August 3 in 30 Goals

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I am struggling to find balance.  I feel like my days keep getting away from me and my to-do list is never done. I have decided to join the 3 in 30 group to get myself refocused for August.  Even though I am not a practicing RN anymore, my brain still thinks like one.  Therefore, I have to have measurable goals that I can see whether or not I achieved them.  So here are my three for August:

1.  Complete the last of my homework for Beth Moore's Believing God study.  Our group actually watched the last video on Tuesday and I still have a week's worth of homework to do.  I'm thinking I can get it done in a month. ;)

2.  Do the 31 Days to Clean Challenges.  It just so happens that August has 31 days and I can complete all of the challenges in that time frame.

3.  Have my 8 year old help me prepare 2 meals a week.  My guy, Jay, thinks he wants to be a chef (among other things like an author, a scientist, an artist...it's good to be 8 and have your whole life in front of you).  I could use the help in the kitchen and it would teach him some very important life skills, like how to hold a knife.

Please feel free to share with me how you achieve your personal goals.  I would love to know!

Five Minute Friday - Still

Once again I am joining Gypsy Mama with 5 Minute Friday.  This weeks prompt is - Still.

7:49 PM

I'm still sitting at the computer after a long day away from home.  My goal has been to spend more time with my kids this evening, who I missed greatly while I was volunteering.  They are still playing happily with minimal intervention on my part.  Lego Rock Band is still in our future!

I am still struggling to find the balance.  The balance between faith, family, fitness and friends.  Still hoping to find the answers by plugging along, one day at a time.  Today, I pray for the opportunity to be still before God.  To hear His voice and to follow His perfect will for my life.

Stillness doesn't come very easily.  Everything about me wants to move, move, move and go, go, go.  I fidget as I type this.  Multi-tasking is an art that I am proficient at.  "Be still, and know that I am God."  If I am not taking the time to be still, am I taking the time to know, truly know, that He is God?  It is when I allow my heart and mind rest that His presence becomes powerful and abundant in my life.

7:54 PM

This is totally random, but that's what's floating around in my head this evening.  Have a blessed weekend!

Priorities 2011

I was flipping through my goal setting notebook and found that I started the year by making a list of priorities.   It was very helpful for me to see what I have been working well on and what needs more of my focus and attention.

Here they are:

1. God - relationship with Him, teaching my children how to grow in their relationships with Him.
2. Family - spending more quality time together.
3. My marriage - growing in intimacy and one-ness with my husband.
4. Friends - supporting my friends in person and in prayer.  Being sensitive to the needs of those around me.
5. Business - growth.  Help others to achieve their fitness goals.  Be a motivator and encourager.

I am so thankful that I made this list.  It is a great compass to point me in the direction of how I best need to be spending my time.

What are your top 5 priorities?

Five Minute Friday: Grateful

I haven't blogged in a while and I thought "Five Minute Friday" would be a good place to start.  Today's prompt is the word "Grateful":

10:02 Start

Grateful for a lost child who was found at the neighbor's house.

Grateful for sunny summer days spent at the pool.  The smell of chlorine in my daughter's hair.  The sunburned cheeks and freckles on my little boys' faces.   Good friends to chat with.  Pool snacks to share.

Grateful for a 14 year old who is willing to watch his younger siblings while I go grocery shopping, go to the doctor or just go to lunch with a friend.

Grateful for Bible Study that brings me closer to God and the Body of Christ.  The Body of Christ functioning the way it is supposed to.

Grateful for timely prayer and protection.  People who will go to their knees for me and my family.  People I can go to my knees for. The Sacrifice that allows me to approach the Throne of God.

Grateful for a family that is imperfect and keeps me humble.  For old memories that are shared.  For visits with extended family.

Grateful for the slower pace of summer so that I can take the time to be grateful to a Loving God.

10:07 Stop

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