2015…Year of Productivity

Over the last couple weeks, I've been thinking about how this coming year could be different than the last.  2014 brought a huge change for our family, moving from Arizona to Oregon.  Because we are in temporary housing and most of our belongings have been in a semi truck for the last three months, I've felt a bit displaced, not having my "things."  In that displacement, I've gotten lackadaisical and, quite frankly, fluffy.  Yep.  One would think with this fresh start and opportunity to make a grand first impression I would be psyched to be at my best in every component of my life.  But for some reason I haven't been all that motivated, which has translated into being a bit lazy and poochy. But I want more for myself than just existing and making myself comfortable.  That is why I declare this to be my year of productivity!  

This is not a new year's resolution.  Rather, a month-to-month focus of intentionality.  A fancy little way of saying each month I will be intentional in an area or two of my life--some serious and some just plain fun (or should be).  This is in the hopes that after 30 days of concentrating on a specific area, it may become a habit, or at the very least, a more natural part of my life.  And after 12 months, I hope I can say I have found I have thrived rather than simply existed.  

I haven't finalized my year-long list.  It may ebb and flow from month to month.  I will not be legalistic and think I've failed if I miss a day here or there.  But I do hope to jot down throughout the month what I've learned through the process and what I feel I've accomplished.  Although I will be sharing my intentions and progress on this blog, it is ultimately for my own accountability.  Some of the intentional areas of focus will likely be personal, but I will try to be as transparent as I feel comfortable with the purpose of holding myself accountable and tracking its effectiveness.

My thoughts as of this first day of January 2015 are the following:
* Walking/running
* Prayer for my children/husband
* Pinterest/crafts
* Cooking
* Organizing
* Writing my book(s)
* Gratitude
* Random Acts of Kindness
* Playing with my kids
* Photography
* Finding answers to the many questions I have

Some of these may seem silly.  I mean, really, what mother needs to schedule time to play with her kids or cook meals for her family?  Well, to be honest, those are not my fortes.  I tend to not be fully engaged with my kids.  My mind begins to wander and I wish I were somewhere else.  And planning meals long enough in advance to actually allow something to thaw on the counter ahead of time is almost unheard of!  I tend to have to throw something together last minute, and only enough to get by.  Unfortunately, my family doesn't get a fullllll meal including a meat, veggie, starch, and salad much more than Thanksgiving.  Ok, so it's not quite THAT bad but let's just say any effort in the meal-prep area would be a good step forward.  My hope by the end of the month is that I will have found I actually enjoy preparing meals for my family and that new-found joy will continue to some extent throughout the year.

For January I hope to either walk or run a bit each day.  (Day 1 and I walked around the neighborhood!) But why stop there?  I may as well begin the year off right with what is MOST important and combine these efforts with PRAYER--praying specifics for my family. Yes, although I am a pastor's wife, it doesn't mean praying comes easily for me.  I catch myself praying generically quite often and don't put in the time my family deserves to cry out to the Lord on their behalf in the many areas which affect them. I plan on praying for each of my kids and husband individually in a wide range of specifics, but then tracking those prayers in my personal journal.  Throughout the month I do intend on using this blog to jot down results.

So rather than "resoluting" for an entire year, I'm going to bite off a chunk at a time, month to month.  I'm excited about the possibilities and transformations that are waiting to be claimed in 2015!  How about you?  Anyone want to join me?

January 2015 Family Letter

January 2015

What a difference a year makes!  A year ago we were lounging by the pool in 80 degree weather.  Today the six of us are cozy in a 1400 sq. ft. rental home.  From the desert of Arizona to the desert in northeastern Oregon.  From a staff position at one of the denomination’s largest to lead pastor at a church of less than 200.  But we couldn’t be more thrilled!!!

Eric has been a youth pastor for 25 years and over the last year our hearts had been stirred to look into the lead pastorate.  God clearly directed and we have now enjoyed six weeks at Hermiston Church of the Nazarene!  

Gabrielle (18) graduated from high school and is now taking on-line classes.  She is still battling her gastrointestinal issues but her symptoms have far improved from a year ago.  We are so very grateful.

Because Graydon (17) was homeschooled this year, he was able to work at a golf course.  Along with continuing to earn personal records running, he has enjoyed learning the sport of golf.

Gideon (13) had the honor of pronghorn antelope hunting with his Grandpa Kagey in August in southern Oregon.  Not only did he harvest a beautiful buck but it looks like Gideon will end up as the youth record holder in Oregon as well as have his name published in the Boone & Crocket record book.  (For those who are interested, his antelope scored 88 6/8.)  It has been mounted into a shoulder mount that we will get to hang on our wall!

Geric (6) is in the first grade and had been homeschooled until we moved to Hermiston.  He is attending a small Christian school and, although it’s an adjustment for his introverted and shy personality, he is doing very well.

I am loving watching Eric flourish in ministry by using gifts, talents, and creativity he hasn’t been able to fully use over the years.  Quadding, kayaking, and hunting are loves of his and northeastern Oregon seems to provide ample opportunity!

Because Geric is now in school, I look forward to fulfilling some of those dreams I’ve had over the years such as writing and photography.   I've already enjoyed leading worship and doing some stage design while here in Hermiston.

We have seen God’s faithfulness and blessing numerous times over the year and thank Him for His guidance and direction.  We anticipate with great expectation the days ahead!  

May you celebrate this new year with anticipation and hope and may you recognize Christ’s love for you!