Hello 2014

I'm not a resolution type person.  I understand the thought behind it, but I never really made resolutions of my own.  I don't know if its because it was something else that I didn't want to fail at or if I just wasn't motivated enough to care.  Regardless, resolutions aren't for me.

What is for me?  Goals.  Life changes.  Healthy living.  Yeah, I know I could make those "resolutions" but I think I'll stick with the no resolution mindset. So what are my goals for 2014? In no particular order of importance. 

This one started today: to participate in one 5k (or more) event each month of 2014. (I need to start researching and planning those!) Today I began working toward that goal!  The boys and I ran/walked in the New Year's Day 5K.  It was chilly...it was hilly (fair grounds vs street running)...and yet, we all did better than we have in past!  (I've not edited my Jingle Bell Run entry after the sponsors re-calculated the speeds based on the shortened route...not nearly as good as I thought initially!) My oldest son set his own goal of completing in less than 30 minutes.  (He's not run a 5K in...well, hmmm... well over a year!)  He met that goal by finishing in 29:58 - a pace of 9:37!  My youngest son, who really struggled during the Jingle Bell Run, did MUCH better this time.  Really!  His pace was 13:23 and he finished in 41:34.  I'd have to go back and look at his last results (after the re-calculation) but I KNOW it's a significant improvement both physically and his attitude during the whole thing.  He even thanked me when we got home.  Why?  "For making me do this!"  I consider that an NSV!! My goal of a 12:00 pace didn't happen.  BUT I did my best pace of 13:03 - finishing in 40:30!  Hey, I didn't say I was fast...I said I'm moving.  And though I was 12/12 in my age category, I am perfectly fine with that!  This girl is out there...moving...and setting an example of my kids!  The boys placed 2nd and 3rd in their age division and each even got a trophy.  So hats off to them for starting 2014 with a bang!

Other goals?  The boys and I are starting a Scripture memory study. I know Bible stories, but to quote Scripture?  I'm weak in that area.  I don't want to be weak when it comes to the Truth.  I want to be strong and truly grounded in the Word.  So after I'm done here, we will be starting the Scripture Memory Made Easy study tool.  I'm really excited about this goal!  Another good thing to do with my boys!

Another goal... not to over use the word "love".  May sound silly, but I have a habit of saying "I love...(coffee, PB2, shrimp, snow, Colts football, etc.)" way too much. But love is so special (See my "You are Loved" post) that when I use it in excess, I think it waters down what love really is.  My mother-in-law said something this past week that I'm going to try to remember... "Don't love things, love people."  I love really like that!

Other goals could be considered resolutions I suppose... be in the Word daily (Scripture memory will help with this, but I mean truly dive in and read/listen/learn.); be more intentional about exercise...whatever that looks like for me; complain (about work) less; be more intentional in inviting the International Students over; enjoy each day and give God the glory He deserves!

So though I'm not a resolutions person, I hope these goals keep me focused and continue to help me be a healthy (physically, spiritually, and emotionally) example for my family. I look forward to what God has planned for me in the next 12 months and I say, "Here I am Lord...ready for what You have in store for me!  Thank you for bringing me to this place in my life! Thank you for carrying me when I was weak and healing this lost and broken soul!!"

Ready for our first 5K of 2014!

Way to go boys!!!

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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14