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Jennifer
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Not so much, no, not really. But looking back on 2009, which was easily the most insane year of my entire life, and turning the mistakes and hardships from that year into learning experiences, there are some things I want to do in 2010 that I believe will lead my life in the direction I want it to go.
In 2009, the first half of the year saw me in a downward spiral emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In July, I said to myself, "no more", and sat down, sat still, and re-evaluated my life. I discovered that the biggest flaw in it was that I had pushed God as far out of my life as I could and still feel like I was holding to some semblance of Christianity. 2 Timothy 3:5 describes it as "having a form of godliness but denying its power". I had attempted to fill the painful, weak, empty spots in my life with people, things, and activities, but they were never enough to make me happy or content. It was time to shake things up and get back to my roots.
Our family changed congregations in July. It was a huge change, but every week I see that it was the right change to make. I see God at work in our new church family and they are focused on following Jesus, our Lord. Their focus has been so encouraging to me and has strengthened mine.
God blessed me with several new friends that are just VITAL to my life. They are on the same road that I am on, and they are working as hard as I am...we're a team. I never knew how much I needed this until I was blessed with it.
I started to work in November. We are focused on paying off debt and becoming financially stable.
My husband and I attended a class on "Sacred Marriage" based on this book. I wish we had had a study similar to this years ago. It put us both back on track a little...we had both become rather sidelined by our lives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about God's plan for marriage. I don't agree with every thought in the book...if you do read it, read it prayerfully and with your Bible in hand...but it has some really great thoughts.
Through all of these changes, I found something that had been missing from my life for years...peace. I was able to leave past mistakes in the past and see them for the learning experiences that they were...after all, God has forgiven me for all those sins...why should I continue to carry them? Knowing that no matter what storms rage in my life, I am not in control, but rather, my Father is...peace. Knowing that He is with me every day and that I am holding His hand....peace...and joy.
However, God did not call us to just bask in His glory and do nothing else...we have priorities and responsibilities. So, for 2010, I am focusing on knowing what my priorities are and keeping first things first.
Bible study is something that I want to especially focus on. God speaks to us through His word...how will we know what He is saying if we don't read? And I want to learn how to really pray to God...to not just make it an "action" but rather, an attitude...to talk to my Father about anything and everything. That's what He desires from His children!
My family is my next priority...I need to focus on learning to be a better wife and mother. Easier said than done :) I have gotten rather selfish with my time...but my family needs and craves it. Learning how to focus that time on them has taken a lot of self-determination, and will be an ongoing learning experience.
I do need to focus on work, since we have determined that right now, that's something that I need to do. Giving my best with a good attitude is my goal here. And I do want time for my volunteering and my mentoring, as giving back to the community brings me a lot of joy.
And I need to focus on me...what is really important to me. I want to be healthier and I want to be stronger. I want to have time for friendships but not let those friendships take over everything else that needs to be done. I need to learn how to balance it all. My first blog was called "A Work In Progress"...I laugh, because, years later, I am still very much a work in progress...more than ever, perhaps. I think that part of growing involves knowing that your work won't ever quite be finished, that there's always room for improvement.
If you pray, pray that I will keep the strength and determination and faith to make these priorities a reality over 2010. A lot of them are BIG changes for me and they won't just come naturally...they will require some degree of self-discipline on my part and a lot of help from God.
And yes, someday I will rewrite my 50 before 50 list ;). Not today, though...work calls! :)
Love you all,
Jen :)
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Jennifer
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...was posted nearly three years ago. I still like the list, it just needs a few revisions :) It can be found here: http://sweetpea1971.wordpress.com/2006/11/11/50-before-50/
Posted by
Jennifer
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Several years ago, when my baby was small (the baby is almost seven and not small anymore), I started a blog. I really did love writing there and I loved the connections I made with it. I had several posts on that blog that I like to refer back to even now...I had a lot of great recipes, some anecdotes that make me smile, some adorable pictures of the kids, and a few lists. I compiled a list of 100 things about me and then the famous 50 by 50 list. That list was my "Bucket List" of sorts....things that I dreamed about doing. I gave myself until I was 50 years old to cross all those things off my list. I am revising that list now...there are some things that I have done, some that I won't actually ever do, and some that are just kinda corny...and then I am going to live it, if the Lord wills it. Those of you that know me know that I like to live big...that I love to dream about possibilities and I love to watch my dreams and others' come true. I am not content to sit and watch life go by...if possible I want to live it as fully as possible. This blog is where I plan to share some of my goals and dreams, flesh out the whys and the hows to make them reality, and to share the journey with you all. The list will be up soon, along with the original and a link to my previous blog. I would love for you to come along for the ride!
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