Don't Blink

The year is almost 1/6 of the way over. Don't blink!

I've been absent here because I've been focusing on my 365 blog. If you are hankering for more, check it out!

This new year was the first time I didn't really feel the hankering for New Years Resolutions. My 365 challenge is more of a challenge and growth project than a resolution.

My Bible study decided to read the Bible through in a year, with assigned daily readings. The beauty of it, however, is that the ultimate goals is to actually get through it in a year, so if I'm lax for a day I don't feel like I totally blew it.

ONE WORD
Last year I heard about choosing One Word for a year and focusing on that word all year instead of setting resolutions. My word was easy to pick...completion. I have so many 1/2 started projects and grand ideas that haven't come to fruition. Funny thing is that, no, nothing on my list is completed! But some things are dangerously closer than they would have been otherwise. Again, focusing on the grace and not fretting until the end of the year!

Then I heard that you should pick words for your family members too--things to pray over since I obviously can't make them do anything! Choosing words for them was much harder.
*John's word is still changing continuously. Maybe I'll have the perfect word picked out for him by next year.
*When I asked Will what word he wanted, he picked "poop." Quite fitting since he is such a big stinker head! I couldn't help but laugh out loud--for several minutes! But once I explained what I meant, he picked "Jesus." That's my Sweetie. I'm praying for a real understand of who Jesus is and a personal relationship for him. He is totally obsessed with Easter right now, to no credit of my own, so I think it's working.
*Gemma's word flips back and forth between growth and health...physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. You may think she's too young for the spiritual, but I give babies way more credit than most.

And so our 2011 has begun. And is already 1/6 over! Don't blink!

Wishing You a Risky 2009

Baby New Year 2009

I thought about posting the best of 2008, but I do that practically every time I blog. Will was obviously the '08 highlight! So instead, I decided I need to share some thoughts on '09.

I am particularly excited about the upcoming year. I'm so glad Will is going to be here from the start of it, but I think it's more than that. The first sermon of the year at church, about faith, reiterated a lot of what I've been thinking...

1. Faith is spelled R-I-S-K. (John Wimber) If God is as big and powerful as we claim He is, isn't He going to want us to do some big (aka risky) things?
2. On the surface faith makes no sense. Why doesn't faith make sense to most people? Because faith is being certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
3. If I am a follower of Christ, I should be defined by my faith, which (back to #1) is spelled R-I-S-K. Therefore, I should be doing some risky things this year, that would seem crazy to most people.

What specifically am I talking about? First, let's look at the history books. The most recent example and closest to our hearts is that God asked us, 2 ordinary people who operate on an extremely average income, to undertake a very expensive adoption. When we stepped out on faith, God provided the money. We brought our little boy home and to date are not any deeper in debt for doing so. We believe that God asked those same 2 ordinary people, operating on that same average income, to cut that income in half and have one of us stay at home with our child, at the very least for a year. "Couponing" and being thrifty has almost become a hobby. The bills have all been paid on time thus far.

Back to 2009, I've never been a prophet. But there are some things I'm pretty sure I should work on this year, some riskier than others...
1. Potty Training--Will was able to hold it all day instead of going in a bag for the doctor. As soon as I took off the bag, he looked at me and said, "Mommy. Pee pee." Then he went in his diaper. Just one of many signs he's ready. Risks: more laundry, dirty floors, germs
2. Eating More Vegetables--I came up with a new word for what I am, meatitarian. I'm looking for yummy ways to fix veggies without tons of butter, sauce, and cheese. If you've got any good recipes, send them my way. Risks: grumpiness, going hungry
3. Play More--I'm great at fitting in some playing while I get my tasks done, but I have a hard time sitting still for prolonged, focussed play. I don't want my children to remember me as the mom who always had something else to do. Risks: Not getting as much "other stuff" done
4. Build our Photography Business--It's something we both love. God has sent photography jobs our way several times over the last few years when we weren't even looking. It seems that now is the time to press forward with that endeavor. We should have a website up very soon. If you know anyone who wants pictures, please send them our way! Risks: failure, getting out of the comfort zone, lots of time
5. Scripture Memory--I've been convicted of this since my freshman year of college (14 years ago!!!) and never really committed. Since I'm a huge Beth Moore fan and she's issuing a challenge on her blog, I've decided to jump in and finally do it. You can pick your own scripture to mememorize, which is important to me. I've never been able to focus on something just because it was meaningful to someone else. Check it out! Risks: time, God asking me to use that scripture when I selfishly don't want to (there's that comfort zone thing again!)
6. TBA--To Be Announced. But rest assured there is more, a lot more. The most meaningful of all, but there is a season for everything, and I just don't think it's the season to share quite yet. Besides, I have to give you a reason to keep coming back for more!