I think this year deserves copious reflection in order to prepare for 2012 and the new challenges and opportunities I and my family will encounter. I hope to post my answers in a few days.
20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
5. Pick three words to describe 2011.
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).
8. What were the best books you read this year?
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.
I found this list of reflection questions at simplemom.net.
Dec 30, 2011
Dec 28, 2011
The year of Discontent
The social world has been void of my presence lately simply because I find it laborious and of no value to me--it's a waste of time. I have neglected this blog for similar reasons. Additionally, the title of the blog and my profile blurb are not true. I am not satisfied in anything, least of all God. I am not striving to encourage my son or husband in their pursuit of Christ. I am still finite but I have no view of the infinite; my vision is blurry and trained on lesser things at the moment. I am a hypocrite.
The year of 2011 is the year of Discontent. I am discontent, even dissatisfied with myself, my abilities, my job, my accomplishments, my efforts, my parenting, my thesis, my God, my life. I even find myself disappointed by those I love because I have placed unfair and unrealistic expectations on them. I blame everyone but myself for my current habitation of a pit excavated by myself.
Even in my confession I am self-centric; pronouns referring to myself thus far in this post: 27.
When in such a state, this dog returns to the refuse of the destroyed relationship. The longing for connection, for someone to confide in, removed enough to ensure transparency, though able to understand on an emotional, spiritual level--the objective third party. And yet, thoughts toward that party are less than objective. The opinions carry more weight than any deserve. Perhaps it is not as safe as desired. Perhaps not as objective either.
The lust in my veins is sickening--lust for a kind word, company in this pit. And here I am content. Contentment in discontent simply because exertion to escape is too daunting. I am content to do nothing.
I am in quite dire straits.
The year of 2011 is the year of Discontent. I am discontent, even dissatisfied with myself, my abilities, my job, my accomplishments, my efforts, my parenting, my thesis, my God, my life. I even find myself disappointed by those I love because I have placed unfair and unrealistic expectations on them. I blame everyone but myself for my current habitation of a pit excavated by myself.
Even in my confession I am self-centric; pronouns referring to myself thus far in this post: 27.
When in such a state, this dog returns to the refuse of the destroyed relationship. The longing for connection, for someone to confide in, removed enough to ensure transparency, though able to understand on an emotional, spiritual level--the objective third party. And yet, thoughts toward that party are less than objective. The opinions carry more weight than any deserve. Perhaps it is not as safe as desired. Perhaps not as objective either.
The lust in my veins is sickening--lust for a kind word, company in this pit. And here I am content. Contentment in discontent simply because exertion to escape is too daunting. I am content to do nothing.
I am in quite dire straits.
Sep 7, 2011
Jul 1, 2011
Orphans
Something that has been floating around my head for a while...God-Centered Missional Adoption and Orphan Ministry
Jun 23, 2011
Chemophobia
I am not alone in my irritation at marketing campaigns touting "chemical-free" products when very few things are not chemicals. Additionally, chemicals are not something to fear, but to understand as they are the very building blocks of our existence.
This is a good summary of the quandary scientists face in this emotionally fueled marketing trend >> My Chemically Fueled Life
This is a good summary of the quandary scientists face in this emotionally fueled marketing trend >> My Chemically Fueled Life
Jun 17, 2011
Motherhood as a Mission Field
I wish I had read this in the early months of my son's life. I needed this encouragement so dearly.
Motherhood as a Mission Field
Motherhood as a Mission Field
Mar 6, 2011
Parenting Daughters
I do not have a daughter, yet. I love my son and fully intend to enjoy raising him. However, I was and am a daughter who still has much growing to do. I love my dad and believe that he and Mom did their best raising me and my siblings. At the same time, I so wish someone would have spoken this truth into his life while my sister and I were still young. I remember vying for a kind word from him, working just to be noticed and acknowledged. At times when I was noticed, the words were less than what I expected or desired. I know this has affected me and continues to affect my marriage and will probably influence my parenting.
None of us has escaped childhood unscathed by something a parent has or has not said to us. I pray that as my friends and I marry and start families, we will strive to minimize the wounds we pass on to our own children. With that said, even if you are not a father or even a husband, please read the article linked below. It will give you great insight into women and prepare you for the day you might have a little girl hanging on your every word.
>>>Parenting Daughters by Pastor Dave Bruskas
None of us has escaped childhood unscathed by something a parent has or has not said to us. I pray that as my friends and I marry and start families, we will strive to minimize the wounds we pass on to our own children. With that said, even if you are not a father or even a husband, please read the article linked below. It will give you great insight into women and prepare you for the day you might have a little girl hanging on your every word.
>>>Parenting Daughters by Pastor Dave Bruskas
Mar 5, 2011
A song of ascents
Psalm 126:1-3 (New International Version, ©2011)
Psalm 126:1-3
A song of ascents.
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:1-3
A song of ascents.
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Mar 3, 2011
Saying you’re having a hard time “connecting” at church. | Stuff Christians Like
Truth in a delicious wrapper of sarcasm >> here
Feb 28, 2011
Fears for my son: Biblical Sexuality
Parenthood has been quite the ride these past 10 months and 18 days. I love my son as I have never loved anything before. Any expression on his face or little accomplishment does not go unnoticed or without celebration. He is a vital part of my heart and I love him. I only want all that is best and beautiful for him. But in that desire for his life, there will be challenges in teaching him what is right, especially since what is right is often incredibly unpopular. It seems the world accepts or even encourages sin as long as it is "safe" or "victimless." How do I tell him there is no such thing?
One of my fears centers around teaching him a correct, biblical view of sex. I thought I had learned the correct view growing up, but I see now that I did not have the whole story. I never knew that the compromises I made would affect my marriage and even my ability to be a good parent to my children.
Thankfully, Christian leaders are coming forward to help adults and children alike learn the beauty of sexuality as God intended. One such leader is Mark Driscoll and his wife. I read a post on the Resurgence website that offered some good general advice and helpful, though heartbreaking, information about sexuality among children today. It was very thought provoking and reminded me that I want to be proactive, not reactive, in raising my son to know what is right. I encourage other parents to consider discussing this and other important topics before the child asks the question. Be prepared; do your research and prayerfully consider how to best communicate with your child.
As a parent, we are charged with a heavy, beautiful, exciting, wonderful task of molding another person. Let us take hope in the promises of God and His faithfulness to supply what is needed. In this case, I need heaps of wisdom!
One of my fears centers around teaching him a correct, biblical view of sex. I thought I had learned the correct view growing up, but I see now that I did not have the whole story. I never knew that the compromises I made would affect my marriage and even my ability to be a good parent to my children.
Thankfully, Christian leaders are coming forward to help adults and children alike learn the beauty of sexuality as God intended. One such leader is Mark Driscoll and his wife. I read a post on the Resurgence website that offered some good general advice and helpful, though heartbreaking, information about sexuality among children today. It was very thought provoking and reminded me that I want to be proactive, not reactive, in raising my son to know what is right. I encourage other parents to consider discussing this and other important topics before the child asks the question. Be prepared; do your research and prayerfully consider how to best communicate with your child.
As a parent, we are charged with a heavy, beautiful, exciting, wonderful task of molding another person. Let us take hope in the promises of God and His faithfulness to supply what is needed. In this case, I need heaps of wisdom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)