Update on 2009 Pursuits

It's been a little over a month since my post about the things I would like to be this year and going forward. I thought I would update with some of the ways I've been working on my list.

I've read my Bible everyday this year. I know that doesn't sound like a lot 19 days into 2009, but it's a big deal to me. Everytime I usually try to instill a quiet time into my days, I phase off within a week. They say 21 days makes a habit, so I'm almost there. Two years ago, my church followed a plan to read the Bible in a year. I did not participate then, so I'm using my old bookmarks and doing it this year. I must say, there are things I never knew were in the Bible and I'm a bit confused about some of it. But that's the learning and growing part. I read at night before going to bed, which is different than most, but that's what works best for me. A really cool byproduct: I'm sleeping better. It's like I focus on what I'm reading and I forget about to-do lists and whatnot. (Qualitites pursued: Perserverence; Maybe Christ-Like?)

I painted a birth announcement for my Sister-In-Law Heather, who's having a baby next month. (I forgot to take a picture, so I'll post one later.) I painted it to look like her crib set, and I'm very please with how it turned out. (Qualities pursued: Creative & Artistic)

I threw the baby shower for aforementioned SIL (with help from other SIL, MIL, & StepMIL). She had a good turnout and good great gifts. Moreover, I think we had a lot of fun playing games that I came up with. (Qualities pursued: Thoughtful, Generous, Kind; Creative & Artistic)

I've been working very hard on how I discipline my children. I'm not against spanking, but I'd like for them to want to desire to do the right things for other reasons than fear of a whoopin'. I've put a lot of emphasis on "That makes Momma very happy" or "I'm very proud of you" rather than consequences. Sometimes it works (Tristan is having less potty accidents), sometimes it hasn't (Colton spent four hours cleaning his room yesterday). I want to yell less. I'm not sure why that is usually my first response, so I'm working through that. (Qualities pursued: Patient; Loving)

I cut my bangs in an attempt to creat a different look for myself. Oh, I created a different look alright--not one I'd like to keep. More aggravating than the iffy appearance is the extra time it takes to fix them. Ugh. (Qualitites pursued & failed miserably: Stylish)

Been couponing like a crazy lady. (Qualities pursued: Thrifty)

Well, this post sounds like I'm tooting my own horn which doesn't pursue the "Humble" quality, but I'm really just trying to hold myself accountable to the goals I set for myself.