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I sat one night and wrote out some goals, and it felt so good to really identify some of the things I want to do. To put them on paper. Make them real. One goal I have is to remember how the heck to thread a bobbin and operate my sewing machine (any helpers out there!?), so I can do some little sewing projects. Another is to get more involved in ministry.
It's cool to see the Lord take that act of focusing on goals (which feels a little self-indulgent, I admit) and bless it by causing me to see areas where He's there with opportunities that are in line with the things on my heart. Just last night, I enjoyed the first of six weekly Biblical Counseling teachings at Calvary Chapel.
As a wife and mom, I think it's so easy to dismiss the goals and dreams we have for our own lives, but God has made us to dream and to create and to find satisfaction in living out the interests He has created us to have. And I'm finding that as I am refocusing on specific goals, the effect of that on the other areas of my life is that I'm having more energy, more of a commitment to time management and a greater sense of responsibility to prioritize....which are ALL things that glorify God!
My first and favorite mission field is my family. I firmly believe as a wife and mom that I must honor the Lord in how I serve my family before I step out to do something to be a blessing elsewhere. But I am reminding myself that it's also important each day to inject a little creativitiy and a little purpose toward things that inspire my heart. God has designed us to live with passion and purpose, but it's easy as a mom to get the guilt-complex (self-induced, I will add), when we put anything for "ourselves" on the priority list. There is definitely a responsibility we have to prioritize according to God's will. But it's also very much God's heart for us to be using and enjoying the gifts and talents and dreams He's given us!
I'm excited to share more about The Me Project: 21 Days to Living the Life You've Always Wanted as I take some steps toward the goals!
as I take some steps toward the goals!
Oh Shannon - I started to write a note to you and I must have navigated away from the page. thanks for your lovely words about the book. I can't wait to hear more about your journey and where you are being led in the midst of real life. Keep in touch!!
ReplyDeleteHI Kathi - Thanks for your encouragement and for sharing your life and what God's put on your heart with all of us! Being more deliberate and action-focused in the area of thinking about and pursuing goals is a really energizing, and you've helped me to shrug off the self-induced guilt I've been fighting with over pursuing "fun" and "creating" in addition to the other things I do. You've helped me remember that God's given me interests and dreams, because in the living out of them, He is glorified.
ReplyDelete"As a wife and mom, I think it's so easy to dismiss the goals and dreams we have for our own lives, but God has made us to dream and to create and to find satisfaction in living out the interests He has created us to have."
ReplyDeleteSuch and inspiring post, Shannon. You have really touched my heart with these words. Thank you.
Thank you! I find you inspiring! You are so ambitious to be chasing your dreams in school, creating a beautiful home, raising a wonderful little girl, being so passionate about your heart for your husband and the Lord. And you know how to do a bunch of the things on my "goal list" (ie - threading my sewing machine...), so it's time to set up another vacation!!! I love seeing the pieces you've made and sharing our ideabooks, too! When you're creative, it definitely is so vital to be able to tap into that part of who you are! Thanks for inspiring ME!
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