Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013!

Goodbye 2012-

Hello 2013!

Imagine that-

a new blank page.

Ahhhhh,

whatever happened in 2012 is gone.

Still remembered, 

but gone.

I love the thought of a new year.

Yes, I usually do this every year :

and I've done it already with 2013 in mind, 

but this year will be different.

How?

Well, I think goals are important,

however,

I believe what is MORE important

is the process and journey that we are in and on to achieve our goals.

I believe that giving God the glory for each and every goal set and achieved 

is 

what's important.

I believe that as we strive to deepen our relationship with God,

we change,

we become stronger,

more able,

through 

HIS strength

and

HIS power.

By our surrender to HIS strength and power,

we are allowed access to it.

My #1 goal for 2013 is to grow in a much deeper, 

closer, 

more intimate relationship with God.

When I do that first,

then I truly believe that my goals will 

be achieved with much more 

JOY 

this year.

My list of goals:

#1: Growing in a deeper relationship with God

through daily prayer/meditation,

memorizing a verse each week

# 2 : Continue to prioritize my relationships w/my spouse

and children through quality time w/each member, each week. 

#3 : Write daily

500+ words a day

(gotta start somewhere)

#4 : 2 or more 1/2 Marathons,

beating my own times.

#5 : Maintain my fitness routine

through 5 days @week workouts

#6 : Count my blessings each and every day!

What are your goals and priorities for 2013?

Don't have any?

Still thinking about them?

Want to join me and my friend, Mary DeMuth and 

work on a 

new heart 

for

 2013?

How can I pray for you?

Motivational Monday!

What if we did things differently this week, starting with today,
-what would that look like?

In my life, it is doing what I need to do,

EVEN THOUGH,

I would rather do something 

FUN, ENTERTAINING, or SELF SATISFYING.

Who wants to clean?

Not me!

Who wants to wash?

Not me!

Who wants to get 5 schedules in order?

Not me!

When I was in school, if I didn't want to answer the teacher, I would simply avoid eye contact.

But I'm not in school anymore and if I don't answer to my tasks at hand, guess what,

it won't get done.

In life, there are so many things we have to do to keep our home, family and friends in order, and we do by our priorities.

Where is Jesus?

Is HE a priority?

We live most of our days doing what WE need to do, 

for OUR success, 

OUR achievements, 

OUR goals and dreams. 

But, WHAT IF we started living for GOD? 

What if you and I really focused on living FOR HIM?

Living for HIS view of success, living for what is important to HIM, and lived out of obedience for what HE is calling us to do, 

even if it is contrary to what the world says?

Dropping off my daughter this morning to our Car Pool, I heard this song by the Sidewalk Prophets, called "Live Like This".

The lyrics are so real, and really spoke to my heart this morning.

Hopefully it will speak to yours.

Turn it up!

Sometimes I think 
What will people say of me 

When I'm only just a memory 

When I'm home where my soul belongs 

Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true

People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that


I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that


                                                   Recklessly abandoned,

Love Powered Parenting

I'm super excited that we started this bible study last night!

1 video,

4 couples,

8 books,

11 children,

&

15 individuals

to be blessed!

We watched our first video lesson tonight with Tom and Chaundel.

So insightful

and

very practical!

Week 1: The Power of Priorities

Key Verse: "Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ"

Galatians 6:2

Focus: The need for accountability in order to live out our priorities.

There are kinds of accountability we all need:

To God,

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

2Corinthians 5:10

to others 

"Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

&

to ourselves.

"Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Ephesians 5:15-16

Maybe there's a reason for some accountability!

Do you have a friend that you can share happiness and tears with regarding your children?

If not, can I be someone who can pray for you?

Remember,

God created us to be in community!

You are NOT in this alone!

Do you have a friend that you can share happiness and tears with regarding your children?

If not, can I be someone who can pray for you?

Have a wonderful weekend!