2014 Goals

This post probably should have been written closer to New Years, but I kept putting it off.  Every year I think of some things I'd like to accomplish, but rarely actually see them through.  I think most of that comes with the fact that there's no accountability.  If no one knows I'm trying to pursue something, then there's no grief or embarrassment of failure when I don't complete it.

This year, I'm hoping to end that unhealthy cycle and actually work to accomplish some specific goals.  One way I can help keep myself accountable is by sharing my goals with all of you.  If anyone on the great world wide web can see my goals then I have quite a bit of accountability to keep me motivated! Plus, it's helped in the past to blog about my progress as a means of self-accountability (and it gives me something to write about when writer's block hits :-) )

So here goes.. My goals for 2014 (in no specific order):

• Enhance my photography knowledge
• Learn how to take better pictures
• Document life more often through photography with my new camera!
• Organize my photo files on the computer

• Improve my overall fitness level
• Lose 50 pounds by the end of the year (a little over a pound a week starting now)
• Strengthen my back and core
• Take up a new form of fitness 
• Make it a point to do some form of physical activity at least 30 minutes/day

• Improve my quiet time
• Begin working my quiet time into my morning routine instead of always doing it at night
• Start a new devotional

• Decrease the overall time I spend on social media each day

• Begin pursing my dream of becoming a wedding planner
• Study and learn more specifics of the industry
• Explore wedding planning agencies in the area

• Become a better reader
• Read at least two books this year (this may sound silly, but for someone who NEVER reads, this is a big goal!)

• Become more responsible and aware with my financial planning
• Create a budget
• Save more/spend less
• Start saving for future needs/dreams - like a new car!
• Continue to improve my organization of ministry finances 
• Pay off all interest on my student loans and increase my payments above the required amount as much as possible

• Blog more!

So there you have it.  My rather long and ambitious list of goals for this year.  I may not get every single thing done, but I certainly want to try and complete them all on some level! Keep a lookout for future posts on my progress!

Important Update

Some pictures from our trip up the mountains to see the Haiti Partners school in December.

 

This evening I sent out an email blast to supporters announcing my decision to resign from HFMS.  This was not an easy decision, but it is one I believe God has called me to make.  While details for when I return to Haiti are not fully known yet, I believe God has a plan and I am exploring my options until He confirms the next step.  Please continue to keep me and my ministry in your prayers.

I will be returning to Haiti (pending Doctor's final approval) on March 4th to begin this next phase of ministry.  I am hoping to partner with a couple of different ministries, each on a part-time basis, working in multiple fields during the duration of my year's commitment. Once more definite plans are known I will be sure to update you all.  I can say though, that working with children will definitely be a large part of this next portion of ministry.  I have so missed working with kids and am looking forward to making that a main focus of my ministry again. 

For more details, and other updates, you can read my full newsletter HERE.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers; they are needed and felt every single day! If you are not currently on my email list and would like to be, please leave a comment below with your email address and I'll be sure to add you!

Recovery 101

Well, as of yesterday, I am officially 2 weeks into this recovery process.  That's 1/3 of the way with 4 more weeks to go....sigh.

The first week was not so fun, but I am finally beginning to see progress.  The sciatica pain in my leg is beginning to lessen, which is a huge prayer come true! I'm still praying every day that the pain will go away 100%, but I'll take progress over nothing!! Please keep this in your prayers as well please.

For now, I think I have perfected the craft of recovering. For those of you wondering, this is how it's done:

1.  Wake up.
2.  Take pain medications.
3.  Walk a few laps around the house (or take a trip outside if it's nice out - the mailbox is a good distance!)
4.  Find something quick and easy to make a meal out of - usually a frozen meal or leftovers.
5.  Find a comfortable position in a reclining chair.
6.  Wrap up in a warm blanket.
7.  Find something on TV or Netflix to watch...thank you OnDemand!
8.  Consume whatever you found to eat.
9.  Watch an ungodly and extremely unhealthy amount of TV or scour facebook for a while.
10. Repeat steps 2-8 until bed time adding in a few extra laps around the house each time.
11. Go to bed with night time meds, and try to find a comfortable way to sleep.
12. Wake up and start the process all over again.

Sounds absolutely wonderful right?!   HA!

My ultimate recovery suggestion:  Don't ever have surgery unless you have to!!  Boredom sets in VERY quickly.  Needless to say I'm going a little stir crazy, but hey at least I blogged :)

Happy Saturday!