Welcome 2014

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,’'’ declares the Lord, “plans to help you, and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

I have been thinking for the last week about goals, dreams, wishes, etc. for 2014.  I promised myself not to get too crazy or to set myself up for failure, but I really think it’s important to take the time to reflect and also do some dreaming.  As a planner it is sometimes hard for me to give up control.  I thrive in organization, and nothing makes me feel more of a sense of accomplishment than having things in their place.  Well welcome to reality and life lessons teach us that sometimes our plans really aren’t what’s best for us or even possible.  God’s plans are perfect.  His timing is perfect.  He is good.  End of story.  My job is to trust that plan and be thankful for the so many blessings. 

My main goal for this year is to be intentional in every aspect of my life.  As a habitual worrier I often get ahead of myself and can waste too much time creating silly scenarios in my head that, guess what, never happen.  I read a quote the other day that said worrying is pretty much the equivalent of praying for what we don’t want to have happen.  Not a road I want to go down.  Anyway, back to intentional living.  I want to strive, on a daily basis, to just be present and enjoy each day and moment.  I have learned in this past year that time, especially now with Gia, passes so quickly.  I don’t want to waste time worrying, fretting over a “not perfect” house, stressing over a to-do list that can wait, or wishing for material items I absolutely do not need. 

I want to be able to look back on 2014 and say I showed up every day.  I want to give myself completely to God, My Husband, our daughter, my family, friends, job, and church.  I need to learn to say no and also prioritize my time for the things that truly matter.  Here’s to a phenomenal year!

With all that being said I did set a few goals… Karlee and I talked about setting one goal for each area of your life and I loved that idea! 

This is my list so far:

Health: Drink more water! Especially first thing in the morning before coffee! Limit soda & processed food. 

Physical: Tone up/lose rest of baby weight.  Work out 4-5x per week.  Walk Bennett more.

Spiritual: Attend church regularly.  Volunteer.  Daily quiet time.

Mental: Read one book a month.

Financial: Limit excess spending.  Pay down student loans.  Debt free.

Organizational: stay on top of closets/rooms.  Meal plan.  Make better use of time {mornings before work}

I also want to make sure I make time for Dan every day.  I think that is so important and to make sure we have time for date nights {even though all we want to do is be with Gia}

Being Gia’s mom is one of the most important jobs I have ever been blessed with.  I am going to make sure we keep taking time every day to read {she loves books so much}, to play, and to spend time together.  Ever since she has been born she has been the center of our world, and I want to make sure we keep praying that God helps us to be the best parents we can be to her. 

Prayers for health, safety, and happiness to all in 2014.