on a daily basis to barely lifting myself out of bed or off the couch. I've gone from working 80-90 hour work weeks to being a full time stay at home mom. DISCLAIMER - In no way am I calling a SAHM lazy!!! The demands are much higher, and the work is MUCH harder. There is no such thing as a vacation day, and if your sick, you just suck it up! My point is that as a SAHM, I have the option of wearing my pajamas all day if I want to, and I do that quite frequently. After dropping Luke off at school, I often find myself putting on my pj's for the next few hours so i can relax. I end up spending a lot of time online, on my phone, or just sitting on the couch. This year, my goal is to get up and make a difference. I want to make a difference, not only in my life, but in my family's life, and in the lives of the people I will come across. I also want to take care of the things I have put off for too long. (doctor appts, organizing, garage sale, etc)
Another goal for 2011 is to learn a new hobby! I want to learn to sew and quilt this year! I have the sewing machine, now I just need to take a class and get going. I have no scriptural reference for this, just a strong desire to increase my talents and abilities.
I want to be a better financial steward in 2011. I'd like to attend a FPU, if Todd will agree to go with me. There are a TON of scriptures on giving, tithing, and being faithful with finances. I don't want to live foolishly, but with wisdom and integrity in my finances. I believe we can attain our goals for this year!
Of course, like so many others, I have goals for losing weight, eating better, saving money, etc. But, those are my most immediate goals for the year. I have them in writing. I am aiming to update my blog once a week in order to keep myself accountable for the year. Happy New Year everyone! 1.1.11
Chandra, this is awesome!!! I love that you've set high goals and are writing about them and sharing them (makes you more likely to stick to them). As one of your new friends, I would love to take this journey with you by keeping up with your blog and encouraging you along the way.
ReplyDeleteOne more note on goals: some of your goals were daily habit changes (get out of jammies) and others required planning and action (garage sale, FPU...). I want you to succeed so I'm going to suggest making diligent use of your calendar/agenda so that you can map out a timeline for each goal. On of my goals from last year was the same as yours...cultivate quality friendships. At the beginning of every month I calendar in time with those special people (you included).
I'm excited for you and will be praying for you as I read your blog each week!
Megan Lagoy