New Year's Resolution

I'm trying not to say that I have a New Year's resolution because if I do then I'll probably drop in the middle of February like usual. So, I guess my "goal" for 2011 is to grow in ever aspect of my life...my relationship with Christ, my marriage, my relationship with others, my health..etc.

In order to reach the goals I've started a few different things this year hoping they will all help....that is if I stick with it!

Relationship with Christ - Last fall I started a bible study called Community Bible Study which is similar to BSF. It is an intense dive into the word. During the fall I found out I had hypothyroidism which isn't serious but made me EXHAUSTED! I stopped going to CBS in exchange for more sleep. Once the meds kicked in and my energy level was better, I just got lazy. Well, this spring I'm starting anew and praying I can make it through! Since leaving college I feel like I'm in a spiritual brain freeze. All through high school and college, I was involved in youth groups, praise bands, bible studies, a christian sorority, leading of bible studies, covenant groups, etc...etc...After moving to Houston and less involvement in the church I feel like all of my knowledge and confidence has gone out the window. There are many times during church and bible study that my mind is blank and when I do have something to say it doesn't really have much substance..or doesn't make sense. Not what I'm used to...Part of it could be the lack of adderall but the majority is just my lack of involvement. So I'm diving in (cue steve curtis chapman). My goal is to take full advantage of the opportunities for growth around me! Pray and hold me accountable please!!

Marriage - So as many of you know, Andrew and I have been together for 8 1/2 years. 6 1/2 of it was dating. 2 of it married. So...we are really good at dating. It's taken a while for the whole you're married now not dating thing to sink in. For me that means thinking less of myself and more of him (and Him). We have been BEYOND blessed with an amazing small shepard bible book study group. We have read through Sacred Marriage, Crazy Love, and are now finishing up the Love and Respect video series. Andrew and I also attended a Love and Respect Conference. amazing. Not only are we learning to be a better spouse but we are surrounded by those in the same boat as we are. It seems with the new year I'm actually fully ready to put it in to practice. I'm not saying I was a horrible wife and I wasn't using anything I was learning...but I'm ready to see how I can bless Andrew with my knowledge instead of how I can tell Andrew how he can bless me. So I have a few friends (well pretty much just Danielle) that are really good at doing something everyday for a year and I thought maybe I could do something similar but didn't want to copy the picture a day thing. Then Rachel told me about something she does. She writes love respect notes to Evan in a journal as a practical way to respect him (ephesians 5:33). So...drum roll please...I have decided to right one thing a day in a journal for Andrew. Whether it's something I'm thankful for or something that he did that made me proud or just a random word or affirmation. So far I'm doing pretty well but it's only been 9 days. I really hope I can pull it off. I tend to start things and not finish them (ex. a scarf from over a year ago). I know it's making a difference to Andrew. I've noticed that it's making a different in how i react with him too. I'm purposefully trying to find things throughout the day that I can write down. Instead of my usual selfish thoughts. It's also given me more patience during the not so fun times because I don't want things to get so out of hand that I don't want to write anything! Through the whole love and respect stuff I've had trouble finding practical ways to "respect" him. Hopefully writing things down will help them come more easily.

physical health - ya ya...the typical NYR. Today Andrew and I joined the gym at our church. It's only $30 a month for both of us. Which is pretty darn cheap for houston. Since I pick up Y everyday from school at the church at 3 my goal is to make it to the gym by 1ish and work out until he gets out. I'll let yall know how that one goes.

oh...we also got a kinect for Christmas. and it works.

Relationship with others - so some of yall may or may not know that I've struggle with a confidence/self esteem thing pretty much my whole life. I know you all know that I'm outgoing and a social butterfly but some of yall may not know the thoughts that run through my head after. Crazy stuff like "they think i'm annoying" or "i make no sense" or "the like everyone else more" or "I always do the initiating because...blah blah blah... I know it all sounds pretty immature but it's something I'm working on. Old habits die hard. My plan is to pour out in to others. Andrew and I are a part of a new sunday school class that's about to start up. It looks like I might be in charge of greeting. Great for my social butterflyness...hard for my confidence. I know I will struggle but I'm excited about reaching out to others that might feel the same as I do. I pray the Lord will use it to stretch and grow me....grow me sounds weird. I'm also excited to be involved in something...which goes back to my typical high school/college days. GGGGGooooooooo CORD! (that's the name of the class...)

p.s. Danielle - no this is not me saying I don't want to do the greeting. i really am excited.

Welp there you have it. Please pray for journey towards reaching these goals. That sounds so corny....but really. do it.