Happy New Year!

Did anyone else feel like 2018 just flew by?

At this time last year, we were searching.

We were searching for a new church home.

We were searching for direction.

We were searching for ministry.

We were searching for the lessons in the trials.

God has brought us so far.

He led us to a new church home with folks to build us up,

with folks to encourage us,

with folks to teach us,

with new directions, challenges, and ministries.

In January 2018, we felt lost.

We felt weak.

We felt confused ...

...And God never failed.

2018 was one of growth in new and unexpected ways.

We learned to sit.

We learned to look beyond our typical ministries.

We learned to get out of our comfort zone.

Isn't God good?

Of course in the new year,

I have to look back at my goals.

They were lofty.

I didn't accomplish them all.

But I did stretch myself in some areas.

Personal Goals

Blog at least 3 times a week.  

Started strong, but this got particularly lost because of the church printing ministry, travels, and hubby's book.

Develop (and use) a Prayer Journal to be more focused in prayer by February.

Yes - Chalk this one up to a success.  It ended up being a stack of 4x6 cards, but it really helped me focus.  

Read through the Bible in the year.

Check.

Memorize 24 Psalms (1-24) - 2 per month.

Review/Rememorize - James, I - II Thessalonians, I-II Peter, II Timothy, Galatians, Jude (1 per month).

Memorize I,II,III John (remaining months after reviewing others).

No - I did get Psalms 1-3 memorized and reviewed James.  

I must admit that this is a discipline that I know I can do, but I let it slip through the cracks.

Exercise 4 days per week.

I think this was met.

Meet step goals daily.

13000 a day.  I met this at least 5 days a week.

I had to learn to give myself grace - especially when ministering to others led to less steps.

Learn Hebrew Using Rosetta Stone program - 4 lessons a week - 2 years.
(I've failed this one in previous years)

I got farther than any other year, but did not keep up with 4 lessons per week.

Read 12 books (1 per month) emphasizing American History and Missionary biographies.

Success.  Definitely read more this year!

Family Goals

Help encourage, format, and edit hubby's commentary on the book of Isaiah.

This was completed just at the end of December.

Walk at least 4 miles together each week.

This was a success.  Exercise is a big part of our life.

We are enjoying regular workouts together during the week as well.

Be done with regular housekeeping by the time hubby comes home each day.

I think I made great strides in this area.

Ministry Goals

Write 1 card to a college student each week.

Pretty close ...

Write one note of thanks or appreciation each week (in the home, at church, in the community).

Yes, so many folks to thank ... 

Entertain in our home at least once a month for a meal.

Score!

Find a place of ministry.

I feel like I learned that ministry is sometimes just the friendly face and hand shake.

There are so many people who just need a friend.

I also helped in the college care package ministry and the church printing ministry.

Home Goals

Continue developing a useful meal/recipe book - Reorganize it monthly.

This was a great blessing to the whole household.

Work to organize and declutter 5 home areas - 2 under bed areas, 2 closets, and 1 shed.

Have maintained these areas so much better.

So there you have it.

Some successes ... some failures ... but lots of learning.