Sunday, January 2, 2011

Resolutions

I'm not a huge resolution maker mainly because I hate to fail. Why write out my goals and hold myself responsible when it's possible I might not complete the task?! I feel like I'm just setting myself up for failure! However, this year I have things that are and have been on my heart so we'll simply call them my resolutions....not because it's a new year but because I continually want to better myself.

1. Along with reading God's written word, I want to read a few really good devotional books that will inspire me to deepen my relationship with God and stretch my boundaries. Kelly's Korner recommended Crazy Love which I'm already looking at on half.com and am interested in purchasing.

2. Continue learning about my energetic boy with Dr. Dobson's Bringing Up Boys. I started reading this while Hannah was still in utero and learned SO much in just the first few chapters. Having been around very few boys growing up, I need all the advice and insight I can get. (I have no idea why this is underlined!)

3. Learn contentedness. I've found myself recently commenting to people that I want more space and we "need" another vehicle when the truth is....we are SO rich already. I've visited homes on mission trips where 10 people slept in a one room house and had never ridden in a vehicle before, much less owned one (or two). God tells us to be content in every situation and promises us that he will always give us what we NEED. And I want to live that out in our situation and lean on God for our blessings.

4. One of my largest desires is to learn more about my life's mission right now, which I believe is serving my family. I'm already reading/studying an incredible book that has opened my eyes tremendously toward my husband called "Motivating Your Man: God's Way." I HIGHLY recommend this book to any woman who is looking to marry, is recently married, or is celebrating 30 years of married bliss! Amazing book. So I'm going to continue in this study, trying to perfect my respectful attitude towards my amazing husband. I'm always looking to find ways to become a more godly mother. While I believe a large part of this stems from being a loving & respectful wife, there are still aspects outside of our marriage that I want to work on. I'm ALWAYS needing more patience! (But I don't invite the trials that develop it!) I want to further develop ways to instill the love for our Savior into my children during daily activities, discipline, and play.

5. Drew will be turning 3 in July and we're looking towards homeschooling him for many different reasons that are right for our family. I feel OVERWHELMED with the TONS of information out there related to homeschooling so inbetween the baby and the toddler, I want to start sorting out this information for next year when he turns 4.

6. I'm learning to relax! I've had no choice the past few weeks but to relax and put down my pride. I'm accepting help from friends and family, answering the door in my sweatpants and no make up, and not freaking out hysterically if my house isn't in pristine condition when company shows up. I've jokingly said I was going to put a sign on the door that says, "A family of 4 (with 2 children) lives here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And it looks like it." But seriously....I might do it. ;)

7. Playdates. I must get involved with more playdates for Drew. He loves playing with other kids and I'm just beginning to sense his need for that interaction outside of a few times a week at church. I think it would make me feel better if I could supervise him some while he learns how to interact with other kids, share, take turns, etc. Oh and it wouldn't hurt if the kid's mom were my friend too. ;)

8. Service. While I honestly feel my main service is to my family right now, I want to find ways that are within my reach to tangibly help others. Whether it be with money, a meal, sacrificing naptime to lend an ear, or a note of encouragement, it's my goal to reach out to others this year in the ways that I am able.

9. Choose Joy! I'm going to choose joyfulness even when my day is going rotten. My eyes have been opened to the fact that my attitude sets the day for the entire family. Like they say, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" Well, the second fruit of the spirit listed is "joy" so I'm going to be joyful--especially to my family.

10. And I'm gonna try to lose a few pounds. You know that one had to be thrown in. ;) Thank you, breastfeeding for the increased metabolism to help me out there!

4 comments:

Lori T said...

Great ideas! I've thought many of them, too. I have the book Crazy Love, but I haven't started reading it yet.

Ben and Audrey said...

my hubby has read Crazy Love a few times and he LOVED it. i'm about to start it myself. another great book is Radical by David Platt. i can't say enough about David Platt. he is incredible. seriously.

playdate?! you, me & brittany should totally get together. i think it would be great. i know jack would really enjoy it. and me & brittany would love the conversation. i know that y'all live to close to each other, so we need to work it out!! for reals.

great resolutions. i've been learning about my attitude, also. i hate it when i'm in a bad mood & i see it affecting ben & my kids. it bothers me that i can be hurtful or snappy. the Lord is teaching me, the hard way, to ALWAYS have a soft answer. and love them before myself. ouch. not an easy process.

ok. playdate. let's make it happen. like next week. seriously. please.

Laura said...

Great thoughts!! Check out thriftbooks.com. They have free shipping on every order.

Alyssa Hoshell said...

Crazy Love is a great read, Chris & I have both read it!! And great "resolutions" which are a reminder to us all or a boost for those of us who have similar ones!

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