Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
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This passage has a lot to do with one of my goals for 2010 (to be posted tomorrow), and I hope to write more on it in 2010!
You can play along too. Post your own Perfect Pairing and then visit Baloney‘s blog to let people know it’s there.
2009 brought a lot of changes in what and how much I was reading. I know a large part of this was due to completing my Master’s Degree, but I did not read as much as I would have liked either. Most of my reading has been done in the last third of 2009, and truth be told, I was very happy to have a break from some of the academic reading I was doing, which I never include on the list. Hmm… maybe I should rethink that one?
I rediscovered fiction, which I had not been reading for a long while because I have a hard time letting go of reality. I had been so focused on reading parenting books and doing research that it occupied all of my time. I found some good fiction with the help of friends though and am back reading in that genre.
My reading has also been diversified thanks to joining two different book clubs– one virtual and one with a monthly meeting. I really enjoy the groups– both are unique.
If I had to pick one book from the list that was life changing or an “I’m so glad I read this and am going to revisit it regularly,” I would pick “Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate.” I don’t agree with absolutely everything in the book, but overall it is a great book that led to a lot of self-reflection and significant changes in my life already. I hope to revisit various chapters on a regular basis. My favorite fiction book on the list was “Kite Runner.”
When I was nursing The Boy and going back to work, I was worried about supply and pumping enough for him while I was away. One of the things I did was start drinking a tea by Traditional Medicinals called Organic Mother’s Milk. The more I looked in to their teas and tried them, the more I found that I enjoyed them and could use them in my every day life. During the winter, I am especially fond of their Organic Throat Coat and Organic Cold Care, as well as Organic Echinecea teas. During the winter months, you can find a seasonal sampler of their cold teas, which is nice for trying them out.
I’m not sure how many people I have recommended these teas to over the past few years, but I know that some do enjoy them, so I’m not alone!
In the past couple of weeks, I have been doing some heavy thinking about life. OK. Let’s face it, more like for the last six months or more, but the past couple of weeks it has been amplified. A lot has changed in 2009, and as I look back, I realize I am hardly the same person now as I was a year ago. Rather than lament on, I am going to review my past goals, which is long overdue, and soon I will post my next round of goals. Some will be carry overs… some will be new.
Accepting help. I am keeping this one, because I want to keep it in the front of my mind that help is ok!
I think I have finally figured this out to the point where it is a habit!
Financial. We will stick to our budget, rid ourselves of any and all high interest debt, and made defined progress towards financial freedom. I have really been doing a lot of reading, thinking and praying, and I have come to the conclusion that we cannot fully enjoy life while incurring debt at the rate of other’s in similar situations and age groups, so I want us to pay down our debt as quickly as possible, and yes, that includes our mortgage. The Jones’s can keep buying too much, but we will live within our means and be good stewards of our finances.
We have made significant progress, but after taking the Crown Financial Ministries seminar, we are working towards some new financial goals.
Personal Fitness. My new fitness goal is to return to working out (cardio and abs as a minimum workout) at least three times per week. I failed at this, so it stays. I will work out! I will become toned!
I failed again. I did so well for a while…only to fall down on the job, so to speak. Grr… frustrating, because I love to work out.
Family. I will focus on keeping my family centered– focused on our needs and happiness irregardless of societal and extended family pressures. I will insure that my family is more important than other menial tasks and my job, and I will spend time with them having fun even if chores need to be done!
I think we had a lot of fun as a family.
Education. I will graduate!
Check!!!
Personal Growth. I will continue to challenge my mind through continued learning. I will read intellectual/academic articles and other challenging literature rather than all “fluff.” I will author (and co-author) articles and submit them for professional considerations via presentations at conferences and publications. I will continue to be actively involved in issues that interest me, and use my skills to benefit organizations that I support.
Check!
Spiritual Growth. I think this is the first time I’ve ever considered goals in my spiritual life. It’s a long story as to why, but I have really felt inspired by my friend Erin lately. My spiritual goal is simple– to learn more about the Disciples, since I call that my church home and to do a daily devotional.
This was an amazing year for spiritual growth for me, and I can’t wait to see what 2010 brings!
Personal Time. I will take time for myself at least one night a week, and I will read for pleasure!
Check check!
Books. I own a lot of them. I will inventory my books, create a record of each book I own, and donate the books I no longer want or need.
I think until I have a place to store and sort my books, they will have to stay how they are. Sad but true.
The House. I will paint the ceilings, trim and our bedroom!
Kind of… we got the ceilings done in the main portion of the house and trim in other rooms, but not all of it. DC ruined that, and we have new house priorities!
The Environment. I will continue to stay abreast of environmental developments, work on my compost and start a garden in pots. I will finish our landscaping project and purchase an outdoor drying line!
Check check, and no check on the drying line. We did get a lot of other stuff done though, and I’d like to finish the landscaping this year. We might be selling the house, so some plantings in the back would be especially timely!
Review of Goals. I will periodically review, update and revise these goals quarterly!
