Checking In

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In the beginning of the year, I set spiritual, physical and emotional goals. Since it is almost the middle of the year and I haven't given an update since March, I thought it would be a good time to check in.

1. Spiritual - Read through a book of the bible repeatedly each month

I have completed Hebrews, Romans, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and will complete the book of John by the end of June. I feel like I have stuck with this goal pretty well. There have been a few days that I skipped reading but made up for it during the remainder of the week by reading extra chapters. I feel like I am getting a better understanding of the bible as a whole. This week I listened to "BibleThinker," a podcast hosted by Pastor Mike Winger. In three of the episodes I heard, he broke down the different parts of the bible. I can't say it was anything that I hadn't heard before, but it was explained in a way that made it make more sense to me. I would encourage you, even if you have been reading the bible for many years, to listen to the episodes titled, "The Bible for Beginners" and "How to Understand the Old Testament Law," parts one and two dated July 12-14, 2015.

2. Physical - Run or walk a 5K three to four times a week and complete my physical therapy exercises three times a week.

Completing my PT exercises has been hit or miss. After checking my journal, I have been faithful for the past three weeks. I go through times of slacking and times of consistency. I definitely feel better when I do them. I have been consistent in completing three to four 5K's in a week. My mileage has been exceeding my goal so that is surely a plus. My runs, however, for the past three weeks have been a struggle! "J" and I have been running intervals and even they have seemed hard. I have let it get into my head and bring me down a bit, but I think I am slowly climbing out of the hole again. I do realize that I go through these ups and downs. I need to stop comparing myself to others or even comparing my current runs to ones in the past. I have written blogs about this very subject. I need to take my own advice, enjoy being able to be out there, and just give it my best for that day. 

3. Emotional - Starting each day with the YouVersion bible app's "daily refresh", and a weekly worship song.

I have been sticking with the bible app for my quick morning devotion before I even get out of bed. Sometimes I feel like I'm half asleep and don't really know what I'm reading at the time, but I believe that it is sinking in and giving me a good start to the day. I have slacked a few days on listening to my daily song and slacked one week on even picking a song when I didn't feel anything stand out to me. 

4. Blog - publishing a blog post weekly on Sundays. 

Other than three Sundays out of this year, I have had a blog published weekly. I feel like I can also call this a success.

After reviewing my goals and checking how it's been going, there is one area I still feel I am lacking discipline. Would anyone like to guess? Drumroll, please - yes, it is nutrition, of course! I will tell you, though, that we are in the very beginning of a journey as a family that I will share with you soon in an upcoming blog. This past week was the start of small changes that I hope will snowball into bigger ones, leaving us all feeling better with our health. 

I encourage you all with this verse, as you set goals and take small steps to achieve them, "Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9 (CSB)

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