a new year: 2011

I have to say that, in many ways, 2010 was a difficult year for me.  It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it was the year I turned 50.  I don't mind being 50 and I was not sad to turn 50.  In fact, I had a wonderful time celebrating turning 50 with my family and some great friends.

I don't want to say I was not blessed, because I was during 2010.  But, I had a very unorganized and stressful year.  I had a difficult time staying on track.  I worried.  I felt sorry for myself.  I was in a pit.

It is time to get out of the pit. (Yes, I stole that from Beth Moore.)

I have to thank my daughter, Lauren, for her encouragement in two ways.  First, she made me this:


She used fabric left over from her quilt to decorate a planner that she created for me.  The categories include: monthly calendars, weekly planning, operation world, bible reading plan, prayer life, to do lists, menu planning, and additional notes.  It also has the two envelopes on the front inside cover for any little goodies I need to keep.  The back cover has a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “do one thing every day that scares you”.
 
She also shared with me the scripture memorization that is going on over at Living Proof Ministries blog (more Beth Moore!).  She has committed to participate in this and asked me to join her.  So, we bought a spiral-bound index card notebook and are going to memorize 24 scriptures this year.  The scripture I chose for my first is from Isaiah 33:6 (NET), “He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear Him”.  Why don’t you consider joining us?

My goals for 2011 (starting Monday, 01.03.11):

Spiritual
1.  LPM SSMT Scripture Memorization: 2 scriptures each month
2.  Bible Reading:  Last year I restarted my One-Year Chronological Bible and only made it through June 28th (almost half).  This year I am going to use the reading plan that my husband used last year.  It alternates each day of the week between the Epistles, The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, and Gospels.
3.  Prayer/Devotion/Quiet Time: This has been the hardest for me so far. 
Physical
4.  Exercise:  I know I can do this.  I have done it before.  My goal will be to start off with exercising at least 3 times a week, but move up to 4 times by February and 5 times by March.  I think I need to start small so I don’t come up with excuses.
5.  Eat Right:  I am going back to counting calories. I think menu planning will help in this area (as well as emotional, since cooking has been a large stressor for me in 2010).
Emotional
6.  No jumping back into the pit! 
7.  Be honest and learn to trust those who love me.

What are not my goals?

1.  Blogging:  If I feel like it, I will.  But, I will not add that as an additional stress.

2.  Couponing:  Although part of me is strongly drawn to this, I found that it actually added to my stress.  I spent too much time preparing and too much time shopping.  It seemed like I was going to a different store every day of the week to “get the good deals”.  It took away from my time with God and my time with my family.  I am not saying I won’t use coupons, but I will not let them take over my life.

I hope that publishing this post will help me get in gear and make a change in 2011.  What changes are in store for you?