ok…. the kids have gone back to school.
i got one day to myself (or technically just a half day).
so with my silent morning…. i wrote out my goals for 2016.
{{{{{cringe}}}}}
why does it make my stomach hurt?
goals are good…. right?
everyone says they are so it must be true.
even it feels scary.
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unrelated: my sister got me adorable polka dot “sleep” pants for christmas and i’ve worn them for dayzzzzzzz.
i separated my page out into sections – Self Care / Personal / Business / Jesus stuff
very professional.
probably just like Beth Moore would do it.
🙂
i will share a few but not all because some are personal & also i don’t want to bore you….
*Self Care
1. get a mammogram (cause i’m 40 now and it’s that time)
2. figure out if i can enjoy and see benefits of the Essential Oils
i want to understand… but i fear i may not be self aware enough… like knowing if my body is responding or not… or if have the stamina to keep it up… idk… we shall see. i have them. but feel basically clueless about them.
feel free to share why you love them and why i should as well.
*Personal
1. create something every week.
anything.
because i haven’t for months and i am slowly dying on the inside.
dramatic much?
i feel my best when i am creating… so i need it to be more not less.
2. send happy mail often.
i love to send people happy mail and i want to do much more of that in 2016
*Business
1. record and balance accounts early & often
this is pretty much my least favorite thing ever of all things related to business stuff
but now that i’m 40… ha ha ha.
it’s still my least favorite.
that doesn’t mean i can’t do it.
and it would make my husband so happy too.
win – win!
2. new products in my shop.
because duh… it needs to happen.
i just gotta do it.
feel free to share what you’d love to see in the shop!
*Jesus Stuff
1. READ MY BIBLE
i’ve always been really lax about this.
that makes me sad to say.
but it’s the truth.
i want to dig in and spend time in the bible.
i want to know Jesus more. i need it.
not in a ‘do better’ kind of way but in the ‘i miss closeness with jesus’ kind of way.
2. memorize bible verses.
it doesn’t have to be fancy.
this week’s was from our sermon at church.
Eph.6:11 “Put on the full armor of God so you can stand firm against the devil’s schemes”
3. Africa
someway – somehow – sometime this year.
yep… it’s a jesus thing…. it could be in the personal category too but it’s so big that’s it falls under Jesus Stuff for me.
(i knooooow that in reality EVERYTHING falls in that category. I do.)
——-
and then i attempted to fill out my 2016 calendar.
ughhhhh.
that is just dumb.
but i did it.
basically it was 571 basketball games and 3 dr appts.
ok… boring talk is over.
——
here is something you need to do: listen to Jami Nato’s Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.
trust me.
it’s REALLY good.
crazy good.
you’re welcome.
Lacy - I did the armor of God study by Priscilla shrier.. It studied all of Ephesians. It’s a great study and chapter! Great verse to memorize!
Lindsay - I love my oils! I’ve been using them consistently for two years now and the best thing I can recommend is get yourself a reference book, something you can look up your ailments and learn about the oils themselves. You can check any of these links (not affiliate): http://www.discoverlsp.com, tinyurl.com/yleobooks, http://www.aromaweb.com/books
When choosing a brand, research the company and how they make their oils. Labeling isn’t regulated, but some companies have videos of behind the scenes type stuff. I narrowed it down to two companies and I really wanted to pick one because of their branding/bottling, but I ultimately chose the other company because they’d been around longer and own their own farms/distilleries.
Essential oils work, if you use them. Try a new use everyday. Research some new ways to use them, make a quick calendar, and commit to using them at least once a day everyday for a month!
Do we still get sick? Yes, but it’s not as bad/doesn’t last as long.
I understand you already have some oils, but if you’d like to compare the two, I would be happy to send you some samples!
xo. Lindsay
Dawn Kitley - Hi! Just started reading your blog.
Goals always make me nervous. It’s me making a commitment and I get nervous when I make too many commitments.second, I would love to send more happy mail as well. I love getting mail! And not EMAIL!
Third, I just started an R-260 reading commitment. It’s 260 of the most important readings in the Bible. So, you’re not reading the whole thing. But there’s an app (Replicate) and it tells you what to read and when to read (only 5 days a week) and it doesn’t take long. Maybe 10 minutes a day.
P.S. Sorry if there are any typos, my iPad is not allowing me to see what I’m typing for some reason.
Good luck with your goals!!
Lilly - Hey Meg – have loved your blog for a very long time and you have inspired and encouraged me on countless occasions. And I love the pumpkin cake and cheesecake recipes – so does my fam. But one thing – please please – as someone many people read, respect and admire – when you refer to Africa, say the country. I am Ethiopian-American and have been living back in East Africa (Ethiopia and Kenya) for nine years with my hubby and four kids. When we travel back to the US each year, one of of goals is to inform those we love and spend time with that Africa is not a country – it is has 54 wildly diverse and wonderful countries. Just as I don’t say I am going back to “North America” can I suggest that maybe you just mention which of God’s hilariously awesome African countries is on your heart? Kenya couldn’t be more different than Ethiopia and they are neighbors – so imagine this continent that can house all the land mass of the USA, China, Mexico, most of Europe and India – is so different, so unique that border to border you find thousands of languages, people groups and cultures that could never fit under the one banner of “Africa.” I say this only in love and hope you can receive that way. Bless you and happy new year, Lilly
melissa@joyineveryseason - thanks for posting your goals … I love to see what other people are working on. 2016 will be a great year!
Jenn B - Hi Meg,
I have loved your blog for years! Goals are great but focusing on God’s goals for us is most important. I find that I get really wrapped up in my goals and used to often forget God’s so now I just pray about my vision and goals for the year and he directs my steps. I love the one about getting into your Bible more. You will be blessed.
On the essential oil subject, I have to say we LOVE essential oils. We use doTERRA (and to be upfront my husband and I are Wellness Advocates) but even if we weren’t WA’s we would still sing their praises. We have been using them over two years now and they have literally replaced our medicine cabinet. We use them for cleaners, mood pick-me-ups, and the all around good smells. Our children have benefited from them as well. They are even good to get rid of stinky smelly boy feet! Anyway, it is VERY important for you to learn to use them safely and properly because they are very concentrated. I have a section on my website about them and would love to teach you more if you’re interested. I could picture them at your craft house too! Diffusers in every room adding to the ambiance. Cheers to a God-focused and healthy New Year for you! Blessings, Jennifer
Janna - Oops posted comment too soon meant to add this We’ve been loving the breathe stick around here to use with breathe in diffuser and breathe cough drops when the sniffles start! Always using our on guard on feet and in diffuser with og throat drops when things start feeling wonky😥And every one of us use digest zen and digest zen softgels pretty frequently. I think these might all be my faves if someone asked me:) Well in the winter for sure!😜 Can’t really be without oregano tho if the throat gets sore and the Melaleuca and lemon gargle don’t cut it. Guess i better stop…I think i could go on and on😁Stinking love these oils! So so thankful for them!! So so very rarely have to haul my kids to an appt. And i have 5 kids ages 14,13,11,6 and 11 months. We ALL use them! So does my hubby; ) took him awhile to become a believer… But as soon as the oregano gargle wiped out his sore throat he was a believer! Lol! And he also used lavender on a burn on his hand and couldn’t believe that it quit hurting almost instantaneously. It did take me quite a while to start using them after I got mine. But once I got the book and could look up anything then I really started using them. I really really hope you start using yours and love them too 🙂
Janna - Yep totally agree with Lisa! I LOVE MY OILS and am SO THANKFUL for them!!! TRULY! But I like to say they are the icing on the cake. With all the other healthy choices we make they become the icing on the cake of not having to run to the doctor and just being able to take care of all the little ailments at home. I love love love it!
valerie - Your posts are always inspirational, this one is no exception! Love it, inspiring me to get my calendar all marked in!!
Lisa - PS- My take on oils… They are not a miracle item. I think sometimes people think (and promote them) like they are the thing that will cure anything and everything. I have found them to be a great thing in ADDITION to other stuff. For example-My kids will continue to get sick even while using oils if they are eating lots of treats and sugar. I have used different oils for headaches, tension in my shoulders, when congested and thought they definitely helped and I loved that it was natural. I think oils have a place but they can’t be the miracle worker if nothing else is in place. Hope that makes sense!
Lisa - I probably should sit down and do this. I need some goals for the year. I feel like i’ve been “flying by the seat of my pants” all year and I don’t like it.
Linda - love your post! thanks for sharing your post. I’ve been hoping you’d put the rainbow sweatshirts back in your shop! Also will you post your weekly create? I’d love the inspiration!
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I like your list.
Shannon - So now they recommend having a mammogram at 35 years old to establish a baseline. Had my first this year and had to go back for a second. Actually wasn’t as bad as I thought but then I’m not very “blessed” in that area. I use oils just when I find they are beneficially. I’ve completely stopped using chemicals cleansers on my face and switched to oils and items you probably have in your kitchen. It’s made a huge difference. And we have found a few that seem to really help with my husbands horrible seasonal allergies. Other then that I buy and diffuse ones that smell good. I’ve also had several people from different aspects of my life recommend Jamie Ivey lately. I guess God’s trying to tell me something. Yes to Africa! I’ve been twice, just waiting for God to say it’s time to go again.
Heidi - Love the list!! Same here on oils…I bought some in December from one of the “big” name companies and want to be a believer/hard corer because I know so many ladies personally that are, but not sure I can tell if they’re helping/changing. And same with the bible reading/memory…got a journaling one for Christmas and LOVE it (even though I’m not craft or artsy, love it for notes and thoughts).
Kate - I LOVE your goal to create each week! I am on the same mission!! Will you be blogging about your weekly projects? I would love to see what you are doing and of course, give your projects a try!! You always have the coolest ideas! Your blog is one of my favorites and I always love hearing what you have to share! Happy 2016!
Lori - Thanks for sharing your goals and especially thanks for sharing about the podcast. I saw Jamie Ivey when she cohosted the For the Love book club with Jen Hatmaker, but I’d forgotten about her. Loved this episode! I’ll definitely be listening to more. Thanks and happy 2016 to you!
Marge - Great new year post! I envy your alone day!! We use oils…. Mainly lavender /orange for sleep, on guard for cold sick season, and peppermint for headaches and upset stomach. I would love to see your colorful fabric bunting banner in your shop 😊
Happy New years!
jen - Yep. I just put all the volleyball practices and tournaments on the calendar. I feel ya.
Val - Hey Meg, you need to read Edie’s posts on essential oils – she gives you all the information you need to know. Her blog is lifeingraceblog.com 😀
Elliottsurf - Hello Meg and Happy New Year, can you tell me who did the art pieces you show in your kitchen next to the window? Looks like you have two pieces, one on each side of the window over the sink. Would love to know who the artist is and if we can purchase some prints. Thank You.
susan mooney - I love your blog. I think we have the same planner or a similar one…i got mine at Target and the only thing i didn’t like is that it was kinda plain inside so thanks for the idea of brightening it up with colorful markers!!! I like how real you are in your posts…and i think a lot of us women have very very similar goals as we strive to be the best version of ourselves…one thing i’d add is that i am doing a 30 day detox and so far so good. It involves yummy plant based protein powder and i’m not miserable AT ALL. Yay me! Feels good to flush out all the junk i consumed over the holidays! (i just re read and it sounds like i;m selling something and i’m totally not haha!) Anyway thanks for doing what you do! God bless your sweet family.
Gina - I always love this time of year…fresh start!! 😀 I love reading others goals. Reading my Bible changed my life!! You will never regret spending time in The Word!! I plan my life around it and try to never miss reading because it has been so beneficial in my life. It is where we meet Jesus. 🙂 And hiding His Word in our hearts is so very important. I hope you share what you are creating. 🙂
Dawn - I always think it’s dull and boring to share my goals but then I always love reading when others post theirs!
HJM - I tried the essential oil thing and sad to say, I never had that “miracle moment” where they worked for me. (And yes, I was using one of the two large companies where you get oils, the higher grade stuff!) We all got sick despite using the immune system oil, I had some skin issues that didn’t go away even though I used the intended oil to help with it, along with other failures. Maybe I was doing it wrong. Interested to hear your take!
Kim - Just had to comment to say thanks for sharing! Goals are personal, but it made my day to read some of yours!
Kelly - I have a great resource for memorizing Bible verses: Slugs and Bugs Sing the Bible. It is word-for-word Bible verses (and whole chunks of Scripture) put to upbeat, fun music making it so easy to memorize. AND Vol.1 heavily includes the African Children’s Choir(!!!) Our WHOLE family loves it! Technically for kids, but my husband and I listen when there are no kids in the car, too…it is THAT good. You will LOVE. Volume 2 comes out in March, but we have it already because we were part of the Kickstarter…you will LOVE it, too! Here is the link to purchase volume 1: https://store.rabbitroom.com/collections/slugs-bugs
Mandy - Essential oils are wonderful! I’ve always been a “sickly” type person who has a hard time sticking with trying new things to help! With Essential oils it’s easy! They have become part of my family’s daily routine and helped with so many of our medical concerns. They’ve helped so much I can’t help but share them for others to also see the benefits! If you have any health concerns you’d like to try to correct in a natural way you should definitely give them a try! 🙂
Julie - I’m trying to pluck up courage to book my first mammogram – in New Zealand they are free, once you turn 45. Got to be responsible now I have reached this age.
What a lot of basketball games – you are a good mum.
Being creative is so important – one of my favourite sayings that I have pinned is:
“being creative is not a hobby, it is a way of life
Good luck with achieving your goals and all the best to you and your family for 2016.