See how far behind I am? Here it is, only 2 weeks away from ending the 3rd month and I’m just now writing my “goal” post for the 2nd month! Better late than never, I guess!Â
Goalpost #1: Creativity
I started the month well. I ended January in a deficit, but worked hard the first week of February to not fall any further behind. I completed my second album (the family album for 2002) and was on track to complete a third fairly easily. However, it was not to be. Too many unforeseen complications got in the way, and frankly, I just lost the motivation in all the chaos. If I can get myself back on track in the next two weeks, I should be able to complete a third album, though I’ll be way behind on my page count. But as any scrapbooker will tell you, it’s getting albums completed that counts, so if I can stay on track with that goal, I should accomplish a lot this year towards getting my family’s history documented…such as it was in 1995 (no kids, first house, only one pet, Matt’s mom and my dad both still living…yeah, it was a long time ago!).
Goalpost #2: Spiritual Growth
If you’ve been following this blog at all, then you’re well aware of the progress on this front. We anticipate joining McFBC within the next two weeks, and are already seeking God’s plan for our involvement in this wonderful community of believers. We’ve plugged into a life group – though we anticipate changing groups for the next session, just to try to connect with others in our life stage and hopefully provide some friendships for our children. Matt is part of a men’s discussion group and will be apprenticing with the tech crew this week in preparation for the Easter service.  In an interesting turn of events, I feel God leading me to step back from the music aspect of ministry…and I’m surprised at how okay I feel about that. When we first came to McFBC, I immediately noticed the lack of a choir. No problem, I thought…I’ll just audition for the praise team. But after hearing the quality of the voices, and now knowing that they have an abundance of accepted vocalists (so much so that I don’t think they’re even auditioning at this point – or if they are, you have to be SUPER-good to even have a chance), I realized that perhaps God is directing me to serve in another area. The fact that 1) I am okay with not being part of praise team, and 2) I am even considering working with children is such a testimony to the changes God is working inside me. I am actually excited to see where He places me…and looking forward to creating my own “puddle” in which to serve.  (Jacquelyn, that reference was for you!)
But above and beyond the church issue is that of personal growth. I’ve shared my excitement over the ladies’ Bible study, which has been terrific for getting me to dive deep into God’s word. But this church has such a grasp of discipleship and makes it so easy and accessible to the congregation. I am still working out the kinks, but my goal is to be able to feed myself spiritually along with each meal I eat, using many of the materials provided by McFBC: breakfast with the Life Journal (a daily scripture reading guide), lunch with the sermon study guide (just finished “24”, now on to “The Heart of the Matter”, a study of Luke), family devotions at dinner, and a bedtime “snack” with Beth Moore. I’m hoping to become more healthy spiritually and physically!
Goalpost #3: Physical Health
Speaking of being healthy physically….
Though the scale has stopped cooperating, I have been far more consistent with going to the gym. At the beginning of February, I had my introductory complimentary training session which gave me some specific guidelines to work on. As I’ve been faithful in following those guidelines, I’ve definitely seen some results. Unfortunately, part of the session was the bmi, which showed me just how far I have to go. Though I haven’t lost more weight, I do know I am taking positive steps toward living a healthier lifestyle. I’m not always perfect in my diet, but I am finding ways to replace my beloved diet cokes with water, eating more fruits and vegetables, using low-fat ingredients in my cooking, and supplementing with healthy snacks. The scale may not agree, but I am definitely noticing a change in how my clothes fit!
Goalpost #4: Mental Stimulation
I found more time in February to enjoy reading and after giving up on Searching for Johnny, I blitzed through the next selection, Crossing by Night by David Aaron. A great spy thriller about a real-life American woman who served as a spy for the British in WWII. Now, I’m devouring Magic Time by Doug Marlette.
And for probably the most exciting news of all, in the month of February I added 4 new students to my studio, bringing my total enrollment to 18! With this increase came an opportunity for a genuine sit-down, heart-to-heart discussion with Matt about my studio’s future. Armed with calculator and financial figures, I presented my case and poured out my heart’s desire – to stay home next year and continue to build my studio. As a result, we are taking a major step of faith toward that end. I had already sent a cover letter/mock “resume” to one school and for all practical purposes had a job waiting for me…a job that would have been a perfect fit: great location, hours that would allow me to be home before Trey & Crisana got home from school, and a supportive environment for my faith. Turning down that job was hard…but I know it was the right thing to do. I know I’ll lose some students next year…but I’ve already seen a tremendous surge of interest, and I’m sending out lots of information packets – and I know that God will provide if this is what He truly wants me to do. I’m thrilled beyond words to know that I’ll be able to continue being Den leader for Trey’s soon-to-be-Bear Den, and an active volunteer at McGowen (room mom, anyone?)…not to mention just being a part of all of Crisana’s “firsts” in her Kindergarten year. I do plan on signing up to be a sub a few days a week, for a little supplemental income as well as testing the waters for the following year, trying to ease the strain of “re-entry” after all these years away.
Well, it was a long post, but a lot has been happening. I’m definitely excited about where we are, where we are headed as a family, and the way that God has been moving and leading us. I may be falling short on many of these “goals”, but at least I’m still headed in the right direction. I’m not interested in finishing this marathon first or even in the best time, but finishing well. And with God’s continued help, I bet I can!