February & March Goals

As I shared at the beginning of January, I’ve decided to have monthly goals this year in order to truly be diligent about making things happen. Before moving into March I want to revisit my February goals to keep myself accountable…

1. Read two books.

I finished reading Jesus + Nothing = Everything and it was so full of truth. I kept coming back to how the gospel continues to impact every aspect of my everyday life. I started to read A Million Little Ways, but I’m only a chapter in. So I only half accomplished this goal

2. Go hiking.

This didn’t happen. I had planned to take a few friends home with me to the mountains over Valentine’s weekend, but we got snowed in at school. So hiking didn’t happen, but we are definitely making plans to go on a different weekend.

3. Be intentional about living in and embracing the ordinary moments.

I’m growing more in this habit daily so I would say this is an ongoing accomplishment

4. Have at least four coffee dates with friends.

I wanted to spend time with my girls and be intentional about continually developing rich friendships. I had exactly four dates although only one of them was actually over coffee (one was a lunch date and the other two were frozen yogurt dates). So this goal was accomplished.

5. Pray for my future hubby and marriage consistently.

I can’t say that I’ve prayed for him every single day, but I have been consistently praying for him. I’ve also started to pray more specifically and to pray scripture over him. This is a habit that I always will be growing in.

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Now for March goals…

1. Limit my trips to Starbucks.

I love coffee. I make coffee everyday at home, but I can also easily spend an additional $30 at Starbucks each month. I need to be more aware of where I’m spending money and Starbucks is definitely not a need. With the money that I would normally spend on Starbucks, I bought coffee from Just Love Coffee Roasters. When you purchase this particular coffee blend, 100% of the proceeds go to support America World Adoption. Making a difference starts with the small things.

2. Learn more about adoption.

Adoption has been on my heart for a while now. Every time I hear another story something within me gets excited and I want to learn more. I want to become more knowledgeable. I plan to read Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care. There is also an adoptive mother at the preschool that I work at…I plan to ask her if she would be willing to have lunch with me. I want to hear her family’s story with all the challenges and triumphs of adopting.

3. Road trip to Florida to see one of my best friends.

Hello spring break! I’m driving down to Jacksonville to spend time with one of my best friends, Janice, and her hubby. I’m excited for lots of adventures and laidback moments.

4. Be intentional about giving at least one compliment every day.

There have been so many times when I’ve thought something, but then I didn’t tell the person. I’ve let moments pass where I could encourage someone. Words can be life-giving and I plan to be intentional about giving genuine compliments.

5. Learn more about slavery.

There are 27 million men, women, and children still trapped in slavery today and that just in not okay. I need to become more informed about what’s actually going on. And I know that I need to be intentional about praying specifically every day. I’m not really sure about what this goal is going to look like. I just know that because I have been set free by Jesus I have a responsibility. You can learn more about the End It Movement as well.

"The blood of Jesus covers every inch of my mind, soul, and body. Because I have been painted red by His blood, I go out to set others free..." -Christine Caine // It starts by raising awareness and shining a light on the fact that slavery still exists.