Here are the plans:
1. Step forward in ministry; don't know whether to undertake study, etc, but I have things burning on my heart and I feel to cruise forward and not be afraid! I really think its time that my dreams got some roots.
2. Start using my crafting for an income; small scale, anyway. My goal is to save up for a digital SLR using money made from either card making/selling, or Stampin' Up parties or classes.
3. Being a littly healthier with eating; no radical diets, really just using a little wisdom and control, not just for weight loss, but to treat my body well and practice more godly discipline. I have been getting better and better over the years, but I would like to take a bigger step forward in learning to not overeat, but to stop when I am satisfied. Or according to this motto that I love; when I am filled to an elegant sufficiency!
4. Really rather than being a goal, I have more of a vague urging to just continue pressing forward and powering on spiritually, with regular morning times with God, more courage to face my fears and more calm and positivity in my life. This will be a year where I will move at the rate God wants for my life, rather than shrinking back and letting pessimism or fear of failure run the reigns. God has shown Himself to me in amazing ways in 2008 and I want to live out what He is doing in my life, continuing to say a big fat NO to negative thoughts and self defeating actions that would try to pull down what He says, who He is and where He is leading.
So yeah, really that is the goal for 2009. On reflecting on 2008, it has been a really wonderful year; new friends, deeper friendships, mental and spiritual healing, financial prosperity (or at least more freedom than years past), creative endeavours, improved family relationships, and watching our beautiful daughter grow. The real highlight of 2008 has been being lead to Activate and knowing without doubt that we are planted in this house. I have never felt more at home or felt so connected to a church before. I just love it and I love how good God is.
Actually, as I think about it, one more area for growth I need to give attention to for 2009 is my marriage. As time ticks its easy to become more picky and less respectful to eachother. Marriage should be an arena for mutual grace. Rather than snatching for 'what I deserve' or griping when I feel mistreated, I want our marriage to be a reflection of Christ's love and grace.
Our marriage is far better than ever and we are learning to truly accept eachother for who we are. We are coming up for 6 years on January the 4th and I am proud of how far we have come. It isn't easy, but between marriage and parenting, we have an amazing opportunity for growth if we keep our focus right. It is an incredible journey.
So I would say that my goal in marriage for 2009 is quite simple really; It is what my mother in law wrote on our wedding card. Simple and true, she wrote; Be nice to each other. Always. and I think if I can live this one out, I will be doing well. Its really just a spin on the old 'Treat everyone how you want to be treated.' And I think it is great advice.
So on that note, here's to 2009; may God bless it and shape us more and more and may we be able to say this time next year that we are further along now than last year. Not necessarily in position or popularity or with multiple goals under belt, but further along in our relationship with God, knowing Him more intimately than we ever have. God bless to you all from us, xox
Happy New Year!
1 comment:
Love it rach... be nice to each other always - so simple, yet often so forgotten as we over complicate our relationships. thanks for the inspiration!
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