What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. ~ Martin Luther

Wednesday, February 01, 2017

the month that was: January


(a monthly update on my yearly goals:: because accountability and revisiting my goals each month seems like a pretty great way to keep myself on task this year.)

For a look at my complete list of 2017 goals go here. I posted my goals nearly halfway through the month, so I can't pretend to have a full months' work under my belt.  Even still, with just a few weeks of focus, I am really happy and grateful for some already marked improvement.

* Daily Bible readings have happened with the exception of one or two days.  I have been greatly edified by them and wonder why I find Bible reading so exhausting/hard to do sometimes when in actuality, it makes life so much more peaceful/easier to endure.

* Been working on memorizing Romans 1: 18-25

* Hung four paintings I printed from our personal printer here around the house. (I was given permission for printing based on home education- I asked.)  They could only be 8x10 that way, not really statement pieces, but quite beautiful anyway.  I wonder what took me so long.

* Letter writing goal was to write three letters this month.  I mailed 14 correspondences, some much lengthier than others...but still!  I was pretty impressed with myself.  Way to kick things off!

* Spent at least three times I week doing kettlebell exercises.  No "workouts" (meaning: certain lengths of times working out or following some guide) just repetitions of a few moves I know.  I'd like to find a few youtube videos to watch to get actual workouts in.  But the repetitions kick my butt for now since I am so crazy out of shape.  Proud of myself for making myself find the time for these.  I hate exercising.

*  Haven't had a drop of Coca Cola in all of January.  I told Matt I feel 'soda sober' now which is really melodramatic since I only drank it a few times a week anyway.  Not exactly an addict- and yet, I didn't like feeling like I really wanted soda.  Now, I am really liking how I don't 'feel like' it anymore.

* Been eating pretty darn good ifIdosaysomyself and I started a food journal to make sure of it.  Haven't lost a pound yet though.

* Been spending time learning Shakespeare with Hillsdale College

* Made a new, more relevant budget to see us through the year.  Hopefully.  Envelope system, once again.

* Once a month shopping~  I went shopping two other times (but only wound up with two extra bags).  Once to a bread store to buy .99 bread loaves halfway through the month (I already can tell a trip halfway through the month for .99 day will be a concession to my once-a-month shopping, especially since it is the day I am already uptown for a visit to the library.)  The other because the lettuce/spinach I had bought all froze (and turned slimy) in our mudroom.  Since I am trying to lose weight (read: I am now a winter salad eating chick) I thought it was worth it.  Since I didn't lose any weight, who really knows.

* Made a food plan for the entire month of February and grocery list.  This Saturday will be shopping day.

Overall, no major changes took place to show for my efforts other than I feel as though I am shaping new habits.   And this, to me, is pretty exciting.

8 comments:

Melissa said...

Great job Rebecca!

Anonymous said...

You have been doing great. Wondering if you would share your February food plan?

Anonymous said...

You should be proud of yourself! It's good to have you posting more often.

Stefanie said...

I am proud of you for no Coke.
I'm working up my courage.
I'm tapering off at least.

Elisabeth said...

What you said about Bible reading is true for me as well. I wonder why I don't want to read when it is life-giving.

Amy Marie said...

Love the update! Beautiful job! :)

Abigail said...

I've been simultaneously trying to help hlearning along while doing quarter reports all day long. I just emailed them to the district and am celebrating by doing NOTHING BUT COMMENTING ON YOUR BLOG.

My brain feels like it's about to explode, however.

Enjoy these few comments.
They'll probably be the last you'll ever see.
Say a few kind words at my funeral, please.
I don't mind if they're false, just make them kind.

(Also, hurrah for you! You've been brave and diligent in January. It is hard work to chisel out these areas, and you are taking strong steps. Well done.)

Abigail said...

p.s. KA-BLAM!