New Years Reflections

From simplemom.net

Reflection Questions for 2011

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe 2011.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).

8. What were the best books you read this year?

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

Week 2: Awaiting An Advent - Luke 2:22-35

Week 1: Promises & Patience

ADVENTure

Advent starts this Sunday! Here's a great resource with readings and family devotionals for each week from our friends at The Village Church!

http://www.thevillagechurch.net/the-village-blog/advent-at-the-village/

Givingthanks

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1

Gungor - Beautiful Things

How does He make beautiful things? I saw Gungor on Sunday and as they played this song, this is what I was thinking about. Picturing each frustrating aspect of my life: work, ministry, relationships... I mourned the idea that anything beautiful would come of them. And then the answer came; simply, subtly, unexpectedly. "Faith." The key ingredient that was missing from each situation. I have been trying hard to do God's work, but God is the one with the plan. I don't consult him as often as I would if I thought He was in control. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith is the evidence of things unseen. Faith is the material God uses to build his kingdom. He makes beautiful things out of our faith, not out of our striving or even our abilities.

eh.

time for an update. not much to say. back on the yoga kick, thought about becoming an instructor (right now i can't even touch my toes) but it motivates me. also looked up the implications of such, as it pertains to my faith. still undecided. still riding my bike to work. the other day i turned to my husband and said "have you noticed that since i started riding my bike, i haven't been crazy?" somehow i feel much less anxious and more clear-headed when i exercise. it's not something i have been able to pull off consistently before, but i guess i found my niche. if you haven't found yours, that should give you hope. i have never enjoyed exercise before.

in other news, everyone is pregnant, and i love party planning. going on my second baby shower. theme: butterflies. inspiration: see below.



how cute is that!!! more pictures to come...