A Peek at 2014

It's the time of year for pondering.  Self-examination.  Thinking.

What went well this year?  What things do I want to change?  How do I change?

As a Christian, I want to examine my life against scriptures.  I want to make plans for my life that consider the Truth of God.  I don't want to fall into the "New Year's Resolution" trap that so many people do.  I don't want to decide to change something and then quit.

And that's what will happen if try to change anything in my own strength.  Phil. 4:13 says that we can do ALL things through CHRIST.  He gives us the strength to do anything and everything.  That means my plans for next year need to reflect changes that He would have me make in my life.

Many verses have been coming to mind.  I'm planning on picking one to claim for 2014.  A focus verse if you will.  One that will guide the direction of my life for the next year.

I'm still praying about which one.  But I'll be sharing it with you all early in the new year.  And you can help hold me accountable.

A few goals for 2014:

After spending some time in prayer, these are a couple of goals I have. 

Read at least one book a month (not a children's book--I read lots of those!)

        I KNOW I want to tackle these ones:

                   *Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal (Salatin)--I checked it out from the library once
                     before and read bits and pieces.  It deserves a full read.  I like his work. 
                   *The Hobbit (Tolkien).  Would you believe that I've NEVER read this book.  (Or the
                     Trilogy that follows...) 
                   *Keeping Our Children's Hearts; Our Vital Priority (Maxwell).
                    *Raising Real Men (Young). 
                     *Eragon (Paolini) Jayme wants me to read this one.  She just listened to the tape. 
                     *The Untold Story of Milk (Schmid) I love raw milk.  But I should read more about it!

I haven't narrowed down the others yet, so I'll start with these. Any recommendations for me?  I don't have as much time to read now, so I want to go for quality.  And books that are on topics of interest. 

Complete the Couch 2 5 K Training.  That means exercise 3 days a week.  And be able to run a 5 K.  I don't think I'll actually run the race with other people though.  I prefer solo/family based exercise.  But being able to run it--that would be amazing! My older sister is also doing this program, so we'll be able to encourage each other along the way.

Sew one item for the house and one item for someone (or me) to wear.  That means I need to learn to sew.  My sisters can help me!  

Blog at least three times a week.  I love being able to get my thoughts out in writing.  It's very relaxing for me! 

Take a picture a day.  Most days I'll use my phone.  Sometimes I might break out Bryan's fancy SLR camera.  I'll take pictures of kids.  Pictures of cows.  Pictures of life.  We need to capture those memories! Maybe once a week I'll share my daily pictures with everyone here.  

What are your plans for the new year?