This is the week we take the opportunity to evaluate and refocus how far we've come toward reaching our money, calories, and time goals since the beginning of this quarter.
The way we're going to do this is to look back and write down one or two (or more) small or big strides we've made in each area. Then we're going to honestly assess where we need to go to make/meet our goals.
As we get closer to the holidays, I've noticed that the number of blog comments have lessened. And it happens about 1/2 way through each quarter--we get busier, overwhelmed, even fatigued...we lose endurance. T
I want to encourage you to take time to review what goals you set 6 weeks ago. Ask yourself, "Did I mean them? Did I really want to do them?" If so, now is the time to evaluate what is (or is not working) and what it will take to stay focused (or get refocused).
Begin with a thankful reflection and an honest review of what it will take to accomplish the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the quarter. What will it take for you to spend your time and money this holiday season being grateful, sacred, and rested?
Be encouraged,
Becky
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{deep sigh} Just what I needed to hear! I often trade progress on one goal for lack of discipline in another. I am already feeling re-energized for focusing my efforts on my goals for this quarter. Thanks Becky!
ReplyDeleteI read today in "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, the following: "Winning into Freedom" "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" - John 8:36. "God pays no attention to our natural individuality in the development of our spiritual life. His plan runs right through our natural life. We must see to it that we aid and assist God, and not stand against Him by saying, 'I can't do that.' God will not discipline us; we must discipline ourselves. God will not bring our 'arguments...and every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ' (2 Cor 10:5) - we have to do it. Don't say, 'Oh Lord, I suffer from wandering thoughts.' DON'T suffer from wandering thoughts. Stop listening to the tyranny of your individual natural life and win freedom into the spiritual life." You can find the whole entry here: http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
So pretty complex stuff...but at the end of the day it's saying to me - if you don't want to, then "don't". If you want to do something, then "do it". You are empowered by the freedom of the Son. I believe that God will empower us with greater discipline if we desire that - but that empowerment comes with every disciplined action taken. And we take the action.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head! I have been "overwhelmed" by a project for school that is more like a full time job in addition to my regular full time job of taking care of children,husband,home, finances, etc. I have had to clear my calendar literally to get it finished by this Friday deadline. I have learned a huge lesson in this....how to say "no" politely, even when a good friend asks. Also, that I personally waste a lot of time. It makes me realize that I could be a lot more productive in some of the projects/gifts and talents that I have. Also, how important it is to have a good exercise workout daily (I have been missing that and feel it physically already). Even my quiet time and Bible study has suffered.
I have contacted a local shelter to work with the homeless next week with my family.. thanks to your suggestion and planning ahead. Teach me to number my days Oh Lord!
Also I encourage you all to dig in closets and china cabinets for things you do not use or wear. In the last 2 weeks, I have sold items at a garage sale and to an appraiser for $$ which goes into my giving account. The best part of it all was seeing the JOY on their faces because the prices were extremely low... (for buying something that I have not used in years). It was a blessing for me and others to almost give away our stuff and our church still made over 1200.00 which will go toward an adoption.
Oh,
ReplyDeleteWanted to thanks everyone for the great insights and shareing. \
I had a set back day yeaterday. Hoping that today will be much better. I just hate going to my sons school and seeing the other MOMs. All kinds of emotions go through my mind. Some hurtful stuff has gone on between me and at lest this one MOM that hates my son. And her kids both are twins. Said to my son some realy mean stuff. Anyway, I am remined to pray befor I get into these situations. AUGH>>>>>. Well, just wanted to wish everyone a Great Thanksgiving.
Also,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add that I am walking eachday with a group at work. We are the walk BUS ters. Each day is a Chalange of the day. So, about two days ago they Chalenged us to take a picture of our self and hang it somwhere you would look at it. I Think this is a good idea. What do you all think?
One more thing,
ReplyDeleteHow is Diana and Doug? Are you still out there?
HugBear,
ReplyDeleteI will pray also that about the next time you are asked that you say, a short prayer, befor you commet to doing so much. I think I do the same thing though. I am haveing a party for a friend to get her bussiness started and I realy didn't know who to ask.
Mickey--you're a strong woman, brave and kind. Keep near to God. Keep your bible open:)...love your boys. We love you. Becky
ReplyDeleteBecky and all: I think, for myself, the best way to stay on track is with the 20/20/20 plan. I can't remember if we touched on it this quarter or not, so anyone who has only been in this quarter--not trying to be confusing!
ReplyDeleteThis plan of Becky's really covers the areas I need to remember every day.
20 minutes (minimum) to pray and read my CYL Daily Bible. Which for me means separate time from Bible study homework. It also means journaling what God is saying or my prayers to Him.
20 to Play--exercise. I need to concentrate on walking and using my exercise bike. My husband hasn't been feeling well, but we're going to try to get back to walking the dogs every night. Poor pooches need it too! If we don't go walking, the treadmill is not for drying laundry on.....
20 to Plan...
Been taking some free webinars for small business owners/entrepreneurs lately. Every single one of the speakers say planning is essential. One well known fella suggests an hour a day. 20 minutes will do fine!
Anyway, this is the easiest way for me to incorporate what we have learned, and the goals we have set, into my day. It's flexible enough to cover every aspect, but also can be more personalized according to money--calories and time.
Thanks Becky and have a blessed holiday this week everyone.
give thanks
ReplyDeletehere are my goals and how I have been doing.
1. Calories and Exercise: I had set a goal to get a personal trainer:did.
Exercise 30 min. 4 days/wk: Work out 5 days/wk 4 days 1 hour and one day 40 min. Diet goal was to eat 1200/day Jenny Craig 4 days and on my own 3 days: I have been following that.
2. Time: I set my goal to have 15 min. with the Lord in the morning and 20 min at lunch to journal and memorize scripture. Another goal was to start work at 8:30 and get off at 4:30. I have not been doing well with this goal. I'm very sporadic with my time with the Lord. I have not always started as early as I had hoped to and am working overtime. I have a vacation next week and will get some much needed rest and refocus my goals.
3. Money: I set a goal to spend less and talk it over with my family. I have set a much lower amount this year and my family are all fine with it. We are going to have a vacation in Aug. and that is what we are focusing on. Everyone is saving for that. We will have 3 gifts each.
Looking at my first entry to this quarter I noticed I knew I would have a problem with time but wanted to focus on calories. It was a good decision because I feel better and am healthier. I now have that working and feel like I am able to continue, even with weight set backs. The exercise is so energizing. I now will work on the time issues.
I listened to the call back line after I blogged.
ReplyDeleteI want to give thanks for what God has done in my life and the friends and teachers He has given me. I teach a discipleship class with another young women to high school girls. We meet every Monday night. Tonight we read Ecc. and I was lead to show them my journaling and how God works in my life. I also challenged them to journal and spend time with God and listen to what he is saying. I use your journal Becky. This last week our sermon was on giving thanks and not comparing ourselves to each other or the world. So, in the forgive section I have added a thanks section.
In my journal and teaching the girls tonight I shared what God is teaching me about giving thanks for the goals I have been reaching and the disappointments for not following his commandments. I am thankful for the exercise I have been doing and finding exercise partners to keep me accountable. I am thankful for the counselor at Jenny Craig who helps me with my eating plan. I am thankful that I teach a bible study and have to be prepared to teach others the word of God. I am thankful that I have been able to stay on a budget and work with my family for planning Christmas gifts.
I need to rest more and will be more faithful in my time with the Lord. You are right that I will be distracted by the world if I do not focus on God and have my time with Him. I will be intentional about following my time goals.
Thank you for the coaching Becky.
Diane
I am in awe of what God is revealing to me. I finished addressing my Christmas Cards today. My goal is to mail them Friday. God is teaching me to let go of that which is not important and keep that which is. I have never been this caught up before the Christmas season. I find myself getting up earlier and earlier to spend time with God. My goal was an hour a day but it is more like 2+. Being on task with money has allowed more to be given away. I am thankful for the communications skills that allowed me to express what I was doing differently this year. Thank you Laura for the reminder of the 20/20/20, Exercise is my hardest to get accomplished. I have had to rethink my goals in this area. I am thankful that I live in California where I can walk everyday. I am thankful to have maintained my desired weight and have a plan to keep it that way. I am not going to let the holidays take away all that I have gained during the last several months. I do get to have pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. I am taking it to someone else's house so I won't have it here to overindulge on. My thoughts are not flowing tonight but I do want to post to encourage the rest of you. God meets me every morning in such a awe inspiring way that this is how I want to live for the rest of my life. One of my gifts for my children are their prayers I have been writing out for the last 3 months. I find this a motivation to not skip a day. Thank you Becky for the comments on having a plan to do your quiet time in another city. Last week we were in a hotel and I got the blanket down and a extra pillow the night before and climbed into the tub before my husband woke. My elderly neighbor broke her arm and can't do even the simplest things I am so thankful that I am able to help her because my life is more simple and focused on being God honoring. God meets us where we are. This season I look forward to reading Luke and experiencing peace, joy and rest. Rest in God!!!!
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