8 in 2008: February 8th Check In Time

So, what did you think about having eight different things to focus on living intentionally with this past month?

For the most part, I just went about life as normal, even forgetting about my list. But there were times when it smacked me right in the face, gut, heart, and soul, as the Lord confirmed again the things He wants me to do through His strength and for His glory.

As I've spent the past week looking over my 8 in 2008 list, I've been struck by how He's worked (and I am posting a day earlier, as the next 48 hours will be super busy)....

1. To keep before me a theme the Lord has put on my heart to Live like Romans 12:1 declares, to Love the 1 Cor 13:4-7 way, and to Laugh as did the woman in Proverbs 31:25. To learn more about this theme, click here!

WOW is all I can say! I've heard too many sermons to count on the Romans and Corinthians verses, which deeply ministered to my soul and offered practical reminders of what it means love God's way and and to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. In addition, the Experiencing God study has focused primarily on God's love for us. I can not believe how much I am truly beginning to comprehend that! In the midst of a devastating rejection by someone I love, I have sensed God's love for me in the most intimate way. PTL!

In addition, my time with teen girls has exploded over the past month and the Romans 12:1-2 continues to be part of those many conversations. As a result, the Lord has inspired me to build a new blog, just for them, apart from Extravagant Grace, called Refresh...stay tune for it's debut...that ties this verse and our stories together for their encouragement.

2. Host 8 new people (either new friends and/or their families) to my home for coffee or a meal!

God's ways are not our ways. I envisioned gatherings with neighbors and strangers, but instead we:
~ spontaneously invited a student to stay for dinner
~ hosted an after Christmas party for over 30 students
~ I've had tea with 7 different students in the past three weeks! WOW!

3. On the 8th of every month, I'll pray for 8 people whom I care for deeply and have yet to know the Lord.

Yes.

4. Memorize 8 verses, which is so hard for me! These are the first five I know the Lord wants me to know backwards and forwards: Rom 12:1, Eph 5:33 amp, 1 Cor 13:4-7, Pro 31:25, 2 Cor 10:5

I think I have Romans 12:1 down. Yippee!

5. Read thru Bible in a year, not giving up no matter how far behind we fall. I say "we" because we're doing this as a family--the girls are sure to keep us in line!

This has been so hard to keep up with, but we are persevering, even if we need to read multiple days on the weekends. So far, we've read all of Genesis and Job, and are into Exodus. Even though I find myself fading during the readings, overall I'm getting the breath of God's Word and reminded of some favorite Scriptures. Stories are being knit together. It is cool!

6. Get all photos updated ~ my goal is at least 8 pages per month, even if it means scrapping the scrapbooking in order to get caught up!

Ick. I finally came to terms with the fact that I don't want to scrapbook anymore, but that I do believe photokeeping is valuable for our families. So, I ordered 200 photos from 2006 through presented day, bought two albums, and hope to have them put together by March 8th. The scrapbooking is something I can return to later in life, if I choose.

It is sad, in a way, because I loved it so much. But that was before I began writing, speaking, and designing. It was also before I had four children that I wanted to spend time with. Together, we can paint, which we love to do on Sundays as a hobby together. Scrapping just doesn't seem to work the same way. This is a big, big, deal to me, as it totally against my nature to let something go, simplify and move on. It is a mixed feeling of sadness and relief.

7. Be able to run 8 laps by October.

I've been using the treadmill, which tickles me to no end at how the Lord provides. I still need to "get in the groove" (as Valley Girl describes) and hope to give that some attention this month.

8. Weigh _ _ 8 by July 8th! And keep it off rest of year! The process is all about submitting to the Lord, which really is the desire of my heart!

I've lost 2 pounds. Most importantly, I had major successes saying no to food that I just didn't need to eat and drinking more water. I feel like I'm moving in the right direction. I'm losing the mentality that says "no" is bad, and find myself thinking more in terms of Romans 12:1 -- that if I love the body God gave me...and the God that created me...I ought to show it by how I care for myself. Although I need to watch the sugar intake. It has been on the rise again. Pray for me!

I really think this little effort to be intentional in 2008 is worth it. If nothing else, I'm seeing God at work all around me instead of just coasting through life without thought.

I can't wait to hear your experiences. Be sure to link up your post using Mister Linky. Continue to spread the word to your readers, encouraging them to join in. It is never too late to start! Here's the link to the first post, for those that would like to read about the purpose of 8 in 2008.

Remember our commitment, too -- We'll praise Him no matter what, for the successes and for the lessons learned. We'll walk in His extravagant grace and begin again with His mercies that are new every morning!

Here's a perfect invocation for the next month of 8 in 2008...

"O gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you, eyes to behold you, ears to listen for your Word, a heart to love you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." ~source unknown

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the LORD
and
he will give you the desires of your heart.

P.S. I'll be by to read all your posts in the next few days. You can pray for me in the meantime, as I'm speaking to a group of precious women in a recovery home on Saturday night. It is an outreach of my mom's group. We're bringing them dinner, and they've asked for me to bring a message, too.