Finishing well . . . Walking in faith . . .

Showing posts with label New Year 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year 2014. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

New Year's Reflection #1

Normally I am dishing out my resolutions for the next 12 months but I have changed my mind about that a little through the last few years.  I did it for years and never succeeded so I have come up with ways to challenge myself each new year - without feeling like I failed at the previous year.  In other words - don't get down if I didn't meet every goal.

Did I lose down to my goal weight last year?  No.  I lost zero pounds.  I gained 15.   I'm still down 15 from my beginning.  That's good.

Did I read through the Bible last year?  No.  Embarrassingly, I read very little from my Bible.  I don't have to pay "late fees" on my Bibles laying around - so I can dig in now.  That's good.

Did I speak only kind words after much thought?  No.  The opposite.  Spent a lot of time frustrated and hashing problems out - Out Loud.    I made ammends and haven't repeated.  That's good.

So what will I focus on in 2014?  I have a short list as I listed in my previous post.  To start off with I am challenging myself to Read More Books.  I love books.  I love to look at books in the store.  I long to go to the library and browse the shelves.   I just don't get them read.  So - the first thing I did this week after recovering from the flu was to take the library books back and the church books I borrowed back.  I came home instead with my first selection for the year and it is also the first pick for my book club that I am in along with my sister Tami.  And I will read one book at a time until it is finished!     This month's selection for me is Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg.  Tami recommended it as one of her all time favorites last year and so I decided to give it a try.  She had told me that it is a tear jerker on one level and it is about two dear friends.   Since re-evaluating friendships is on my list of things to focus on - I thought - hey what a great book to start with!


     What do two women talk about when they don't have forever to talk.  They talk about what they
     have always talked about - they just go deeper and more involved.  They are more honest.  They
     look for humor.    The gift and power of female friendships.  


My challenge to Tami was to choose a book of her liking but have a reason for picking it.  Then blog about it.

Friendships are on my list of things to take stock of because as I get older I have looked back at the friends I have had through different stages of life.  I think it is interesting and I have always said that God brings us a friend for a season.    Sometimes God brings us a friend for all seasons.  Sometimes we have to part with a friend because it isn't working.   Delicate, precious, and very time consuming are friends.

So I challenge you to join me with a good book.  I'd love to hear what you are reading and why?  Or share your thoughts and insights on friendships.  And finally, feel free to tell me what you are looking forward to in 2014.

I will return after the last page is read to tell you what I discover . . .

Blessings in Books!

Read about Elizabeth Berg's Talk Before Sleep.
















 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

I do declare . . .

Welcome back to my blog!  Again!  2014 has arrived to find me down and out with my first "official" case of "influenza"  H1N1 - a darn nasty cold and wasted week of a perfectly great life.  Soooooo I haven't had a chance to celebrate my favorite evening of the year - New Year's Eve - nor set up my "plan" for a brand new year!  I am about ready to do that though.  As you my faithful readers know - I love the New Year and the freshness it brings with new starts!  Last year I posted the challenge to learn five new things in 2013.  I did have a great time learning how to identify and shoot several different firearms - check it out here.  I also beefed up my CPR training.  And then it was downhill.   I did not learn Algebra I, the electric slide, nor how to knit.  No worries!  I will do it this year!!

I apologize to my daughter Casey the math teacher, that I did not get the four week Algebra I class done that I intended.  She loaned me a text book and was all ready to tutor me through it last summer . . . a feat I'm sure isn't at the TOP of her TO DO list! :)

Learning the Electric Slide is my celebration dance!!  I fully intend to get to my ideal weight and with that to learn to do some dance moves!  I have always felt awkward on the dance floor - but the electric slide just looks like so much fun!!!!!

Check back this week as I roll out my plans for 2014 and my 55th year of blessed living!  I will share the things I am focusing on this year - - - all with an ultimate goal of keeping things simple, low key, and comfortable!!

Here are some hints of what I'm looking towards . . .

       Reading More!

           Exercise!

               Enjoying Work!

                       Stress-free Travel!

                               Re-evaluating Friendships!

                                           Homemaking!

                                                  Worship!


Thanks for following me - I hope I haven't lost my few loyal readers as I have been bouncing about for several months without a focus!    Hope you all had a great holiday and Happy New Year!!

“By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands – your own.” – Mark Victor