A Word for Wednesday: Taking Stock (Part One)

Last week I decided our word for the year would be Discipline. I've found it interesting how much this word has come to mind this week. This blog-accountability stuff really does work! Anyhow, today I want to give a little status report and take stock of the areas in my life that could use a little more discipline over the next year...well, probably for the rest of my life. I'll tell you now, it's gonna be a long post.

Taking Stock
Spiritual

• As I mentioned in my resolutions, I really want to get more consistency in my Bible reading. Over the past couple weeks, I have worked out a regular time to read. For now, it will be after Ariel gets up, eats breakfast, and dresses for the day. By this time, she is usually settled (and snuggled) enough to be ready for a little alone play. I can sit on the couch and read my Bible and see what she is doing at the same time. I figure an added benefit of this time is that I am being an example to her - she is seeing that reading God's Word regularly is important (Mommy values it) and it needs to be a priority (when Mommy is reading, the Book gets most of her attention...don't misread, if Ariel needs me she has me, but this is a time for me to focus on God rather than Ariel). This time seems to be working, so far on regular days. I have to have a little more discipline when something is different in the morning though.
• In another spiritual area, I am focusing on prayer right now. I have a lot of friends that are hurting or struggling right now, so I've had plenty of motivation to get my prayer life cranked up a bit.  I don't have a system really, but for the moment I'm okay with that. I'm praying when I remember someone and then that usually reminds me of another friend so I pray for them too. I really just want to make sure I am taking time to communicate with God throughout my day. One area I'm not satisfied with is praying with Ariel. I am taking steps to help her participate in meal prayers and we have begun praying more consistently with her at night.
• Gratitude. Maybe you've noticed. I'm posting one thing a day that I am thankful for. This takes discipline and it is stretching me. I have plenty to be thankful for, but putting it into words can be difficult. I'm really. really glad I'm doing this...again, I hope you don't hate my blog now because of it.

I know there is much more in this category that could be improved upon, but I'm trying to take small bites.

Personal

• First, I'm pacing myself. The passing of January 1 does not mean I have to start working on goals or I have failed. It is just a starting point...even if it just means start thinking and planning. I'm disciplining my reactions. Is that a real thing? Second, these types of things help me grow as a person and experience new things. They are important.
• I love learning. This year I want to learn to knit and maybe even crochet (that might have to move to next year though). I haven't made in strides though. I have the stuff, but have no idea when I'm gonna work it in. I've got lots of excitement and ideas though, so at least the motivation is there. Now I just need to get down to finding them time. It may not sound like it, but I do feel I am approaching this goal with discipline. There are many things in my life that require my time. Most of them are necessities. This is not. It is okay to wait for something like this. It will happen because I care about it and I don't need to beat myself up for not starting yet.
• Photography. Whew. Another time taker. I actually got started with this a little last night. I'm organizing my photos. I've started posting a picture of the month of Ariel. I have a goal to do a photo related post on Fridays - don't know exactly when that will start yet. I downloaded a free trial of Photoshop Element 8 to try it out. Jason knows some photoshop and element is more limited for someone like me (just messing with family stuff). I've started using it a little. I like it. I'll probably buy it.
• Reading. Jason and I have decided to use our multitude of time in the car for reading together. We just finished The Five Love Languages (more on that later). Now, we are reading The Lost Symbol. We are alternating between fiction and non-fiction to keep it interesting and fun. I've made a list of books I want to read and found most of them are classics. Exciting. I'm reading Jane Eyre now. I REALLY like it. Ironically, I'm having to discipline myself not to read too much. I like to read at night, but I need to sleep. I have to make myself stop. So far I have. I want to reflect on my readings, so I'll probably make a post on here about most of the books I read.

Wow, this is taking too much time. I have other things to do this afternoon. Next week, I'll continue by taking stock of needs for discipline in the following areas. It might take the rest of January for me to finish taking stock, but don't worry. I'm working on them even if I haven't posted about it. ;)

Parenting
Marriage
Relationships
Homemaking
Finances
Pets
Physical Activity
School/Work
Blog