Finish Year - Week 7

So...It seems I've skipped a few weeks. Amazing how even writing can become something haphazard as going to the gym. I haven't altogether ignored my goals this year, but the last few Mondays have proven quite busy.

Here's where FinishYear is at for the past few weeks:

~ Write a novel.
This year I will write a novel, set in England in the 1800's.
I FINALLY finished reading a novel that I have been trudging through for the past 2 months. I enjoyed the story & felt a part of it--that's why I couldn't just drop it and move on--but it was so detailed and long. Because I was so involved in it, I find myself processing it and turning it over in my head days afterward. Do I want to write a novel like that? Yes. I want to write something people are going to think about. I want my readers to dwell on how awesome our Creator is, how unique we each are, and reflect on personal, worship experiences with God. At the same time, I don't want people to have to trudge through a book. I want real, deep characters but also the action & adventure. Hmmm. . ..

~ Ministry.

I have a HUGE passion to see people be who God created them to be. Each of us is unique and we each have a different part to play.
I spoke on Feb 22nd and for my 1st speaking engagement outside of the classroom, it went well.  Here it is: Our dreams proceed us. First God has a purpose, then He creates us to be the answer. He puts in us all the strengths, weaknesses, desires, personality type, etc. that we need to accomplish this purpose that needs an answer (YOU!). Look at Jeremiah 1. God needed someone to speak to the nations at that specific time and place. So, he created Jeremiah. Take a look, it's good. 


~ Get in shape.
Yeah, this one suffered more than my blog did over the last 3 weeks.


~ Bible.
This year I will read through the major players of the Old Testament (Survey of the Old Testament) as well as the books of the Bible I haven't read thus far in my life.
I've been re-reading Genesis 31-45. About Jacob and all of his relations & mess and continuing on to the story of Joseph. It's amazing to be able to step back from a situation and see the big picture. Do you have someone in your life that can help you see the big picture in the midst of your life?


~ Grow closer than ever to my husband (we're both pretty individualistic people so this is a good step).
What a great week! We went out and got our Belay LIcenses. On Saturday we went climbing as a family (us and our two young children). It was a great time doing something active together, trusting each other & encouraging each other. What do you do as an activity together with your spouse?

Finish Year - Week 2

What a great beginning of the year! I have loved the adventure. I have loved the snow. I LOVED being able to start and finish 2 books during the snow storm! MMMM!

I have also been on fire with the visions burning in my heart and flying with the reality that I can do something to make it happen. (duh, right? Like they are going to happen with me just sitting around hoping.)

Here's how it went last week:

~ Write a novel.
This year I will write a novel, set in England in the 1800's.
Ok, maybe it will be the 1700's. I had some more thoughts on additional characters and story lines (like a she likes him, he likes her but then this other guys pretty much has the claim on her type of thing). We'll see where it goes. Right now I am just loving the creativity part of it. Next week: plot & structure? Maybe Character development.

~ Ministry.

I have a HUGE passion to see people be who God created them to be. Each of us is unique and we each have a different part to play.
Wrote out the first draft of the message! Using Jeremiah chapter 1 as a focus point.


~ Get in shape.
Isn't this on about 90% of American's lists? I went to the Chiropractor again as well as Massage therapy and feel great. I actually ran down the street (to get the chicken nuggets out of the oven I forgot about) and didn't feel a thing askew! I am SOOOO excited about this! Now for stretching and strength building.


~ Bible.
This year I will read through the major players of the Old Testament (Survey of the Old Testament) as well as the books of the Bible I haven't read thus far in my life.
Take a look at the post earlier this week for insights I got.


~ Grow closer than ever to my husband (we're both pretty individualistic people so this is a good step).
Still going through the book, though we only read once this whole week at least we're reading it! Had a good "Ouch, that hurt" talk instead of keeping it in, like it didn't bother me. Growing closer and understanding each other better & better & loving it!

Finish Year

I have decided to join in Finish Year with Jon Acuff and all those who are pressing in to accomplish goals this year.  No, not resolutions, goals. Goals to advance our God-given purposes; in doing so we open up opportunities to touch those people God puts in our path. God will put people in your path but you'll never reach them if you're sitting on your hinny wasting away time because life is too crazy and you're too afraid to move.

Go! ... Go, go, go.

No ... RUN! I'll run with you.

Want to join in? It's not too late! Here are the goals I am going for this year. Each one touches a different aspect of my life.

~ Write a novel.
This year I will write a novel, set in England in the 1800's.
This week I picked up another Jane Austen type book and am reading through it. It was written by a 33 year old who went on a trek through the land of Austen and journaled her trip; relating many thoughts and questions about then and now & how people never really change. What was then is totally relatable now. What influenced Austen's writing? What would she have thought? These questions help me think about characters I will create, hopefully with the strength that Jane Austen did.

~ Ministry.

I have a HUGE passion to see people be who God created them to be. Each of us is unique and we each have a different part to play. My goal this year is to speak 3 times this year about finding your God-given dream/call/SHAPE.
My first speaking engagement is on February 22nd!

~ Get in shape.
Ok, so I didn't make it to the gym last week but I did go to the Chiropractor.  Wow! What a difference. For the first time in 4 years I am able to bend my chin to my chest. Five years? you ask.  Yes, I tend to take care of others before myself.  That, and I have a pretty high pain tolerance so what ever off-set that was causing I just ignored as long as I could. Now I think I can jump without jarring my spin into my skull. What a relief!

~ Bible.
This year I will read through the major players of the Old Testament (Survey of the Old Testament) as well as the books of the Bible I haven't read thus far in my life.
I continued to read about Joshua's life this week. I am also on the 15th chapter of Jeremiah.

~ Grow closer than ever to my husband (we're both pretty individualistic people so this is a good step).
We are reading through Songs in the key of Solomon by John & Anita Renfroe. These are quick little reads that get you talking about various topics that probably don't just come up in your routine conversations with your spouse. It's going well.