Progress on October Goals

So far this week, I've worked out 3 times.

Sunday, did a 20 minute legs and 10 minute abs video.
Tuesday, ran 3 miles with Noel at lunch - discovered a great way to spend a long lunch break.
Wednesday, did arms and Barre3.

I am a goal-setter, though not always a goal-follow-througher. I like structure, but I like freedom.

Last night at house church, we covered 1 Corinthian 6: 12-20. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but I will not be mastered by anything.

I am always living in a state of being mastered by lesser freedoms. I want to sleep, so I miss my time with God. I want to feel full, so I miss practicing self-control. I want my way, so I miss humility.

Having goals can set me up for freedom, but the goals can become the master as well. I am praying through and focusing on the freedom found in Christ, lived out through following his Word. Not, setting goals for myself to feel better about myself so I can present a prettier picture of myself to the world. 

It's all about Him. 

Anyway, got sidetracked. So far, so good on October goals. 

Thankful Thursdays #3

As work continues to throw more responsibility and challenge my way, I am learning how much God wants/needs to show up in this category of my life. For so many years, personal relationships consumed all my best efforts and energies.

And then blessed Noel came along. And it takes effort, and it takes energy, but not in a depleting way. In a life-giving way.

So now it's all about work. And responsibility. Dependability. Integrity. Making the most of my resources. It hasn't been easy or fun, but it's been eye-opening and heart-stretching. For that, I am so thankful.

1. A promotion at work.

2. Answered prayers in the work category for Noel.

3. As much as I love them, my mom taking the boys for a break.

4. Prosecco for celebrating.

5. Iced tea as an alternative to the gallons of Coke Zero I could very easily consume. Regularly.

Monday

Oy. 

I normally get to work at 6:30 to avoid traffic and have about an hour of alone time before everyone starts filing in. Sometimes though, like this morning, waking up early enough to be in the office at that time is just too early. 

It was cold (for Texas) last night, which made granting myself a later alarm clock a lot easier. 
Noel was at work, so I was sleepy-mopey about not having his good morning kiss to start my day off.
And this weekend was just pretty rough, so I didn't feel rested to start another Monday.

But I got up, let the fuzzy boys out, and started my day. I can't say I'm fully present in this Monday yet, but I also don't want to waste any more time going through the motions. 

I have 8 hours of work to put in. Sometimes work is mental challenge, sometimes the people at work are the mental challenge, but mostly this is a personal challenge to do my best at all times, even in situations that aren't my favorite. I've never been good at giving my best when I feel a situation doesn't merit my all. 

 Tonight we're having dinner with my parents.

I am on day 7 of my October goals, one of which is to workout 5x a week, 30 minutes minimum. So I'll be getting in a 30 minute sweat session before dinner. 

And then I'll have an evening with my man, something I miss when he's gone. 

All of these things are wonderful, undeserved blessings, not unwanted to-do's. It's so easy after a day of work and traffic and phone calls and so much other STUFF to want to check out. Sit on the couch. Give Noel 20% of my already depleted energy. 

But it's the stuff after the working hours - the workout, family dinner time, Noel time - that really matter in my life. 

I pray God will show me how to balance it all. I pray He will give me the energy or show me how to use my current energy supplies to invest in the things that will last. My relationships, my health. Not let those things suffer because I am aching for more or different from 6:30 to 3:30. God, please help me learn to serve you with an expectant, generous mind and heart, not just waiting for the day to end. Please help me to find my refresh button once I get home. 

Thankful Thursdays #2

1. What a wonderful month October is, even in Houston. Even though temperatures aren't dropping and leaves aren't changing, it's a new season. New foods in the produce section, new clothes in stores, seasonal candles, warm colors everywhere... I love October.

2. My husband who continually reminds me of Christ's love for me. There is no greater gift than my marriage to Noel. There is no better man or mate for me.

3. Those seasonal candles. Non-stop. As soon as I get home, the hoodie comes on and the candles get lit.

4. Budgeting. Having control of our money. This has been a huge blessing and a huge challenge for me.

5. An amazing place to work. God is showing me that he isn't just Lord of my relationships, he is Lord of my work. I have encountered more work stress recently than ever in my life, and I had to learn (maybe for the first time), that God is here too, and he's calling me to submit here, too. Interesting lessons on that front.

My vigilant little men.

Extremely handsome husband

What are you thankful for?

October Goals

1. Exercise 5x a week, at least 30 mins.
2. Bake 2 new kinds of treats (I am obsessed with decorating cookies right now).
3. Paint. Make one new creation.
4. Cook 3 new healthy meals.
5. Develop a signature October cocktail for home.