April was tough!

Those words are the understatement of the century! God keeps showing me and reminding me of how selfish I am! I only human and don't like to be reminded of my faults. (so change them already, right!!!) As many of you know, I wrote out each month and things I was fasting from. April was no buying anything for myself. Not even the simplest hair pin or pair of underwear! :) (Ok, I don't wear hair pins.)  It was brutal!! There were jewelry sales going on on Facebook, the juiciest coupons were being sent to me via email, a new store opened up locally, I am out of everything of Mary Kay and not to mention, I was having major Target withdrawl!!! However, everytime I had an urge to make a purchase, I would pray for whatever or whomever the Lord lay on my heart at the time. It was truly amazing who the Lord had laid on my heart and mind! There were times where I would get a text from someone who needed prayer. Along with the whole 'no shopping' fast, we have this series going on at Grace right now and Sunday's sermon title was 'Giving Generously'.

                 Pastor Larry had three bullet points:
                    1. I will appreciate what I have...
                    2. I will accept where I am...
                    3. I will achieve contentment with Christ's help...

I am taking a few steps to change this 'selfishness'. I am making a conscious effort to see divine appointments to help someone who needs what I have. I pray that my eyes be clearer now than they have ever been. Won't you pray with me as well?

Amy

Fasting/Lent

     Fasting for me is hard. I always fast from something that I can't do without (or think I can't do without). Coffee, sweets, shopping, pepsi and just food in general. (I like food.) January was fairly easy. No sweets and eating after dinner. I especially love chocolate and desserts! I am a woman. So it would only make sense to fast from these after the holidays.  February, well there's a tale to tell. Seems like from day one I have been getting hammered by Satan. He has been putting lies in my head . Throw in family issues and our anniversary, it was too much. Who knew the lack of my most favorite carmally smoothness topped with whip could do this. I didn't realize that I was as addicted to caramel macchiatos so much! I have been battling migraines and this one today was a doosie. I have never had so much neck pain in my life, not even during childbirth! I will continue to persevere through with prayer.
     Tonight as I was making dinner, Coleson said "Hey mom, did you know today is fat Tuesday?" I had to think for about 5 seconds and it dawned on me that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. He then asked if they could eat all the chocolate they want? My initial answer was huge NO. But the more I thought about it, the more my brain gears started turning. At dinner, I asked the boys if they would give up candy during Lent, if I let them have all they wanted tonight. They were quick to yell YES! I may come regret it this decision! I encourage you to fast from something during these next 40 days and see how God works in your life!!

Goals, not Resolutions

Resolution: A firm decision to do or not to do something

Goal: The result or achievement toward which effort is directed

Every December, I set goals for the coming year. I dislike calling them resolutions. Resolutions seem 'hard' to me. Its either hit or miss. No in between. If I set a goal and miss it slightly, in my mind I don't feel like it's a total fail. I just build on what I have already accomplished. This year I have a little something different planned. Along with my goals, I have an item(s) I am fasting/exempting monthly. I have made the first quarter a tad easy.

January- no sweets & eating after dinner
February- no coffee/specialty drinks
March- no fast food

However as the year goes on it gets a little tougher.

April- no purchasing any clothes/jewelry/shoes for myself (that's 30 whole days!!!!)
May- no sweets, no specialty drinks & no fast food
June- only eating fruits & veggies

For some of you this may seem easy, but the second half of 2013 will be brutal for me. It's a little more personal therefore I won't be sharing it here. A few more personal goals I have are listed below. Writing them here for all to see will be motivation for me to excel at them.

* One date night a month with my hubby
* Run 500 miles this year
* Go on one mission trip stateside
* Take violin lessons
* Hone in on what dislocates my heart and see where I can do something that matters in that area

I have encouraged my boys to set goals for themselves. How else do you see growth from one year to the next. I encourage everyone who reads this to make a list of goals and set small ones that are attainable. Then taking that confidence and setting more/harder ones. I will let you know how my year goes! Happy New Year & God Bless!!!