Plans fail for lack of
counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Before the end of last year, I pledged to be better; more
intentional; more consistent, by creating a list and making myself accountable.
I also pledged to put it out there, to declare it to the Universe, just I case
anyone was listening. As I mentioned at
my last check in, in some areas I’ve made consistent progress, but as always, Lord
knows I have work to do.
As I said originally, this commitment is so much larger than
just doing things better. I want to stretch towards my God-granted potential. It’s
time. I understand the Prayer
of Jabez differently, and cannot afford to spend time wasting in my comfort
zone. He numbers our days, but we are not privy to the number. It is,
therefore, our obligation to live the best of our lives every day.
1-Always a roast chicken
in the fridge-RETIRED
I have retired the first item on my list. It’s become a
consistent habit, and I am proud.
1- Always pause before speaking, breathe more, talk
less, and consciously stop interrupting.
Two, three, and four
have become one, under the heading of listening better. Just this week, I had a
conversation with my beautiful, wise, and wonderful first born. She was
expressing some frustration with being understood, and I remembered the words
of Steven Covey,
Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
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which you should read,
image by D Sharon Pruit
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It was good advice for
her, and it’s great advice for me. Learning to be a better listener is not just
practical; there is also a spiritual component. If I am listening to the One, I
must be still, silent, surrendered, and humbled. So, let’s make that number 2.
2- Remember to be still,
silent, surrendered, and humble.
The last
time I checked my list, I only dealt with the first 4. Looking at the balance,
I need to refocus; I’ve got work to do.
3-Keep my living room
clean (this needs WORK)
Granny
would have a piece of me if she walked into my house right now. I’ve allowed
the kids to drop and run, and we’re all guilty. When someone stops in unexpectedly,
I immediately feel tense, and embarrassed. It’s not a good feeling, and it
doesn’t take much to get it in right. Having a clean entryway shapes first
impressions, and mine need work. I am at ease when there is order, and I am out
of order. I commit to making this a priority.
4-Meditate, with my body
at rest, at least 30 minutes daily.
I have
not made the kind of time for myself, for my spirit, that benefits me or my
family. I am still not good at slowing down, but have reaped the benefits of
rest. I want more. I still pray and meditate while walking the dog each
morning, but that’s moving meditation. I need still meditation because that is
good for all of me, mind, body, spirit, and I’m going to get about it.
5-Actively practice the
presence of God (more, more, MORE)
I’ve
grown here, but I can never grow enough. Lord, let me evolve to the place where
I am not thinking about but actively engaging in Your Presence. Consistently.
Once, I called it hiding,
and promised that you’ll still be able to see me. Well, I’ve changed my mind. I’m
moving. I’m moving into actively practicing the presence of God. And I’m
staying….
6-Organize at least one
thing every month
I just
have not made this a priority; I’ve got to do better. No excuses. I do have
great advice from Holley Gerth on making changes to my life. Read the
book, but remember this, “don’t go big, go smaller…
7- Remember that although life is scary, pray, breathe, and dance
anyway; oh and anything that doesn’t defeat you ISN’T scary. (in progress)
Last year
taught me surrender. I came away blessedly broken, reminded forever that it’s
not possible to do it alone (without God AND without a supportive and loving
community). I also came away with a sense of humor, so much strength, and a
sense of fierceness that will not be denied. DANCE ANYWAY. Fear absolutely IS
NOT the opposite of faith. DANCE ANYWAY. Deuteronomy 9:3 reminds us to “…be
assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you
like a devouring fire.” Daddy is ALL THAT, so you just dance. DANCE ANYWAY. We
should focus on being faithful, even in our fear. DANCE ANYWAY. Fear is bad
when it paralyzes you. It is bad when it threatens to separate you from the
Love of God. He loves us even when we are afraid. Fear is powerful when it can
motivate you, so, we need to remember to stay close.
7- Run three times a week.
It’s good for me, and
I pray will I do it. Good for body and soul, literally. Easy peasy, done.
8- Consciously build community.
Joining the God-Sized
Dream Team (which you should go and meet here), taught me the
crucial, critical necessity of NOT REMAINING ISOLATED. I am committed to
building my community, both where I can see it, and extending my network, under
the heading of enlarging my territory.
9- Finish the book.
I’ve been consistently
writing, and have about the first third done. I’m simultaneously writing a book
proposal, since, having done my research, know that most non-fiction books get
picked up, by agents, based upon my research. I can be done by the end of the
year, but here’s a stretch goal…can I get an agent before the end of the year?
10-Remember, God is in
control, Not you.
Thankfully,
every day, this is my prayer. EVERY DAY.
I won’t be taking this off my list. And I will be leaving this prayer
here, for me, for you, for anyone praying, promising to make change.
Lord,
I surrender. I cannot do it all, and when I try, I fail miserably. When I don't
immediately fail, I put my capacity before your Grace and get things all mixed
up. I don't like it either way. I'm setting aside capacity in search of sweet
peace.
That’s my new list; my playbook for balance of the year. It’s
out there now. What’s on your list? Are you brave enough to post it? Are you brave enough to share it
with me, or with anyone, to keep accountable?
We can only fail if we try to go it alone.
"Dream a dream so big that unless God intervenes it will
fail." ―Hudson Taylor
