So nearly one year ago I began a public (well however many people that read this blog qualifies it as 'public') quest for simplification in my life.
I desired to eliminate distractions in my life and also add in inspiration and growth.
Overall, a lot of it worked!
I met goals and practiced discipline
I had accountability from this blog, my husband, and friends (so thankful!)
and yet....
Here I am...nearly one year later...and I feel as if I've recently taken steps backwards....
I reactivated facebook for several reasons...but still I struggle with my time spent on it and the anxiety I let it cause me through reading about others and reading into what they say
I have been glued to the t.v. this summer - even though we don't have dish and we cancelled Netflix!
I haven't exercised much this summer (I only did 15 days of the 30 day shred...)
I was barely in the word daily this summer while I did an intense 11 week Beth Moore study
(So wow, that was a depressing list...)
But I did graduate this year!
I enjoy spending more time with Mylin and focus on our time together when we're at home
And Joel and I have gotten into a groove of spending time together in the evenings and going on regular dates
We have really enjoyed doing double dates a lot this year with wonderful like-minded friends
I even changed all of my responsibilities to that I could focus a lot of my time on MomLife - a ministry that I want to invest my energy in, not spread it thin with the several other ministries I was trying to be partly involved in
I have also been seeing a counselor for about 3 months to deal with my anxiety in a few specific relationships I have struggled with for years
Though I looong for something more...so much more for my life, my family, ministry that I can glorify God through...
I come home on Sunday afternoons encouraged and passionate about what we are taught and challenged with
Meeting with my MomLife leadership team I am energized with ideas and infatuated with the relationships I am building through this ministry
All I want to do is sit down and discuss with everyone else their view and opinions on adoption, living in community, the radical experiment, how to decipher when sermons/teachers are contradicting, whether to homeschool or not, and how to be disciplined in daily scripture reading and regular exercise...
Is my list too long?
How and where do I even start?!
I wish I had someone (or a couple, for Joel and I) to partner with us and come alongside to guide, direct, and mentor us...
Someone once told me all I needed was the Bible and the Holy Spirit...but I struggle to trust that - even though I know I can...and should...
Where do I go from here?
I think I'll begin by praying (and practicing self-discipline!)...
In what ways and in what areas can I be praying for your growth?!
I would be privileged to keep you accoutable too
-学习网评：辩证认识和把握国内外大势-my399.com-
3 years ago
I miss our time together and so wish we could be that couple for you in person. We're here for you despite the physical distance.
ReplyDeleteA few things your blog brought to mind that I too want to make happen in my life (well, maybe should say ask the Lord to make happen if He desires). A month or so ago I read about friendships as a couple and that as a couple you should have 2 couples you spend regular time with. Jeff and I have one couple...our longtime friends we have vacationed with and spend once a month going to each other's houses but not sure who the Lord wants the other couple to be. I personally want that second couple to be a mentoring couple. I kind of have an idea who I think it could be, but I'm not sure and I'm not sure how to go about it so I need to pray more about it. Secondly, in my recent reading, the gal I told you about had a mentorship relationship through email. I've always thought it needed to be in person but I've asked a few and it has fell through leaving me so discouraged. So I emailed a woman that has been instrumental in my life telling her of my recent frustrations and we are going to have a phone date today! She lives out of state but I realized that she could still be a mentor to me even though she doesn't live here. As a side note I was thinking that the new FB is quite annoying and because of that its easy not to spend much time on!
ReplyDeleteI am continually amazed and in awe of your vulnerability and willingness to be publicly genuine! How refreshing, inspiring, and challenging! I have, for months, been praying for this "mythical" couple you speak of for us as well. While I am in complete agreement that the Word and Holy Spirit should be enough, I struggle with the tangibility of it. I long for the verbal reassurance, advice and physical closeness of a mentoring relationship. I have yet to find that couple, or even person to guide us. I will begin to pray that you are able to find that couple - sooner rather than later as well!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could give you some applicable advice in regard to each of your struggles..... but I am echoing the majority of them myself :(. I am grateful we can at least be accountable to each other. I love you!