But this year, I’m going to give it a try.
First, I must acknowledge God in all things. He has blessed my husband and I so very richly. I am daily faced by those without homes or jobs or any kind of
stability and reminded that we are blessed. We
have a warm home, plenty of food and clothing, financial peace, and the
knowledge of Christ’s love and life-giving sacrifice. We have far more than enough.
We are growing in Christ by his Word, his provision, his love, and his grace.
Listen to Paul’s prayer for the church in Colossae:
“We continually ask
God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and
understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the
Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in
the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his
glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” -
Colossians 1:9b-11
God’s people are not stagnant. We are called to grow and
learn and “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s].” Therefore, I pray
for God’s blessings as I focus on social and spiritual growth, and physical and
mental training during this year, 2013.
“Do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good,
pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
My goal for mental well-being is to keep learning. During my
college years, I started learning to speak Italian and play guitar. I enjoyed them both so
much, but let other interests fill my time. This year, I want to pick up the guitar and start studying Italian again. I can only trust that God will find a way for me to use a second language
and a new musical skill for His glory. I think it’s also a good idea to do puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku, both as a
way to relax and keep my mind sharp.
May the God who gives
endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you
follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 15: 5-6
My goal for both spiritual and social well-being is to
strengthen the bonds of friendship with my Christian friends. For the past year and a half, one
of my very top priorities has been to strengthen my husband’s and my
relationship. As we continue to grow together in Christ, I think it is also
time to give some attention to Christian friends that God has placed in our
lives. I miss my college roommates like crazy, and we’ve made some great new
friends at church. I want to make coffee dates and weekend visits a much more
regular occurance this year. I am giving knitting lessons to one of my new friends here in Chicago and can't wait to have a friend to knit with!
Surrounding myself with other Christians strengthens my faith by allowing me to discuss Scripture and work through everyday struggles with the help of a second, Christian perspective. It reminds me of the call to be pure and holy and I learn so much by seeing other living out their faith. God blesses Christian fellowship! After a few months in role as the Fellowship Coordinator at church, it's about time for me to make fellowship a more personal priority.
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| Oh how I miss these girls!! |
“Do you not know that
your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore
honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Doesn’t everyone want to be healthier in the New Year? I
started a really great exercise regimen at the end of 2012, but I’ve taken
about a three-week vacation from it. I am so glad that I can actually feel the
difference! My body felt pretty normal during that first week with minimal
exercise, but by the second week I was feeling quite achy. By the third week I was craving
exercise! I'm thankful to be getting back into my routines and feeling better again!
Thus, my goals for 2013 are to continue with this regimen and drink more water.
In this way, I hope to praise God with my body.
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| My Exercise Regimen |
