Last year, we started a tradition. After the fabulous festivities of Christmas, New Year's, and our wedding anniversary passed (thank God for five incredible years!), my husband and I sit down and write our goals for the upcoming months. We pray over them together, type them up, and then post them on Facebook and our refrigerator as a reminder to ourselves and for accountability from our friends. We didn't meet all of our goals last year, but it was so neat to see how God kept them in the forefront of our minds, and to see how He allowed many of them to come to fruition.
I want to share my 2013 personal and family goals with all of you. Maybe my list can spark some ideas for your family. I imagine that older children would really enjoy sharing what they want to do over the course of the next year, and it is a great way for us, as mommies, to sweetly guide our children towards achievable goals and discuss what needs to be done in order for their dreams to be fulfilled.
Let me be honest by saying that I'm not sure how several of these will actually pan out. But, they have been on my heart for the last week, I've committed to praying about each one of these desires, and I've asked God to direct my steps. Speaking of His guidance, let this verse be our mantra for all of our plans in 2013:
"In her heart a woman plans her course, but the Lord determines her steps." Proverbs 16:9
Kindra's 2013 Goals
1. Become pregnant with baby #2
- We know this is ultimately up to God. But, God has promised us another child. We're sure of this. I don't know when this child will appear, but I feel emotionally, mentally, and physically ready to do the baby whirlwind again! Stay tuned!
- Last year, I became very active in our church. Patrick traveled much of the time, so it was crucial for me to have a support system of Godly women as I learned, and continue to learn, how to be a mother. This year, I would love for Patrick and I to minister together. I'm not sure what this will look like, but we're open to whatever He asks us to do!
- Need a reminder of our Father's faithfulness and love? Simply keep a list of situations that are on your heart, pray over them daily, and watch Him work. I imagine that looking at this list in December 2013 will give me a huge dose of encouragement from Him!
- I want our children to learn the importance of serving in God's kingdom. Honestly, I'm not very good at actively pursuing volunteer opportunities, so it's on my list this year as a priority, for myself and to set an example for Caleb.
- I never started this blog as a way to make money. Obviously, I haven't made a dime! But, my husband brought up an interesting point when he commented on the free advertising I give for stores and products on my MMSM and OT pages. My knowledge of the blog world is extremely limited, so we'll see how this goes. But, it's worth a shot!
- Ultimately, I feel led to take many of my writings from this blog and turn them into a practical, entertaining, relate-able, spiritually encouraging devotional book for mothers. I envision a book containing 365 devotionals, scriptures, and prayers specially geared towards the unique circumstances of the SAHM. I imagine naming it "Pillars of the Palace," after Psalm 144:12. This is a huge goal, but I'm excited to watch it unfold!
- Not very exciting, but it needs to be on the list!
- Creativity feeds my soul. But, I have to make the time to do it! And, I need to make a dent in the hundreds of pins I have accumulated on Pinterest. I would also love for Caleb to develop a love for the arts, so my hope is that we can create a variety of projects together.
- No judgement, please! Patrick started brewing his own beer last year, and it has turned into a really fun activity that he does with friends. It's a great gift for any occasion, and it's a fun hobby to watch him explore. I have no shame in admitting my enjoyment of a good glass of Cabernet. But, wine is expensive! We found a great local shop where you can take free classes on wine-making, buy all of your supplies, and even participate in tasting contests after your batches are complete! This is just something fun to do, although it will impede my tasting abilities if goal #1 is accomplished!
- No, I didn't need a filler goal for #10. This is actually my most important goal for the year. As I was sitting on the beach in Cabo San Lucas on December 31, waiting for the New Year's fireworks to light up the sky, God spoke to me. I had been asking him throughout the previous days what He wanted me to focus on in 2013. That night, I clearly heard him say, "Kindra, this year, you need to do whatever I ask you to do, even if you don't understand it." Though I knew it was my heavenly Father speaking to my heart, it kind of made me nervous! I am simply praying for the courage to follow Him and His direction this year, wherever it may lead.
I pray these goals may be inspiring to you and your family. Tomorrow, I'll share our family goals with you. While Mexico was fantastic, it's great to be home and back to normal life. Speaking of, I hear a little someone stirring upstairs. Be blessed, mommies!
Great Goals! #5 is on my list for this month! I am about to break 100 followers! Whoo Hoo!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I got your message about adding my blog to your page. It's on my to-do list to try the things you suggested a few weeks ago. Thanks, cousin :-)
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