Wondering what Mommy Homework is??? Each week you will have an “assignment” here to share in our comments here on this site. You will love this-both sharing AND enjoying answers by others. Some of them, I compile into an ebook (contributors can resell as a product of their own–be sure to submit your email and full name when you register so I can credit you appropriately!).
The result is AWESOME!
We get to know each other…we are encouraged in our journey…and we glean super ideas from other great moms!
Ready for this week’s MH? This is a good one!
Our topic this week is “New Year, New Beginning, New YOU!”
Your Assignment This Week…
It’s time for a NEW YEAR! Have you looked at the calendar? This is the week that we ring in a new year. It is time for a new year. A new beginning! A new YOU! Ready?
I know you see this all over the place, but this is the time that we pull back and really evaluate where we have been…where we are today…and where we want to go. Today, I broke out my “little black book” and began looking at what I have accomplished over the past year. I looked at those important things that I REALLY wanted, but never seemed to fit into my schedule this past year. I dumped out a few ideas that have been floating around for a bit that needed a place to stay while I work on other things. As I was looking at my past year, where I am today, and where I want to be this time next year, I scheduled in the things that I want to look back upon next year this time as REALITIES, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SUCCESSES, and TREASURES! 🙂
This is essential. When we fail to plan, we really plan to fail. You are 90% more likely to get things done if they are written down and reviewed regularly. So, today, let’s do it together. Want to? This week share the following:
1. What do you want most this New Year?
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I am SO excited to “chat” with you guys this week about this topic. Just grab yourself a big cup of tea…or hot chocolate…or a latte and brainstorm on this one. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get serious about making this New Year the very best ever! Dig in!
Love ya!
Cindy
PS! Please remember to use your real name if you want credit for your Mommy Homework Credit. 
PPS! You CAN just share and not participate in Mommy Homework, BUT I would LOVE for you to get some goodies along the way!
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Deadline–Friday at midnight CST.
1. What do you want most this New Year? Two thing: Lose weight and get healthy AND get organized (I guess that is 3 things – sorry)
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? I need to be organized to find the time to work out/menu plan and so I don’t get stressed and eat a lot. So I guess that is first. I have a planner, I have a chore schedule, I understand what I need to do – but I am LAZY! So I guess first, I need to get right with God and work on that.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Exercise and time to write
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? Work every single day on keeping things going around here. Housework and my schedule being the most important thing. Bible study has to come first!!!!! I have to stay off my behind and out from in front of the TV and keep working. No LAZINESS here!
I think that is quite the commitment. I guess I need to go to God and get things all straigtened out with him.
Blessings,
Carie Shinn
Boy, those are some thought-provoking questions…
I guess the most pressing thoughts on my mind these days which would influence the direction I want to go in this year is the state of the world and the Economy. My husband lost his job this year and we concerned, not just for ourselves, but also for the future of our nation. We have built a house of cards that I believe may have to come all the way down before anything gets better. I am also aware that along with sort of hanging by a thread financially, our once great nation is reeling with sin and pride. Not a great combination, if one desires the Lord’s protection.
So, I guess my number one longing for this New Year is to build both economic and spiritual strength as a family. There are a number of ways to do this, the first of which would be to pray my husband into a job that would, hopefully, be recession/depression-proof. The other is for us to become more self-sufficient. I plan to have a bigger garden this year and I would like to put away a good storage of the food basics: wheat, rice, legumes, sugar, salt, oil and other things that we commonly eat, as well as having a water supply that could last us for a few days (I live in earthquake country) in an emergency. I would like to squirrel away a cash reserve, too.
As to spiritual things, my family is already good at daily scripture reading and evening prayers, but I am feeling the need to develop the habit of morning family prayer (no small feat, with our crazy schedules) and to focus on rendering acts of service as a family this year. We need further consecration of ourselves to the Lord. The scriptures talk about the importance of “stand ye in holy places” in the days prior to Christ’s Second Coming (whenever that may be) and I would like to make our home much more of a “holy place”, if that makes sense.
One other goal for this next year is to get into a habit of (yes) regular exercise and develop a stronger, healthier body.
I don’t know if you wanted to hear something this long-winded, but these are my thoughts as I project what is most important for myself and my family in this coming year: spiritual and financial strength.
God bless all of you,
Elizabeth
Hey, I’m first this week. 🙂
1. What do you want most this New Year? Well, the first answer- even though it may sound corny- is a closer relationship with the Lord. I often get so busy with the little things that I just “go through the motions” in my relationship with God. I want to slow down and see what is important. A close second is that I want to be very “tuned in” to what God wants me to teach my children and not just flit from thing to thing just because something looks good.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? First, make spending time in God’s word a priority. Second, make my personal health and fitness a priority.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? My health and fitness; making time each week to spend some one on one time with each child
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? Be more deliberate about my personal Bible reading and study time. I also will commit to be more deliberate about my personal health and fitness.
I’m looking forward to reading the replies. Planning for next year has been on my mind today!
Leah Courtney
1. What do you want most this New Year?
I want to commit to homeschooling my boys and managing my home with all my heart. My heart is more often on my own selfish wants instead of recognising that what I need is my family to be strong and it is my responsibility to do everything I can with God’s help to make it that way.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
Firstly remember to not only have a quiet time in the morning but to be constantly at the Lord’s feet in prayer with every word I utter and every choice I make.
Secondly I need to prayerfully make plans and then with His strength behind me follow them.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Consistent routines for my home life and I could do with finding some friends, even just one, to talk to and share with in real life on a regular basis. My support network in the physical world is non-existent.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
Today I am going to wrap up my monthly meal planning, making that leap to planning every meal, baking and snacks. Today I will also prayerfully consider what my boys need in the way of household training this coming year.
2009 is going to be my best year yet. I am totally committed to the changes that God shows me need to happen.
Best wishes
Jen in Oz
1. What do you want most this New Year?
A-To make sweet memories that last a lifetime. Continue to look for God in all circumstances.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first?
A- I am already doing this one, but daily have my own quiet time before I do anything else.
Second?
A- Continue to pray for my family as we surrender more & more to God.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
A- Daily walks with my boys. Get outside on a daily basis, away from technology, and walk to the park as we enjoy nature & each other. Making memories that last a lifetime.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
A- Witness to others. Either through blogging, working directly with people or/and praying for them.
Also, count my blessings everyday.
HAPPY NEW YEAR,
Michelle Fitzgerald
Cindy, you picked a deep thinking subject!
1. What do you want most this New Year? To draw nearer to God; to be a better wife and mother to my family; to help more homeschoolers that need help getting started; loose weight; let “our” special service man know how special he is to our family; and the list can go on and on.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Putting God first in my life makes everything go smoother. When I can remember that He is first and foremost in my life then I feel like I can do more. Second? My husband comes next to God and then my children. If I remember to keep these in the right place things work a lot better in our home. If I mix things up and put myself and my family before God, then things seem to just become a big mess.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? For 7 years I have put off setting my foot down to my parents and letting them know that my family (all of them) comes first before them. I hate hurting anyone and until now I have put it off but no matter what the outcome this will be the first thing on my calendar this year. I also have been setting aside my health because of all that is demanded of me from our handicapped son and our oldest son that has and will still need extra time and help.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? Drawing closer to God and helping my family see Him through me. Helping all of us work to help those in the family that need extra help but sharing more time with everyone.
Cindy, thanks for helping us think through some of this. No this isn’t everything and as you know, I have no idea what may come this next weekend, but I know God will see our family through even tho’ the challenges are great.
I’m looking forward to more great sessions that you do this next year!
Blessings to all,
Orilla Crider
1. What do you want most this New Year?
Several come to mind – to establish a better QT routine, to lose weight and exercise, be more diligent in our routines, to have a gentle and quiet spirit — especially with those in my home.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First, to have my QT more diligently each day. Second, to really be aware of what I eat and exercise and how these two simple things can affect how I interact with those around me and with how much I get accomplished each day because my energy levels are going crazy because of my “sweet tooth” that now I’m trying to control. 🙂
3. What have you been putting off that needs to be on your calendar?
I still need to find time for exercising. That is one of my biggest things to neglect and I truly need this. I’m trying to find some ways that I can do this with all 4 of my children so that it becomes a part of our daily routine.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I want to “Seek first His Kingdom, and then all these things will be added unto us.” Also, to pray for specifically and diligently for my children, spouse and our homeschooling.
Happy New Year!
Nancy Mosley
1. What do you want most this New Year?
To re-learn French and learn German. I also want to brush up on Photography and learn more about digital photography. I also would like to finally get to my goal weight and stay there for good!
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First, I would like to work on teaching my children better and not worrying about what others are teaching them, if they are behind in some way academically..and to have more fun with them.
Second.. to find contentment in every situation. To find contentment with where we live and to focus on the blessings God has given my family.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
It’s not necessarily a ‘thing’ that needs to be ‘done’ but more like ‘something’ that needs to be done.. I would like to start saving money for our Summer vacation. To actually go somewhere outside of visiting family in Idaho. We would like to go to Michigan and visit hubby’s family so it would be nice to have the cash to do that. Also to save up $$ to do summertime projects around the house.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
Getting into the Word each day. Doing personal Bible Studies to grow closer to God. Show more love towards my children and point out there good qualities more and their bad qualities less. Grow closer to my daughter who lives away from me. Find reconciliation with my extended family.
I have been MIA for several weeks. We have been moving. But this is a great question.
1. What do you want most this New Year? I want to strengthen my relationship with God, my husband and my children. I want to adopt a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? I need to strenghten my relationships and that will strengthen me. Especially with God.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Schooling for my children. We seem to easily get off track.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? Reading my Bible more.
Thanks for the great questions!
Shannon Depew
1. What do you want most this New Year?
Making New Years Resolutions is one of my very favorite activities. I am a list maker anyway, and love to plan. In the past, I have had to move on from planning to doing. A resolution fulfilled.
This year, I want to build on some of the habits I have laid down in the past year. Our school day schedules and routines are firmly in place, and our habits are good – so now, I want to move on to doint more of the memory making, family building activities I long to share with my children. More read alouds, more nature walks, more games together, more crafts together, and more working together. More time at the beach, let’s enjoy living in Florida so close to the ocean!
My parents will likely be moving nearer to us, so we will be going through some changes with that, but life is always throwing changes our way. This one will be a joy.
Here are 2 resolutions that are “cliche” but never-the-less ones I have.
1. I quit smoking, so I resolve to stay quit – that is the hard part for me. Give me a little stress (cross country move the last time) and bang! I hit the wall.
2. Involves exercise – before our move, our entire family did Tae Kwon Do, we were very active and healthy. We have to find a new fitness program that fits for us here. We are all feeling the ill effects of not exercising. So I resolve to work out regularly again. Even if it is just me with my little work out video’s in the morning alone in the living room, I will get my fitness level back up to snuff.
I have osteoporosis, so keeping fit is very important. I don’t want to die from emphasema or be hunched over like my late beloved granny!
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
Committing my new year’s plans to paper, and starting. Talking about my resolutions with my dh, even though he teases me about it :0) these are the things that cement my plans, and seal the deal.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
My doctors appointments, they are on the calendar in January now.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I commit to remain the one who keeps everyone going in the right direction. My family needs me to co-ordinate, manage and plan – to remind them what we are aiming at, to point them in the right direction when they misstep or forget.
To say “Are we ready to begin our prayer time” at night, and to say “let’s go to school” in the morning – things like that.
This is my job, and my joy!
I resolve to see the joy in my duty, to embrace and love it. Not just occaisionally when I think of it, but each moment of each day. It is so easy when I stand back and look at all that I have – to see the privilege I enjoy, and yet so easy to become frustrated, irritated or annoyed at the little things along the way. This year I resolve to change that attitude, to erase that bad attitude and replace it with the love and devotion I feel to these beloved angels God has allowed me to parent – and the man who calls me his wife.
Trish Bevill
1. What do you want most this New Year?
Most of all, I want to be consistent with an early morning quiet time. Secondly, I would like to manage my time more efficiently, have a workable routine for homeschool and homemaking.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First, keeping consistent with my early morning quiet time would make the biggest difference. Secondly, I need to develop a schedule for my day to enable me to better manage my home and time.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Setting aside more planning time for homeschooling.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I will commit to putting my quiet time first in my day and creating a workable schedule/framework for my day.
Julia Reffner
1. What do you want most this New Year?
I want to loose weight, be fit, and be healthy.
I want to grow spiritually more this year than any year before.
Get a better routine for home schooling, and find a phylosophy and method that really works for us.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First…. Take my written goals and break them down into manageable quartarly “targets”.
Second… keep my priorities PRIORITIES!… Don’t let other things like my work deter me from what matters.
Third…. Delegate! Don’t take on each and every house hold task myself. Delegate to my daughters and to my hubby… to free up more time for me.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Schooling every day. A personal time with God every day. A set time to walk or exercise every day.
Weekly, I need to set side a time to plan ahead and prepare for the week following. And make a list of everything I need.
Also pursuing my interests consistently, like taking a cooking class or go to a knitting night out.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
Tomorrow I’m dumping out all of my coffee and all the sugar. I commit to learn to cook meals that are healthy and tasty for my family. I commit to treating my body like the true temple of God.
Thanks for the questions!
1. What do you want most this New Year?
This year I want to really draw close to the heart of my children. With a new little blessing arriving this winter, I really want to pull back from all the things I *think* are important, and really focus on what God sees as important.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
The biggest difference would be if I would just relax and not sweat all the little stuff that happens in a household of 6, soon to be 7, kiddos! Second would be to just enjoy each day, not judge it by my accomplishments or lack thereof!
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
I need to get back to spending time with God, even if it is just a few minutes each morning. I also need to make sure I am doing this with my children, too.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
More Bible study and character training with my children
The best of New Year’s to you all! Vicki
This is a good question and one that I sometimes don’t want to answer, or don’t take the time to think about. I have always used the excuse that if I don’t write down what I need to accomplish, then when it doesn’t happen I am not disappointed. Good one, huh? It is not working for me. I need to accomplish a lot this year.
I am expecting our fifth child this year. This will require me to get even more organized. Trying to organize clothes, meals, routines, etc. gets tricky. I need to organize my home more so that things run smoothly. I need for tasks not to take so long because I have a cluttered house. So basically, I need to get more organized and decluttered.
I have made a binder for my calendar, meal planning, etc. I just need to make sure that I use it and everything goes in there. I have started on this, but need to get better at it.
I have goals for each of the children as well. I need to update those for the year. My oldest is getting to the age where she can start making some goals for herself. I would like for her to learn this at a young age and have the feeling of getting her goals accomplished.
I also have a goal to let go of the past. I have a bad habit of reliving mistakes that I have made and I don’t want to do that anymore. It only wastes good energy. I know that God can help me do this and I need to rely on Him for it. I know that He does not want me to do live in the past.
I need to learn to say no. This is a goal for this year as well.
Happy New Year!
Katrina Boatwright
1. What do you want most this New Year?
We need to get back on track with homeschooling. We have gotten really behind with setting aside time to get it done.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First we need to get our chore schedule back on track. Second we need to go to bed at a decent hour and wake up early. Third limit the technology in our house. Fourth set a date to start in January.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
We used to do a lot of fun stuff when the kids were little but as they got to be teenagers they didn’t want to do certain things anymore and we never replaced them with anything new. Family Fun now seems to be playing on the computer, video games, and watching movies. I need to plan at least one fun activity a month that doesn’t cost anything or very little.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
Look over our school work to see where we are. Plan a fun activity for January.
1. What do you want most this New Year? Peace. A peaceful world and a peaceful house.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? Devotions then exercise. Right now I get up and get the kids breakfast and going to their chores. Getting ready for school. By then I get a quick devotion in and no exercise.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Exercise.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? As horrible as it sounds, clean. I keep the house liveable, but my husband wants the clutter gone (even though he contributes to it 🙂 ) My goal this year is to keep the clutter gone.
This seemed at first so difficult for me to answer. Really it is quite simple, but once said I will be accountable to putting it into action!
1. Stronger, deeper relationships–with the Lord, DH, our children & friends. In that order.
2. Spending time with God & in His word–daily, consistently. So simple, yet it doesn’t happen as it should.
3. I have been flying through our weeks in survival mode since our youngest was born–she is a year old now! I have had success when I made a weekly plan for homeschooling and chores. I just need to get everything planned out & written down, not just things I might forget but everything.
4. Doing all things with our hearts set to be pleasing to the Lord–even the ‘yucky’ chores. Even when feeling exasperated at the end of a long day not letting anyone else feel that.
Thanks for the reminders!
Blessings to you all for the new year!
1. What do you want most this New Year? To feel content with and enjoy where God has me in the moment. Not to look at other people and compare my life to theirs. To be thankful to God for who He made me to be.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? Put God and my husband first. Do the things I think sound good with my husband and kids. Not just read ideas in a book or website- but actually do them! Step away from the computer some days!
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Serving others in some practical way with my children/husband (visiting the nursing home, making cookies to give away, inviting a lonely friend over, etc)
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? I commit to smile. Even when I am disappointed and angry with someone else or myself I will trust in God and His Word, get over it and smile!
1. What do you want most this New Year?
To be a better wife and mommy…which I think points to being closer with the Lord. Secondly, to lose weight to be a healthier wife and mommy.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
I can’t really prioritize these since they are both progressive…they are both important to me being the woman I need to be for my husand and children.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Date nights with hubby, special individual time with each child, scheduled house cleaning…
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
STAY IN THE WORD. I believe if I commit to making Bible study/devotion a part of my daily routine, that the Lord will help me to become all He wants me to become for 2009!
* This is my first time doing Mommy Homework… I’m not sure how it all works. I do want to get credit though because I do so enjoy all of the material that you put out for us mommy, wife, homeschoolers… 🙂 ~~~Hillary Gould~~~
1. What do you want most this New Year?
*to continue developing contentment in the dailiness of living, seeing God and obeying Him in ordinary everyday life
*to regain my health by eating better, exercising, losing weight : mid-life hormone issues are not going to defeat me or keep me from enjoying my life and children
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
*I believe that doing a good internal cleanse will help in all areas since I’ve heard through prayer to follow this the next couple of months. Getting all of my organs cleaning out and running more efficiently should help my thinking processes be clearer and my energy start to come up. These should help me be less distracted and be better able to recognize when joy and contentment are slipping and I need to turn to God.
*Second (but actually along with) will be drawing nearer and nearer to God in prayer and time in His word. This will build the joy and contentment which should encourage me as I cleanse and begin routine exercise. See the circular effect here;o)
*Basically, I’ll be in retreat under God’s wings as He protects and builds me this next while. At the same time, I’m committed to a prayer program for the nation, society, and particularly the family (big mission field right now, rebuilding Godly families!) so I’ll be skirmishing on the field a good bit, too.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Finish puttying and painting the hall bath. We switched the door around months ago and now the messed up spots are really stressing me out. I’ve got to make time for this!
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
The abstract: Seek God’s path and tread it as He directs – to die to my desires so that I can find out the best of what God wants and to pursue my desires that are a result of becoming more like Christ so I can receive joy.
To read through the cleansing plan I’ll follow and then shop for it, so I can start as soon as my husband’s vacation ends.
It is encouraging to read all the entries, I totally agree with so many others!
1. What do you want most this year?
Order: I feel like my life ( in many areas) is in disorder most of the time, I am tired of it and I am determined to change this! Faithfulness: By this I mean that I start off on this and that and quit or give up or just get tired! Since this is a problem that I have, I want to overcome this for the sake of my children, to show them that consistency in all areas and especially to the Lord is most important. Health: Thankfully the kids and I have been healthy this past year, but for my husband it has been completely opposite.The Lord knows my heart when I say I would hope for health and even healing!
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First, I have to set things in order! I am trying to organize before we start back to school and I want our household and school time to run smoother. So, if I start out each day, consistently, I think this will make a big difference for everyone! Hopefully, we can stick to a flexible schedule and enjoy activities much more!
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
A Daily Schedule that we can KEEP! A Workable plan that come what may, we are not totally disrupted from school/ life!
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I am committing to consistency in our family! I desire more intimate fellowship with the Lord and this falls under being consistent/faithful/steadfast . I know that my personal time with the Lord is a high priority and so important as a daughter of the King, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and neighbor !
Tina K
1. What do you want most this New Year? A peaceful home and healthier habits (physically, emotionally & spiritually) for our family as a whole.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? Quiet times — getting back (again) to a consistent time of prayer and study. Ideally in the morning (or it doesn’t happen). Pruning our schedule to weed out the “good” things taking away time for the “excellent”.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Dealing with some nagging medical issues for each one of us that are dragging us down. Making time for exercise. And of course, see 2 above.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
Just plain step forward and DO what needs to be done. Make those appointments. Get out there and walk. USE the healthy menu plans I already have. And learn to say NO to anything that doesn’t take me closer to my goals for our family.
1. There are 2 things I want this new year. First is to grow closer to the Lord, my faith is strong but I don’t feel like I have a strong personal relationship with Him. The 2nd is that my son remains in remission and does not experience any side effects from the chemo.
2. Reading my bible would make the biggest difference in my life. Secondly I want to do bible studies and actually finish one. My motives are always good but life gets in the way and my personal time with my Lord gets put on the back burner.
3. Since my son was diagnosed with Leukemia I’ve put my needs aside and I need to give myself some personal time each day so I can again be the best wife, mother and ‘christian woman that God wants me to be.
4. I am commiting to give myself at least 30 minutes every day for my walk with my Lord.
1.What do you want most this New Year? What I want the most is getting back to the basics. Renewing my relationship with God, Family, and Friends (both old and one I have yet to meet.) Secondly I would like to get out of my comfort zone an get involved in the involved.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? First I want to get more out of my quite time, by digging deeper in to Gods word. Second is continue to get my health back increasing my workout and eating healthy.
3.What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Having routines for my home life, getting back on track with homeschooling, making memories with My DD, and finding at least one good friend to share the joys and the sorrows of life. (Move from Northwest to Southeast)
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? Stop, and smell the roses. So I can remember to be happy with how God has blessed me and my family. Be grateful each day even if just for my husband picking up the wet tow. I will join a bible study group. Go on dates with my Husband. Go out and play with my DD. Do menu planning, get back on track with homeschooling with out stressing out if we don’t get everything done each day. Write down a routine to keep on top of the housework.
May you all have a blessed New Year.
Kayly
Hi Ladies, Can’t wait to read through all your posts and be challenged and encouraged. I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas and fun New Year.
1. What do you want most this New Year?
I want most this new year to grow into the woman God wants me to be. I want to thirst for Him and His word more each day and really focus on being who He wants me to be in everything and everyday. I want Him to change my heart to put Him first and follow Him in everything.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
I need to pray first. I know that makes the biggest difference. After prayer I need to write down small, measurable, attainable steps that can help me get to wherever God has for me. I also know I need to stay committed to getting organized and staying ahead in our planning for our homeschooling. When I get behind I tend to stop and not move forward. I know I need to continue to plan and take care of things ahead of time instead of as they become urgent.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Exercise more and getting to the dentist. I will put both these on my calendar but have to work it around my current commitments. I know these seem small, but need to do and soon.
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I will pray before my lesson plans and also pray to seek ways to reach the college students that live in our neighborhood. We have been here 2 1/2 years and I really need to just knock on doors and reach out to them.
Take care ladies and enjoy your New Year!!!
In His Abounding Grace,
Jeniver Boyer
1. What do you want most this New Year?
Consistency. I went to 5 or 6 funerals in 2008 and a few of them really made big impacts on our family. The biggest one was my dad’s last January and because of that the kids and I are getting ready to head back up to MI on the 11th to spend a week with my mom and be with her on the one year anniversary of dad’s death. These trips home really throw my schedule out of whack and it’s always hard for me to get back on track. So my main goal this year is to be consistent in bible reading, exercise and the kids schoolwork.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
I think the thing that would make the biggest difference for me is to be consistent in reading my bible and spending time with Jesus. That will affect everything else I do and my attitude the most. Also, making our family a priority over all the little things that come up that people would want us to do.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Doctor’s appts., finishing some projects around the house, having people over for meals and fellowship
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
I am committing to put God first each and every day, to making healthy meals and spending time with my husband and kids, to make each day count.
Katie Anderson
1. What do you want most this New Year?
Time to just be quiet and read my Bible. Really I do try to make that time but life does sneak in there sometimes. This year as a church we have committed to reading through the New Testament in a year (everyone reading the same chapter each day). I have also added in reading the Old Testament myself.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? The above would make a big difference in my life.
Second? Trying to eat more healthfully and smaller portions. Along with that exercise (adding in basics like jumping jacks, situps and pushups for winter Outside walking after the freezing weather is gone)
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Making dr appointments for the kids and dh (just realized the kids missed their well checks last year and this year dd will need vaccinations too) Dh hates going to the dr. Also the kids and I need eye exams this year and I will ahve to get new reading glasses (my old ones give me major headaches)
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? To make each day count!
1. What do you want most this New Year? The be grateful for what I have
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? If I can focus on the gratitude side of things I think my attitude will improve.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? I need to get back in shape (fitness is key to my emotional well being)
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? I received the “Power of a Praying Wife” as a birthday gift last week and am committed to praying for my family more this year. Take it to HIM and casting your cares to the LORD.
1. What do you want most this New Year?
* Be a true “student of the Word” & be a “doer of the Word”
* Develop a closer & deeper relationship with my Lord
* Be a Godly helpmeet and blessing to my hubby
* Get out of debt!!
* Be more consistent in completing projects and NO MORE procrastinating
* Learn new homemaking skills to bless my family (sewing, gardening, baking & cooking from scratch, make my house a “home”) and also teach my girls what I learn
* Learn how to shoot a gun / shotgun – safely! (I live in Kansas!)
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
The biggest difference would be to put God first in my life and everything else will fall in place and He will direct me on my future priorities.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Consistent time with the Lord!
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
1) Commit to be a “doer of the Word” and follow Christ with ALL of my heart and 2) Trust Him with everything in my being to give me wisdom in every area of my life.
Sharon Nelson
Topeka, KS
I know I’m behind, but I’ll answer anyways LOL!
1. What do you want most this New Year? To live with purpose instead of just floating along.
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second? Make a schedule, implement chore charts, declutter.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Making and implementing chore charts for the kids … I have been dragging on this because I’m such a perfectionist … I need to just get them started and then allow myself to tweak as we go (see, I know this, I just need to do it!)
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? Make a small list of maybe 4-5 things I want them to do each day and just get started!
Jennifer Neuman (ha, I remembered this time)
1. What do you want most this New Year?
Now lets see, I wnat us to be happy doing the things we love and loving the things we do – it seems that we have hit a litle bump in the road as to this and I need to address it just to smooth things out agian! I need to let the stress it is causing me to dispitate!
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
The biggest difference would be the fact that life could run more smoothly and with less tension and stress. If it was second, then the stress levels are a little high at the moment and that needs addressing
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar?
Our nature journals! We have been very lax with them due to the cold weather and holidays, which are just excuses!
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count?
To let my own levels of stress and worry decrease! By becoming a more positive person who is able to deal witht he curve ball more relaxed!
1. What do you want most this New Year?
I want to grow closer to the Lord!! I want Him to be the MOST important person in my life and not allow the distractions of life to come between us. I also want to LOSE weight!! and get healthy!!
2. What would make the biggest difference if you did it first? Second?
First:Getting more organized with my home…it would free me up for the important things and not be such a burden and a distraction. Second: Be on a PLAN for weightloss…journaling, food log, excersise program…daily!!! and stick with it…even when I fall off the plan…just keep doing the “work:” behind the plan.
3. What have you been putting off that really needs to be on your calendar? Weight Loss and de-junking…again!
4. What will you commit today to do this year to make this year really count? I WILL put the Lord first! I will de-junk, organize and stay with my diet plan.