One of my goals for 2009 was to read 52 books in 52 weeks. Here’s how I’ve done so far.

1. Priced to Move (Jan. 4-10)
2. Set Apart Femininity (Jan. 11-17)
3. Persuasion (Jan. 18-24)
4. Stepping Heavenward (Jan. 25-31)
5. Charade (Feb. 1-7)
6. Do Hard Things (Feb. 8-14)

I am about 4 weeks behind. Time to do some extra reading.

Image Via: We Heart It

I’m amazed at how much I get done when I get up at 6 am. That is one of the things I have been trying to be really consistent about… getting up at 6 am to do a quiet time with God. It sets me off right on workdays and on days when I’m home it really jump starts the day.

Got up at 6am.
Took a bath.
Made coffee.
Quiet time.
Ate breakfast.
Finished book.
Washed face.
Brushed teeth.
Ordered books for class.
Completed reference for friend.
Sorted through receipts.
Went to the bank.
Mailed reference letter.
Balanced checkbook.
Made eye appointment.
Commented on Facebook.
Deleted emails.
Added Friend Connect to blog.
Blogged.
Now its 12pm.

Photo via: We Heart It

Tonight is blustery and cold again. I still went for my walk down the road and back though. Bundling up was essential. One of my goals this month is to incorporate thirty minutes of exercise into my schedule. I’m not doing to bad actually. For me it is a “just do it!” thing. And don’t leave it until you want to sit down and watch TV. It feels really good to do it. There is just something about having exercised that lifts you out of your humdrums.

The Inspirational Daily Planner. I first saw this Planner at Barnes and Nobles and recently purchases it from Amazon. I’m in love with it. Besides the beautiful cover. It has a verse and quote for every day, a monthly calender as well as lots of space for daily to do lists, an address book, place for prayer journaling, and a one-year Bible reading schedule. So much good stuff all in one place! If you need a planner for 2009 to keep you on track I highly recommend picking this one up.

1. Sold Out Submission

I commit to living in submission to my Savior. Daily asking of Him, “What is your will for me?” Taking one step with Him at a time, whatever that step is. Doing each task as to the Lord, whether it is washing dishes or taking a stand of faith. Essential in this resolution is a daily quiet time and taking the time to renew my mind.

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

2. College Minded Intentionality

For a while now I haven’t really known what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have always wanted to be a wife, mother, and home-school teacher. Because of this, my love for kids, and input from others in my life as well as lots of prayer, I have decided to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. To be intentional in this pursuit I need to develop healthy study habits and be proactive in completing school assignments. Another part of this resolution is to actively make plans to pay for schooling. I will be taking online classes from a community college this spring semester and plan on attending a Bible college this fall.

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

3. 52-in-52

I will be taking the challenge in 2009 of reading fifty-two books in fifty-two weeks. I bought a set of British Lit. books when I graduated from high school and I would like to incorporate reading that set this year into this challenge. I love to read but find that I have not been making the time for it lately.

Proverbs 15:14 “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”

4. An Apple A Day

I know this is something that is one everyone’s resolutions list. It has been on mine for years. That being said, I believe it will continue to be a yearly resolution for me because you can always do better. This resolution encompasses washing my face twice a day, exercise, drinking less pop, and flossing. Among other things. Not terribly exciting, but not something that should be overlooked either.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

5. An Open Door

I am a homebody and someone who always has new projects in mind. That is why it is very easy for me to hole up in my room with my computer, sewing machine, or a good book. And my door is usually shut. While I will continue to spend a lot of time in my room, I have decided to adopt an open door policy. The door stays open during the day. Anyone in my family may stop in to talk to me and see what I’m up to. So, this year the door stays open.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”