It's going to be an action-packed 366 days!
--We'll have a new baby
--We're moving back to our hometown in March
--Andrew graduates with his master's degree in Physician Assistant studies at the end of June
--Then there's the board examination and the job hunt
--Adjustment to a new job/different schedule
As I think about the year ahead, my hope is not to set "bigger" goals or try to "accomplish" more. Andrew and I came to the conclusion that we don't necessarily need bigger or better goals. Instead, we need to continue honing in on the goals we've already had in place.
Inevitably, having two children instead of one will make my life busier. With that in mind, my desire is to focus on the eternal things in my life--namely, people. My relationships.
Before I put any revisited goals on paper, I thought about how I would list the priorities in my life. I'll admit, part of me balks at this idea because in truth, there is only one priority--following Jesus! Everything else is encompassed in that. But if I'm putting parts of my life in 1-2-3 order, it would go like this:
Relationship with God, serving Him in all things--He is the center!
Marriage: My relationship with Andrew
Motherhood: Loving, teaching, training, and caring for my children
Loving others: Serving the saints and reaching the world with the gospel
Learning, growing, and being active
Homemaking: Ordering my home to make the above things easier
So then, my goals for 2012 are as follows. Basically, these are some practical steps to help me live out what's important in my life.
So then, my goals for 2012 are as follows. Basically, these are some practical steps to help me live out what's important in my life.
Growing as a follower of Jesus--I would love to grow in prayer and Scripture memorization this year.
- Time with Him 1st in my day (or as soon as possible).
- More prayer walks (fit walking into our daily/every-other-day routine?).
- Memorize one Bible verse/passage each week.
- Record 1000 gifts this year!
Marriage
- Find a particular way to bless/love my husband each week.
- Arrange bi-weekly date nights.
- Get away as a couple for a few days after he graduates from graduate school!
Motherhood
- Spend some one-on-one time with my toddler at least bi-weekly doing an activity/learning time together.
Loving Others
- Write our sponsored child monthly.
- Continue to practice opening our home to others.
- Find new ways to serve our community/reach the lost when we move in 2 months.
Learning, growing, being active
- Read 12 books (List coming soon…hopefully tomorrow!)
- Lose my baby weight (find exercise routine that works for this life stage)...I'd really love to run a 5k for the 1st time ever!
- Learn more photo-editing skills
- Work on a family photobook page each month
Homemaking
- Tweak my cleaning schedule to fit life with 2 kids
- Discover a freezer cooking routine that works for this life stage
- Use my household binder more diligently
- Revise budget and financial goals after hubby finishes school (in JUNE!) and gets a job (whoooo-hoooo!)
I am full of expectation for 2012. What are some of your goals for this year?
Those are absolutely wonderful goals. I love how you put "for this life stage" on them. That's so important. Here it is the last half of January, and I'm still trying to figure out 2012, mainly because this year brings a new "life stage" (the empty nest - how did that happen?) and I have no idea how to adjust to that!! But the basics are there - spend time with God and family and friends and be open to their direction. Have a wonderful year.
ReplyDeleteBecky--Wow, what a big adjustment. I hope it goes smoothly for you and is a really sweet time.
DeleteHmm. I like how you both decided to not do new or bigger goals, but to instead work on the already established goals. I am excited for your family with your husband graduating and all that goes with!!
ReplyDeleteME TOO! :D
DeleteThose are great goals! I like how you more clearly defined what you want from each area. I need to do that a bit more.
ReplyDeleteI think for me, some of my biggest goals this year is the same as your top three {God, hubby, kids}. In those, I have "goals" but I haven't sat down to really write them out. So... I really should.
I'd love to hear them once you do, Sarah! :D
DeleteAlicia - as always I love following your blog, although I rarely comment. :) Your blog is a great reminder to me of the things that are most important. My goals are very similar, although my kiddos are a little older (10, 7, and 5). Thanks for the ongoing inspiration...it's always nice to see other Christian mommas out there that have very similar priorities! :) Good luck this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Autumn! I love it when people who rarely comment actually do. :D
DeleteIt's wonderful to have company in this crazy motherhood journey, isn't it?
I still haven't quite figured out my goals for 2012, partly because I'm going to be having a baby in the next few months (whoa, that soon?!). I guess right now, my life is centered around getting ready for baby and wondering what's going to happen next, since my husband is graduating this spring.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I'm excited for all the new changes ahead for you!
DeleteOne of my goals is to memorize 1 & 2 Peter. I put it on my mp3 player and try to listen to it every day on my morning rounds. I have six rooms in my house and there are 8 chapters, so I work in each room for one chapter, tidying up or cleaning something till the next chapter. The kitchen gets two or three chapters depending on how it comes out.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, I LOVE that you posted your goals. Gutsy move! Now you're obliged to follow through! I'm wondering if I should maybe follow suit. It would be a definite 'new adventure.' I'm usually pretty personal with my goal list. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I just started blogging my OAMC system if you'd like to check it out. Might help with your 'homemaking #2' goal.
Your blog is a blessing! Thanks for sharing!
This is fabulous! I did something similar last year and it made easier to see how I was doing in each area of my life. I'm the same way about taking a look at the previous year's goals and just tweaking it. Or even looking over it throughout the year is a great way to 'check in'. Hey, maybe some kind of exercise challenge would help you keep accountable. ;)
ReplyDeleteAlicia thank you for sharing your heart and your list! I really like how you gave more detail on each goal! I'm working on God, husband, kids this year too and need to really define how I can do that before I get off track...again ; )
ReplyDeleteI decided that my new year's resolution would be to not make any - new ones, that is! Seems like they've been the same the last few years, so I'm trying to stick with them and keep going.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely post when you get a good freezer meal plan worked out. Something I'd like to do, but often just can't quite make happen. I do try to make a double batch whenever something's freezable - one for now, one for later! :)
Hope you are doing well, and getting lots of yummy baby snuggles!