In one week from today, I will board a series of planes to finally arrive in Visakhapatnam, India. I will be gone for 11 days, 3 of which will be traveling days. The route there will include a stop in London and Hyderabad, India. On the way back, we will make more stops: Chennai, India; New Delhi, India; Chicago; and Dallas!! I will be excited to see my bed once I get home...or at least soon after I arrive. Right, Megan?!? Anyway, we have been preparing for this journey as a team for the last 10 weeks; however, in the most recent week, we feel very unprepared. The reason for this is we are the first team of members to go on this particular trip. The only other team from our church that has gone to this area was a group of pastors and a couple of other members. Their main focus was the pastor's conference, which they attended. So, we are the first team to go and see what ways we can help the ministry of Vision Nationals. We know that we will be working with an orphanage, school, church, and widow's ministry. What will that look like? We do not know. I know that mission trips require flexibility, but my team is a bit unnerved with the idea that we will be put on the spot to teach lessons from the Bible. I am fine telling others about Christ and teaching the stories, but I want to be able to have all of my information available, such as, Bible verses that support the stories. I feel like I am familiar with a lot of stories, but as a teacher, I just want to be fully prepared to make Scripture come to life as much as possible for the people we come in contact with, as most of them are either Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist. Along with this note, my team did go to a Hindu temple last week. It just broke my heart to see these people worshipping the gods that man had created. Some of the gods' curtains were pulled because they said the god was sleeping or getting cleaned. Others were being painted, while still others will just sitting there, receiving sacrifices in front of them. The idea that our God never sleeps or needs to be cleaned just overwhelmed my heart. Our God is an awesome God, reigning over all things. I am so thankful for this truth and am even more thankful that He loves us enough to meet us right where we are and press on our hearts to share the message of His Son, Jesus, with all of the world. I am so honored to have this opportunity and am blown away by the many ways God has provided for this trip. I have received all the funding needed for my journey, in addition to the supplies and such needed to go. I am truly in awe of the many ways God has shown His hand is on every detail of this trip for me and my team! I know that I take many things for granted on a day to day basis and I doubt more than I should. When God shows up in the way only He can, I am brought back to the cross, asking forgiveness for ever doubting our mighty God! Last night, we had a prayer service at church. It was so amazing to me to hear the murmurs of the people in the room as they prayed for our team, other teams, each other, and strangers in our paths from day to day. It truly makes me humbled to know that so many people in one room have such a love for Christ and a desire to see His name lifted high! We sang a song that just makes you want to scream, shout, and dance last night, as its lyrics are so powerful...
"Glorious Day"
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a Virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me
'Cause living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him
The grave could not keep Him from rising again
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved one bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day, oh, glorious day
This song is such a strong song!! I find myself singing this when I feel like life is too crazy or unbearable. I am quickly reminded of all that Christ has gone through and bore for me. It makes me sit and relax a bit to know that nothing we endure here on Earth is too much for Christ to carry us through...that is a truth I can rest in daily!!
As we prepare for India, I do ask that you pray for a couple of things: Opportunities and boldness to share the gospel; receptive hearts; our thoughts and meditations will be on things above without distractions (Psalm 19:14, Philippians 4:8-9); we will be filled with the Spirit; our words will not be our own, but will be the demonstration of the Spirit's power (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Ephesians 6:19); we will be protected with the armor of God, especially against evil spirits and any attacks or lies from Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Peter 5:8-9); unity and love among our team (Romans 15:5); safe travels and health for each team member, our families and loved ones to have peace while we are away without worry or anxiety (2 Peter 5:7).
Thanks in advance for your continued prayers and support as I embark on this journey!! I love y'all!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Update on Goals
Well, I am here to tell you that I am so excited about the things I am going to tell you. Usually this would be where I update you with steps in accomplishing a goal or two; however, I am here to share that I have actually accomplished several things on my goals list. Here it goes...drum roll, please...
1. Credit card debt-free...Yes, you are seeing this right...I am FINALLY credit card debt-free!! I have been working on this goal for several years, and I must say, it is truly a weight lifted off of my shoulders to have this one behind me. Now, I am on to tackling the car debt!! I am hoping to have my car paid off by December. I am ready to be paying cash for everything!!
3. Attend a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars game...Kristy got the most amazing tickets ever for the Stars game. Thank you, Kristy!! I absolutely was blown away by these amazing seats!! I look forward to more Stars games in the future!!
9. Learn how to coupon well, saving at least $50 a month...I haven't mastered couponing yet, but I have mastered saving $50.00 a month. Currently, this month, I have saved almost $100.00. I will get there. I have had a blast with this one, as I am teaching my students how they can save their families money on groceries every month. They are really enjoying the life lesson. :)
20. Sell most of Mary Kay...I put a lot of my Mary Kay out to sell in the teacher's lounge at my school. I was able to sell over half of it, with all the profit going toward the mission trip I am taking to India this summer. I was blown away by the amount of support I received from the faculty at my school. I am truly blessed.
23. Become a covenant member of The Village Church and serve in a ministry...I am an official member of The Village Church. I have signed up and interviewed to serve in the middle school ministry, called Crash. I will start this position in August, once the current 5th graders move up to 6th grade. I am excited to be able to serve, grow, and mentor girls in middle school.
Back to School...
I just realized I never posted this one...so here you are...my classroom...it looks a little bit different now, but mostly...this is it.
Well, tomorrow is the beginning of a new year, grade, team, curriculum, classroom, and students. I am so excited, yet nervous all at the same time. I will post a report on more tomorrow, but for now I wanted to show you the before and after pictures of my classroom. I would have never been able to do this without the help of the roomies, Kristy, Daniella, and Megan. The move from third grade to fifth grade has been nerve-wracking, yet exciting! The theme for my third grade room was monkeys, monkeys, monkeys. The theme for my fifth grade room took on the theme of the workshop I attended earlier in the summer--ROCKSTAR!! :) I am going to post before and after photos for you. I hope you enjoy the layout and decor, as the roommates and myself have been hard at work!! :)
Well, tomorrow is the beginning of a new year, grade, team, curriculum, classroom, and students. I am so excited, yet nervous all at the same time. I will post a report on more tomorrow, but for now I wanted to show you the before and after pictures of my classroom. I would have never been able to do this without the help of the roomies, Kristy, Daniella, and Megan. The move from third grade to fifth grade has been nerve-wracking, yet exciting! The theme for my third grade room was monkeys, monkeys, monkeys. The theme for my fifth grade room took on the theme of the workshop I attended earlier in the summer--ROCKSTAR!! :) I am going to post before and after photos for you. I hope you enjoy the layout and decor, as the roommates and myself have been hard at work!! :)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fun Times in March...More to Come...
Well, this month has been yet another busy one. First of all, my best friend in the entire world had her 27th birthday on March 1st. Here is a picture from her fabulous skating party. We had so much fun rolling around the rink on one, 10 pound skate. Actually, that was Kristy...she was the expert. The rest of us, well, we were hand in hand trying to maintain a sense of balance. Megan, me, and Daniella were really trying hard to roll with our homies. (You know you were already singin' it...rollin' with the homies...from Clueless...caught ya now.)
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| We kind of coordinated our outfits on purpose...NOT! Great minds think alike, right, homies? |
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| The whole gang at the party...minus our photographer, Gloria. Thanks, Gloria! |
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| Hand in hand...the amateurs! |
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| Nothing short of delicious...oh, cookie cake, you were not here long enough! |
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| Me and my best bud, the birthday girl herself, Kristy |
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| Look at the o' so fabulous-o banner Daniella made by hand...talented! |
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| Yes, she is talented, too...showoff!! ;) |
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| Our home group gals...thanks, Scott for taking the picture!! |
Secondly, this month brought on a much needed Spring Break!! I was so ready for this break, as I had pushed to complete the 5th grade Math curriculum on the Thursday before the break. We have our state test, the dreaded TAKS, on April 4th (a week from Monday). I wanted to make sure I allowed 2 solid weeks of review before the test. This has never been done by me before, so I was pretty stoked. Anyway, Spring Break--AHH!! I relaxed A LOT!!! I got to go home for a few days to see my family and a few friends. My sweet, hard working, strong, go-getter mom was in the bed the entire time. She went in to the doctor to get a shot for strep and came out with her sciatic nerve punctured. Yes, you heard me right...sciatic nerve punctured. I have not seen my mom in this condition in many years, as she has been in and out of paralysis my entire life. She literally would not even try to push herself to get out of bed, like she normally tries. Instead, she laid in the bed while we watched a movie or two, looked up motivational movies for teachers, and chatted about life. It was a fun time to spend with her, although she was in a lot of pain. My dad and I got to hang out as well. He would come in and check to see if we needed anything, usually winding up in him chatting with us about life, too. It was really nice to just be me (and Lola) and them for a change. Not that I don't love having my brothers around, but to have their full attention was kind of fun. My dad really enjoys having Lola around. He will go in the backyard and throw the ball with her and chase her around. It is fun to see him enjoying her so much! She sure does love running in the big backyard they have in Alabama. My younger brother and I informed my parents of all the fun renovation ideas we have for their house, starting this summer. My mom was surprised that we had even considered anything like this, but we told her...it is the least we can do, since we are able. They have done so much for us, so it is an honor to be able to do for them. When discussing this with them, my dad gave us a few ideas he had already considered. We had so much fun making plans for a face lift to their home.
On my trip home, I got to see my ear doctor. It was a blessing in disguise because he hooked me up with an inhaler refill, antibiotic, and ear drops. My sinuses were so backed up he didn't even poke and prod my ear like normal. He ordered a steroid shot and everything. I had no luck trying to get in touch with my primary doctor here in Texas, so to know that I had some relief over my break was super refreshing! Before going to the doctor, I got to spend the afternoon with my sweet friend, Ashley McBrayer. I absolutely LOVE this girl!! She is an amazing woman of God, whose faith has grown enormously and has challenged me more than she will ever know. She just returned to the states from South Korea. She was teaching English in South Korea for 2 1/2-3 years. After talking with her, I am almost convinced that I could totally get used to teaching in another country. I will let the Lord play all of the cards out the way only He can, but I am more open to being wherever I need to be, as long as the Lord puts me there. I know it is not right now, but I am interested to see what the future holds for me in this area.
I also got to see my sweet cousin, Mollie, and her adorable baby boy and stunning husband. She just delivered Logan right at a month ago, and he is just adorable. Looking at him with Mollie and Andy's baby pictures side by side, I am not sure who he looks like more. I am eager to see him again this weekend, as I travel to Georgia for her sister's wedding. Helen is our youngest cousin on my dad's side of the family, but oh, so in love with her fiance, Ben. I am so happy for them!! I look forward to seeing the gorgeous ceremony and beauty that Helen will be on Saturday!!
While having lunch with Daniella at my favorite, Chick-fil-A, I saw 2 friends. It was a great surprise to run into Brandy McKay Unger, a treasured friend from the W, and Mandi Livingston, a encouraging friend from the volleyball days at TCHS. It brought a smile to my face to see both of these sweet ladies. I had hoped to see several others, but as life will have it, it just didn't work out. I hope to catch up with the rest this summer! The last night I was at home, we had to go to eat at Jalapeno's, of course. I may have already eaten there once, but white cheese dip--you gotta have that twice!! It was nice because I got to see my older brother during this dinner, while I had eaten with my dad, younger brother, and Anna the first time around. My mom pushed herself to go eat with us this time, but she was back to the bed until she went back to work on Monday.
Kristy and I drove back to Texas on Wednesday. Although we loved our time with family and friends, it is always nice to get back in my own space. For the remainder of the week, I got to spend time with my home group leader, Mary. She is one of the most encouraging, gracious, God-fearing women I know. I always enjoy time spent with her! I also got to do a couple things I had been wanting to do, such as...relax on the couch, play with Lola, and clean out clothes. I got a couple of post office runs in, in addition to a session for the 8th grader I tutor.
On Saturday night, I had the joy of seeing yet another treasured friend, Mary Martha. I went to meet her, her mom, and her 2 kids in Fort Worth. It was so nice to be able to spend the evening with them, running around the mall, eating in the food court, and playing in the hotel room. Mary Martha and I have known each other for 11 years now...can you believe that MM?!? We were college roommates, and she is the reason I even considered moving to Texas. I thought...I could at least go where I knew one person, right?!? Thankfully, the list of people I know out here has grown and the job is much better where I am, but man, am I thankful she was willing to let me try out Texas with her. I have so much fun watching her kids grow, as well as, talking to her and her mom about life. It is always so much fun to hear the stories both of these ladies have to share. They will keep you laughing for sure.
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| Handsome Andrew |
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| Adorable Rani |
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| What sweet memories...right, MM?? |
Since Spring Break, a couple of things have taken place...TAKS practice and prep for sure, but the most exciting part--I found out I was one of 14 people selected to go on an 11-day mission trip to Visakhapatnam, India. I am so eager to learn more about this trip. All I know about the trip is this...Team members will travel to Visakhapatnam, India, on the eastern coast. Vision Nationals is doing a wonderful job reaching out to both Hindus and Muslims in various ways. There will be opportunities on this trip to care for orphans, teach local pastors and assist this ministry in any way we can. I mean, I am just super excited to be able to love on some kids at the orphanages. I told my leader I have a lot of love to give, so bring it on...he just laughed. I will post more details once I have them.
If you are still reading, whew...you are a trooper...now get some rest or have a great day, whichever applies to you. :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
February
Okay, people, I am staying true to my word...here is a post from February. :)
So, this month has been an interesting month. I have tried to get more focused while I am at school. For the most part, I have been pretty successful! I am trying to keep to myself, team, and students. It has been easier to maintain my focus this way. I have not been caught up in all the drama that comes with a building full of women, right?!?
I will give you an update on my goals and all...how about that for a post? :)
1. Credit card debt-free...I am down to my last month for this one, people!! I am so excited about getting this one completed!! March's post will give y'all the final woohoo!!
2. Pay off my car...This will take place this year, which is so exciting!! Once the credit card is done, the car is tackled!! I am seriously going to do it!!!
3. Attend a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars game...I have tickets to a Dallas Stars' game and am making plans for the other two!
4. Establish a nice customer-base for photography by taking family, children, and maternity photos...I have taken 1 family's Christmas card photos, 1 family's pregnancy and newborn photos, so getting there with this one. I also have a couple of birthday parties coming up, as well as another family's photos. :)
5. Travel to New York City or Chicago...I need to work on this plan!!
6. Donate half of my clothes...I have donated about 1/4 of my clothes, but sadly I have replaced most of them. I have to work on the latter part. I guess if I am going to replace them, I need to start out donating more so I end up having less, right?!?
7. Lose 15 pounds and tone up...I have not lost any yet, but have at least done more activity than I ever have...I can thank the snow for that one, since we stayed in the house, looking for things to do. We got out the Wii, and now we are all trying to be more active with games like Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Sports, Just Dance 2, Biggest Loser and Wii Fit.
8. Learn how to landscape our yard...Now that Spring is here, and it is prettier outside, I will start to work on this one!! :)
9. Learn how to coupon well, saving at least $50 a month...I haven't hit my target yet, but I am diligent in cutting coupons and organizing them. I need to get the system down better. I did at least save $35 last month, which is better than nothing, I suppose.
10. Try 2 new recipes a month...I have so been sticking to this one. December-Pasta Bake and Upside Down Pizza, January-Cajun Chicken Pasta and Lasagna with Cheese Ravioli as the layers, February-Chicken Spaghetti and Baked Ziti, March-... All of the dishes were yummy, but my favorites were Cajun Chicken Pasta, Chicken Spaghetti, and Baked Ziti. Check out Pioneer Woman for these favorites!! :)
11. Take a cruise...Hmm...need to plan this one, too!!
12. Write 4 songs...I have a couple of songs being thought through, but haven't stopped to put them into words yet.
13. Blog at least 1 time a month...You already know this one...I will not miss again!! I will be putting pictures up soon, as I have heard from you out there that I have been slacking!!
14. Attend 2 musicals...At Disney World, I saw Finding Nemo and Lion King. Let me just say...Lion King is my FAVORITE!! Maybe I can see another one (or two) in New York!!! :)
15. Install a new fan in my room...Planning for this one around Spring Break!!
16. Stay under budget each month, and put the remaining money in savings...I have stayed under budget each month, but have had unexpected expenses that needed the money that would have been put into savings, so alas...haven't moved it to savings yet. :(
17. Add over $1,200 to my savings...I have put $300 in savings...more to come!! :)
18. Write thank you notes...Not good with this one, but hopefully will get better.
19. Go to San Marcos...planning this one for summer, I believe. It looks like I will be traveling a lot this summer!! :)
20. Sell most of Mary Kay...I have sold a good bit of it, but still have a lot to sell. I am going to be putting together a variety of combinations to sell to people at school or home, so we will see.
21. See 2 new movies a month...I know, I need to get out more for this one, but I have at least stayed on top of the goal, right? December-Life as We Know It and Karate Kid, January-When in Rome and Eat, Pray, Love, February-(500) Days of Summer and The Secret Life of Bees
22. Send happies to my friends and their kiddos...I have actually gotten good at this one!! :) I have sent happies every month, which makes me feel so good. I love giving to others!!
23. Become a covenant member of The Village Church and serve in a ministry...I will attend membership class for The Village this coming weekend and will be filling out an application for ministry once I am a member.
24. Learn how to play 4 new games...I have to get this one going for sure!! I did play some of a computer game with Kristy and Megan during the snow days, so I think that counts. We completed several puzzles during our hunt on Nancy Drew.
25. Learn how to edit photos...I am attending a workshop in April that will hopefully help me with this one!! :)
26. Donate my hair to Locks of Love...Currently I have about 6-7 inches I am willing to cut, so it looks like this will be accomplished this summer. I am hoping to donate 10-12.
27. Become a vendor on Etsy for my letter photography crafts/projects, in addition to other photography...I have created my profile, but need to decide on prices and such before I put everything up.
28. Read a book of the Bible each month...I am not doing too well with this one, although I am currently working on reading through Esther, as the Parma Place Girls continue the study. I am also reading through Ruth for Bible study, so getting better, but still not quite there.
29. Do 1 Saturday cleaning a month with the roomies, followed by a craft :)...We for sure did this in Dec. and Jan., but didn't do it in Feb. I say we did it, but what I meant was...we did the Saturday cleaning, but have yet to do the crafting part. Hopefully, we will get better with this part!
So, there you have it...an update on the goals. It looks as if the end of the year and summer will be busy trying to accomplish them, but so many of them are ongoing from month to month and still others are soon to be accomplished. I will update with pictures next time. Until then, happy February!! :)
So, this month has been an interesting month. I have tried to get more focused while I am at school. For the most part, I have been pretty successful! I am trying to keep to myself, team, and students. It has been easier to maintain my focus this way. I have not been caught up in all the drama that comes with a building full of women, right?!?
I will give you an update on my goals and all...how about that for a post? :)
1. Credit card debt-free...I am down to my last month for this one, people!! I am so excited about getting this one completed!! March's post will give y'all the final woohoo!!
2. Pay off my car...This will take place this year, which is so exciting!! Once the credit card is done, the car is tackled!! I am seriously going to do it!!!
3. Attend a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars game...I have tickets to a Dallas Stars' game and am making plans for the other two!
4. Establish a nice customer-base for photography by taking family, children, and maternity photos...I have taken 1 family's Christmas card photos, 1 family's pregnancy and newborn photos, so getting there with this one. I also have a couple of birthday parties coming up, as well as another family's photos. :)
5. Travel to New York City or Chicago...I need to work on this plan!!
6. Donate half of my clothes...I have donated about 1/4 of my clothes, but sadly I have replaced most of them. I have to work on the latter part. I guess if I am going to replace them, I need to start out donating more so I end up having less, right?!?
7. Lose 15 pounds and tone up...I have not lost any yet, but have at least done more activity than I ever have...I can thank the snow for that one, since we stayed in the house, looking for things to do. We got out the Wii, and now we are all trying to be more active with games like Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Sports, Just Dance 2, Biggest Loser and Wii Fit.
8. Learn how to landscape our yard...Now that Spring is here, and it is prettier outside, I will start to work on this one!! :)
9. Learn how to coupon well, saving at least $50 a month...I haven't hit my target yet, but I am diligent in cutting coupons and organizing them. I need to get the system down better. I did at least save $35 last month, which is better than nothing, I suppose.
10. Try 2 new recipes a month...I have so been sticking to this one. December-Pasta Bake and Upside Down Pizza, January-Cajun Chicken Pasta and Lasagna with Cheese Ravioli as the layers, February-Chicken Spaghetti and Baked Ziti, March-... All of the dishes were yummy, but my favorites were Cajun Chicken Pasta, Chicken Spaghetti, and Baked Ziti. Check out Pioneer Woman for these favorites!! :)
11. Take a cruise...Hmm...need to plan this one, too!!
12. Write 4 songs...I have a couple of songs being thought through, but haven't stopped to put them into words yet.
13. Blog at least 1 time a month...You already know this one...I will not miss again!! I will be putting pictures up soon, as I have heard from you out there that I have been slacking!!
14. Attend 2 musicals...At Disney World, I saw Finding Nemo and Lion King. Let me just say...Lion King is my FAVORITE!! Maybe I can see another one (or two) in New York!!! :)
15. Install a new fan in my room...Planning for this one around Spring Break!!
16. Stay under budget each month, and put the remaining money in savings...I have stayed under budget each month, but have had unexpected expenses that needed the money that would have been put into savings, so alas...haven't moved it to savings yet. :(
17. Add over $1,200 to my savings...I have put $300 in savings...more to come!! :)
18. Write thank you notes...Not good with this one, but hopefully will get better.
19. Go to San Marcos...planning this one for summer, I believe. It looks like I will be traveling a lot this summer!! :)
20. Sell most of Mary Kay...I have sold a good bit of it, but still have a lot to sell. I am going to be putting together a variety of combinations to sell to people at school or home, so we will see.
21. See 2 new movies a month...I know, I need to get out more for this one, but I have at least stayed on top of the goal, right? December-Life as We Know It and Karate Kid, January-When in Rome and Eat, Pray, Love, February-(500) Days of Summer and The Secret Life of Bees
22. Send happies to my friends and their kiddos...I have actually gotten good at this one!! :) I have sent happies every month, which makes me feel so good. I love giving to others!!
23. Become a covenant member of The Village Church and serve in a ministry...I will attend membership class for The Village this coming weekend and will be filling out an application for ministry once I am a member.
24. Learn how to play 4 new games...I have to get this one going for sure!! I did play some of a computer game with Kristy and Megan during the snow days, so I think that counts. We completed several puzzles during our hunt on Nancy Drew.
25. Learn how to edit photos...I am attending a workshop in April that will hopefully help me with this one!! :)
26. Donate my hair to Locks of Love...Currently I have about 6-7 inches I am willing to cut, so it looks like this will be accomplished this summer. I am hoping to donate 10-12.
27. Become a vendor on Etsy for my letter photography crafts/projects, in addition to other photography...I have created my profile, but need to decide on prices and such before I put everything up.
28. Read a book of the Bible each month...I am not doing too well with this one, although I am currently working on reading through Esther, as the Parma Place Girls continue the study. I am also reading through Ruth for Bible study, so getting better, but still not quite there.
29. Do 1 Saturday cleaning a month with the roomies, followed by a craft :)...We for sure did this in Dec. and Jan., but didn't do it in Feb. I say we did it, but what I meant was...we did the Saturday cleaning, but have yet to do the crafting part. Hopefully, we will get better with this part!
So, there you have it...an update on the goals. It looks as if the end of the year and summer will be busy trying to accomplish them, but so many of them are ongoing from month to month and still others are soon to be accomplished. I will update with pictures next time. Until then, happy February!! :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Argh!!
I so missed posting in January by 1 day!!! That is so frustrating, since I have really been trying to make a conscious effort to hold true to my birthday goals for 30. I cannot believe I am saying that...I will be the big 3-0 this year!! Honestly, I look at the last 29+ years, and just wonder...where is all this going to lead me? Am I going to ever be married with a family? Am I ever going to be able to start up a photography business for real? Will I ever be financially stable? Will I ever find a routine in eating healthier or working out? Will I ever have enough push in me to become more spiritually sound and knowledgeable of the Word? Will I ever push myself to write thank you notes and send cards?
I look at the goals I have set for myself and just want to scream. I feel like I always have things I WANT to do, but for some reason, everything within me WON'T let me actually accomplish them. I don't know what is going on within me. I feel like I am in the middle of an inner battle, starting with accepting myself as I am. I spend more time beating myself up than celebrating who I am in Christ. I find every flaw within me and what is on the outside.
I want to have beautiful teeth, tanned skin, toned body, and an ear without an ornament on it. I am really tired of wearing my hearing aid, but truly know there are no other options, so acceptance is necessary. Also, I am so sick of not having strong, white teeth, but without enamel, acceptance is necessary. I am also sick of not being able to drop the pounds and keep them off like I once could, but without a plan, acceptance for my current weight and pushing to lose it has to be key. Also, tanned skin...well, until summer, this paste will have to do. :)
I guess that I am writing this blog to let you all know of some inward struggles. I have always been a goal setter and goal getter. For some reason, I have let so many others control my drive to accomplish things. It is frustrating and stressful when you live for others. I am currently fighting Satan's hold for pleasing people. I am trying to rid myself of the chains that have a hold on all that I am.
I will be learning a lot about this idea, as I dive into the study of Esther by Beth Moore with the roommates.The title is Esther: It Is Tough To Be a Woman. I know that I will learn a lot from this study, as the first week has already challenged me in ways I never knew it would. I have lots to learn about myself, especially the way I view myself. If I cannot love myself as God loves me, then loving others the way God does is impossible. I am trying to defeat the inner struggle that won't let me accept who I am and move forward to improve my self worth in Christ. I look forward to learning more about who I am in Christ, and redeveloping the love I have for myself and others.
I know that God has been waiting for me to come back to Him and understand that He is so in love with me and has a great plan for my life. It is just that I now have to remember that for all of the goals to be accomplished, I have to come to an acceptance of who I was created to be, as well as stay focused on Him, so "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." I am reclaiming that verse, so that I can stay focused on the prize that is set before me by God. He has such a mighty plan for my life, and I have let so much be robbed by doing anything and everything to please others instead of Christ.
So, all this to say...goals are there, and I am going to do all that I can to reclaim the person I am in Christ...the one who is so focused on Christ that nothing could stop me from doing anything He puts in my path. So here is to accomplishing all the things I desire from the first paragraph and all the lists I have written down in the past...
I look at the goals I have set for myself and just want to scream. I feel like I always have things I WANT to do, but for some reason, everything within me WON'T let me actually accomplish them. I don't know what is going on within me. I feel like I am in the middle of an inner battle, starting with accepting myself as I am. I spend more time beating myself up than celebrating who I am in Christ. I find every flaw within me and what is on the outside.
I want to have beautiful teeth, tanned skin, toned body, and an ear without an ornament on it. I am really tired of wearing my hearing aid, but truly know there are no other options, so acceptance is necessary. Also, I am so sick of not having strong, white teeth, but without enamel, acceptance is necessary. I am also sick of not being able to drop the pounds and keep them off like I once could, but without a plan, acceptance for my current weight and pushing to lose it has to be key. Also, tanned skin...well, until summer, this paste will have to do. :)
I guess that I am writing this blog to let you all know of some inward struggles. I have always been a goal setter and goal getter. For some reason, I have let so many others control my drive to accomplish things. It is frustrating and stressful when you live for others. I am currently fighting Satan's hold for pleasing people. I am trying to rid myself of the chains that have a hold on all that I am.
I will be learning a lot about this idea, as I dive into the study of Esther by Beth Moore with the roommates.The title is Esther: It Is Tough To Be a Woman. I know that I will learn a lot from this study, as the first week has already challenged me in ways I never knew it would. I have lots to learn about myself, especially the way I view myself. If I cannot love myself as God loves me, then loving others the way God does is impossible. I am trying to defeat the inner struggle that won't let me accept who I am and move forward to improve my self worth in Christ. I look forward to learning more about who I am in Christ, and redeveloping the love I have for myself and others.
I know that God has been waiting for me to come back to Him and understand that He is so in love with me and has a great plan for my life. It is just that I now have to remember that for all of the goals to be accomplished, I have to come to an acceptance of who I was created to be, as well as stay focused on Him, so "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." I am reclaiming that verse, so that I can stay focused on the prize that is set before me by God. He has such a mighty plan for my life, and I have let so much be robbed by doing anything and everything to please others instead of Christ.
So, all this to say...goals are there, and I am going to do all that I can to reclaim the person I am in Christ...the one who is so focused on Christ that nothing could stop me from doing anything He puts in my path. So here is to accomplishing all the things I desire from the first paragraph and all the lists I have written down in the past...
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Goals for 2011
Instead of making a large list of things to accomplish without ever accomplishing one, I figured I should stick to 5 attainable goals, so here they go...
1. Excercise more. (Walk Lola 3 times a week, do something on the Wii at least twice a week)
2. Eat healthier. (Cook at least 4 meals at home weekly, eat cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, and eat about the same time for every meal.)
3. Read more of the Bible. (Read one book a month.)
4. Shop with coupons, after making a menu for the week and/or month.
5. Send thank you, birthday, and thinking of you cards every month. (Maybe even think ahead and send gifts for birthdays.)
I figured if I made them specific, baby step-type of goals, I may have a better chance at accomplishing them. I will keep you all updated more, too, as I am trying to be more proactive in the day to day.
More blog posts to come...lots to go back through from the past several months...
1. Excercise more. (Walk Lola 3 times a week, do something on the Wii at least twice a week)
2. Eat healthier. (Cook at least 4 meals at home weekly, eat cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, and eat about the same time for every meal.)
3. Read more of the Bible. (Read one book a month.)
4. Shop with coupons, after making a menu for the week and/or month.
5. Send thank you, birthday, and thinking of you cards every month. (Maybe even think ahead and send gifts for birthdays.)
I figured if I made them specific, baby step-type of goals, I may have a better chance at accomplishing them. I will keep you all updated more, too, as I am trying to be more proactive in the day to day.
More blog posts to come...lots to go back through from the past several months...
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