Resolutions

I posted a challenge a few weeks ago on some Resolutions that I was going to post.

1. I am a person who LOVES to use Words: I like to type them, read them, speak them, hear them....They are a wonderful way of communication. They tie us to eachother. They are powerful and constructive. They build up and encourage. Just the same, they tear down, hurt, damage and destruct just as easy. I am thankful that while words are so important to me, a friend was able to bring to my attention that without thinking; words, my words; can be destructive and damaging to relationships. For a believer, this can damage the name of Christ. I was so challenged. While so often, the words we use are not intended to harm or hurt, by just saying things for the sake of talking, or replying to someone w/o thought to words, harm can be done. I can sin w/o intending to sin. But the end result is still the same. Sin. While I may not struggle with the coarse joking or crude speech part, I needed to really look at my speech and what Ephesians 4 and 5 is talking about as a whole. The guts. The Gospel is what is at stake, not my reputation, my relationships, or my happiness (or others): Truly it is the Gospel that matters. (In viewing my speech this way, these other areas will be fruitful and whole!)

These verses speak a lot to us about our conduct and how distinct we should be from the world. Christ expects the world to hold us to such a high standard and to scrutinize us so in depth that He says there must not be “even a hint” of sin in our lives. So often we approach life with the attitude of “How much can I be like the world and still pretend to be a Christian”. That is never what Christ called us to. He said we would be strangers in this world and be ridiculed because we were in the image of Christ whose home is Heaven. Jesus says that this world is the home and kingdom of Satan. So if we try to be like this world instead of our future home, we are allowing Satan leverage in our lives.

Anyway, to shorten this, I've asked God (and my husband) to help me w/my words. None of us wake up, roll out of bed and say "Today I am going to speak falsely, criticize everyone, joke w/crude words, make fun of my husband, yell at my kids, share prayers requests (gossip) about others, and ignore the teachings in the Bible." But, at times when the day is over and done with, how much of that could be true in our lives on a given day? I know it sounds harsh...but Im preaching to the choir here.

2. Okay, this isn't super "spiritual" but, meal planning is a big deal for my husband--but it's not for me. He would like a "list" of planned meals and all the supplies on hand to make them. Many nights I end up showing houses, or something else comes up...he wants to know what I had planned and that everything is there to make it. I on the other hand am good at making something out of nothing. I don't want a list; I dont' need a list. However, I have come to see that it benefits all of us and my day goes smoother all around if I know plenty ahead of time what the "plan" is for 4:30 p.m.

Okay: I had this post finished last week and when I clicked publish...something happened and only this part was saved. I did this at work and now that I am home, and having time to finish it, I can't place my words like I did when I was writing it? Maybe this was all the Lord intended for me to say.

3. I want to de-junk my home. I mean remove anything and everything that hinder our family and make keeping house difficult--aka..spending more time on it and less time w/my kids.

4. Aim, to paint the house (inside) this year. All rooms. Part of that is creating a homeschool haven down the basement. Our play room/family room (which is rarely used) is very nice, but hardly used. This space could be much more effective, if I had a place for my wall maps, tons of cubbies and book shelves. (can one EVER have too many bookshelves?) ect... I saw a trading spaces show where the one couple did a makeover for their friends who homeschooled. It was very inspiring. Now that the kitchen is almost done, I mentioned it to hubby. Hopefully that will be our next "small" project.

Time Flies--- #2

Look how itty bitty she was when we moved here! OMG!
So lets see, Tayler was just 5 here and now she is just 10!
 

Then and Now

I thought it may be fun to do some then and now. Ill go oldest to youngest. Then meaning when we first moved to Michigan and the now being....Now. So Flower picture was age 7 ..now almost 12.

New Years Resolutions

My husband asked me the other day what my New Years Resolutions were. I don't normally think too much on them or take much stock in them and he rarely asks me questions like that; which made me think. I've had some things about myself I've had to ponder the past months--things that I don't like about me and my sinfullness and things others don't like much either. Admitting these "uglies" in my closet hasn't been easy, well admitting them is easier than dealing with them.

I do have a mental list of things I'd like to work on this 2007. Not all of these things are terribly wicked sins; but areas that I know God would ask more of me in. Areas that I haven't maybe given completly over to God. Some areas of sin that I just hold on to a little too tightly. Some--areas that I've grown in, but don't want to be satisfied with small growth. As I've been thinking of these areas many times throughout the day and contemplating some situations I need to take care of, I am compiling a list. I intend to post them here this month. (at least the top 5)

Those family/friends of mine who frequent this blog and read it and ocassionally comment; I would challenge you to (if you are inclined) give me your Top 5---and Im asking YOU to ask ME throughout the year how God is dealing w/me in these 5 areas! I will in turn ask you.

Thank you to all my readers who take the time and care enough to challenge me and even confront when you believe me to be in error or sin. That takes courage and true love.

Happy New Year to all!