The wintertime has spanned long and my resolve has gone out the window. I knew it would be like this. It's the same every year. That's why I set goals rather than resolutions, because goals just seem more attainable. Also, if you are making progress, you're improving on a goal... a resolution seems so all or nothing, and let's be honest, I'm not one of those all or nothing type gals. Two months into the year and I can see some improvement... not as much as I'd like, but it is what it is. Here's my "progress".
My goals were as follows, with a summary of how I'm doing in bold.
1. Above all, focus on LOVE in everything that I do. There you go... that's my one word. LOVE. Loving God. Loving myself. Loving others. More about that later.
Love in action is so hard for me. I knew it would be. Perhaps that's why I felt this word on my heart so much going into the new year. I am so quick to judge, and to only consider my side of the story. I forget grace, even though I thought I had that one under control. However, I must say that this word being in the forefront has made me more aware. I mean, I may not always be loving, but I sure get called on it if I'm not. That gut check that tells me to stop and think of how I'm acting... the words that I'm saying. Lord, help me.
2. Writing on this blog every day this year. That's right. 365 posts, whether I have anything to write about or not. I'll try to provide a disclaimer at the beginning on days when I'm just not feeling it... but it's about discipline and we all know how I am about discipline.
Oh, February. I've failed in this one. District tournament time and late night every night killed me on this one. 15/28 days. Wow. 54%. Oh, well... moving on. I can start anew TODAY and write every day from here on out.
3. Exercise. Consistently. Even if I hate it. 10,000 steps at least 6 days a week. Using the fitness room at work more often. And perhaps this will be the year I finally convince myself to work up to running a 5K?
This snow killed me on this one, too, even though I was at home and had no excuse. I mean, the treadmill was right there. I could have used it... but it was so much more comfortable to sit under my blanket and read. And, also, a week of District tournament late nights didn't help this one, either. So... while not great, here it is... 13/28 days for 46.43% I had over 10,000 steps. I had 19/28 days where I either walked at least 2 miles on the treadmill or did 30 minutes in the fitness center at work. I averaged 9,070 steps a day and completed 40 miles of walking during exercise minutes. I skipped a week of my running plan but I did finish strong, running (if you call it that) 3 miles in 45 minutes and 17 seconds. Nonstop. So, even though I was nowhere as good as I wanted to be, I have come along... the important thing is to keep at it and not stop.
4. Read my Bible all the way through. I'll be reading my Chronological Bible. I did this in 2012 and it was awesome. I allowed myself to get distracted the past two years, and while I've been in the Word, it's not been as consistent as I'd like it. In addition to that, I want to complete 4 in-depth Bible studies. I've already got them picked out and ready to go. Kelly Minter's What Love Is (How fitting for my word!), Priscilla Shirer's Breathe (about Sabbath Rest), Lisa Harper's Hebrew, and Melissa Spoelstra's Jeremiah.
Still behind in my Chronological reading. Still behind on my Bible studies. And to be honest, I don't have any excuse. I've just been lazy. Been reading too much other stuff. Been sleeping late and not doing my reading before I go to bed. I've got to ask forgiveness for this one.
The thing is, when I do read, I am so blessed... and I find myself wanting to keep reading. Keep searching. I love how things just fit together and seem to speak to me right where I am... so, I'm going to do better.
5. Cross something off my bucket list.
Nothing to report here.
6. Count 1,000 gifts... or more. Try to keep a blessing jar.
Doing pretty good on this one. Haven't started a blessing jar, but I'm writing down at least three gifts most days.
7. Love in action to other people- you know the drill. Random acts of kindness.
Oh, boy. Yes, I've done some kind things for some people. I've had kind words and offered a sympathetic ear and have demonstrated love in some ways.
But at other times I've allowed my words to cut like a knife. And I've rolled my eyes too many times to count. And mumbled under my breath. This love thing... dying to self and loving others... it's hard. No wonder He said it had to be in His strength.
8. Read at least 125 books. That's one book almost every three days. This just might be my favorite challenge! (Last year I read 161 books. What!?!?)
I read 10 books in February. More on what I'm reading in March in a later post.
9. Memorize 24 verses this year through Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team.
Memorized 1 John 4:10 and Galatians 5:14. Micah 6:8 and Romans 12:9. Working on Romans 13:10
One thing I'm finding about this memory work is I have to keep reviewing. Like right now, I may not be able to quote the verses... I have the gist of the content but not the whole verse... so, one thing I'm going to have to do is start reviewing them more frequently... just like I tell my students about content.
Some improvement. Some setbacks. But will keep on keeping on!
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