Thursday, January 28, 2010

:: resolve ::

A new year brings new hopes that we will achieve that goal we've set out to achieve (usually) before. Like lose weight, get out of debt, work less, spend less money. How many of us have already adjusted our new year's goal? We vow to simply "get in shape" instead of lose weight. My point is that we set new year's resolutions very unrealistically. Then, the 3rd week of January we feel like a failure because we aren't achieving the goal. It is too hard to do what it takes to reach the pie in the sky resolution we set for ourselves. Maybe we just don't know ourselves well enough (maybe we like sweets way too much to give them up). Maybe we think this time will be different. Maybe we are setting the wrong goals.

I think losing weight, getting out of debt, working less, etc are wonderful goals. But, I wonder if goals like this (and you can insert your own...these are just examples) are symptomatic. Do we tend to set goals for the desired result or for the real issue at hand?

My thought is that I should set new year's resolutions that push me toward being who I was designed to be. Some of the goals I've mentioned may be part of that, but the practice needs to start with my own heart.

This year, I've resolved to BE INTENTIONAL. To be honest, I am still figuring out how that plays out. Some ideas...be intentional about my interactions with Paul. Be intentional about learning new things (cooking and photography among other things). Be intentional about diving into relationship with Christ. Etc, etc. This type of "resolution" fits who I am. I think it has taken 30 some odd years to figure it out. But, it is much more freeing than beating myself up because I ate a brownie AND I didn't exercise.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

2009 in review

Better late than never. Our 2009 in review by way of pictures...
You will notice a few things. 1.) Jonas was in the hospital in February and the emergency room in June on Paul's birthday. 2.) I am wearing the same shirt in May and again in June. 3.) the empty office in March is mine that I left behind. 4.) my hair got lighter as the year went on. 5.) we have a cute kid!









and we're back...i think

Good gracious. I have gotten really lazy about blogging. But, I've renewed my commitment...I think. I wanted to share the best Christmas present that I've ever received (well I'm sure I have other "bests" but this one is pretty darn up there), and it happened to be that I received this gift just this past Christmas.

Paul absolutely surprised me this year. I'm not sure I will ever get anything ever again. I've asked several times for all the various gift-giving events, but it has always been more of a wish than asking with any sort of belief that I might receive it. Here it is...





And, this is the very 1st picture I took. My sweet mom and sister on Christmas day...


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Mercy

I've been really struck by the devastation in Haiti. Please consider not only praying for the Haitian people but also giving to the relief efforts.

Compassion and World Vision in addition to the Red Cross are good places to donate funds specifically for Haiti. You can also text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts. It will be charged to your cell phone bill.

Join us in asking for God's mercy on Haiti.