Goals before she arrives...

This morning is an overcast, rainy, mid 50s day in Renton... and I am loving every minute of it. Don't get me wrong, I love the sun. But waking up when my husband said, "Meg it's pouring," I got kind of excited. There is something about waking up in Western Washington to the drizzle and the cold on a "summer" day. It makes me stay inside and read, journal, and clean - which are three things that I really love to do. I might as well mention that I am also stuck inside because my beautiful vehicle is deciding not to work again, oh well, I just know I'm home-bound today and probably for another week. I've been thinking a lot about blogging lately and the purpose and point. If I can think of anything it would be to show people who Jesus really is. There are so many people out there who have been confused by a myriad of influences - and so I will continue writing. If anything I write brings glory to Him, then I thank him for creating this blog.

As I was reading a chapter in Praying God's Word by Beth Moore on my couch, I thought about the short time I have left before my sweet little one enters the world. There are some sweet moms that I've been chatting with lately who ALL tell me, "Take advantage of the time you have before she gets here!!" I was thinking, how do I know if I have "taken advantage" of the time? It sounds so good but I think by the time she comes and a few months after, I will probably be one of those moms telling the sweet pregnant women to take advantage of their time before their little one arrives. The question is.. how do I do that? I really need to have goals for my time if I am going to be productive and if I am actually going to do/change anything for good. Maybe that is just my personality... I don't know.

Goals before she arrives...

1. Read through entire bible using my year plan. If not entirely, mostly. It may be good to have a plan for reading when she does arrive. (Mind you- I am not venturing on this feat starting now, I started the bible in a year plan in January and am a few weeks behind half way. So, I am going to try to jumpstart it and finish faster :)

Deuteronomy 8:3 - And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

2. Finish reading Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. I need scriptural attack towards the enemy & his accusations and my everyday sins. This book is incredible!

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of the Lord is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

3. Journal again more frequently. I absolutely love looking back and reading through what the Lord has taken me through, and to be able to do that I have to WRITE!

4. Be much more intentional with my friends & family members, making sure that the people around me feel loved and cherished.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

5. Be a better listener. Focus well on the person talking.

6. Figure out what the Lord expects of me as a stay at home wife/mom. I want to realize the responsibility, joy, and challenges of this new job the Lord is blessing me with.

Titus 2:3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

7. Become more organized and simplify. Go through each area of Chris and I's life and do just that: organize/simplify.

8. Be more bold in living genuinely for/ through Christ. Most people know I am a Christian, but do they know why, have I explained the basic truths to them & the amazing freedom, love, and grace from following Christ??

2Corinthians 3:12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

9. Be more willing to take risks/ be adventurous/ be generous.

Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as for shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boudly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

10. Pray. Be connected to the One who created me, knows me best, and loves me.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.