8 in 2008: March 8th Check-In Time

Well, ladies, we're into the third month of 2008! Can you believe it!!! I feel like time is just flying by, and with it memories of the New Year are fading fast.

How are you doing on your 8 in 2008? Do you see intentional living happening? What is important to you now, compared to three months ago? I can't wait to read your lists!

I am so incredibly thankful to be doing this 8 in 2008, as the list and former posts are a reminder to me of the things I deemed important just 90 days ago. Here's where I stand on them now...

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!

I continue to face these three theme verses over and and over again. The living sacrifice piece is a constant reminder when it comes to food, exercise, and giving of my time to others. It has also partnered with the love theme in opening my eyes to how becoming a living sacrifice in marriage is the opposite of being selfish.

Learning that lesson was the result of a fight with my husband. Like many couples, we end up in the crazy cycle for no apparent reason, fighting the same fight but not knowing why. Such a fight happened just two weeks ago, but this time my husband recognized the problem and I was humbled enough to agree. He boldly declared that most of our fights are due to the fact that we are selfish. Ugh! I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. We think "our thing" is more important than the "other's thing," asking the other to take care of something because we think that what we are in the midst of is more important. We end up in a fight, feeling that the other has either bossed or neglected us.

Selfishness is indeed the problem. If we think of each other as better than ourselves, we wouldn't be so quick to ask the other to stop what they are doing to serve our needs. Ever since this Holy Spirit-convicted moment earlier this month, we've both been intentional at serving instead of being selfish. Praise the Lord, for there is a new peace in our relationship and home.

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

This has been GREAT for our family! In our two week break, we were able to share meals with two different families and a bunch of teenagers. We are feeling God's blessing, especially because I am not stressing about it at all and don't feel wiped afterward. What a joy! I think the "8" has been satisfied for the year, but I'll keep going!

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. I will.

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, added Phil 2:13, Phil 2:1-4

God added to this verse list this month. Philippians 2:13 came up repeatedly in my studies, and I've been working on memorizing it. As I was reading it in context, I came across Philippians 2:1-4. Now that passage, in light of the lessons on selfishness learned with my husband, has become my new mantra marriage. Care to memorize it with me!

Philippians 2:1-4

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

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!

If it wasn't for my husband, this would be a major failure. It is his discipline that is keeping us going. The girls are 100% behind it most of the time, too. It has meant a sacrifice on bedtime stories and going to bed later, which also translates into less evening time for me. I admit, I bristle at this, and then feel convicted by my priorities. God is using this experience to grow me and refine my character, definitely!

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!

I still have three months from the end of 2006 to scrapbook, but all of the 2007 photos are in a traditional album. I need to go back and add dates and notes, which I hope to do by May 8th! March is too busy with speaking engagements to put in the time now. It is a relief to take this hobby that became a chore off my plate. Now when I paint on Sundays with the girls, I don't feel guilty!

7. Be able to run 8 laps by October.

I'm on the treadmill about 3 days a week. I want to do at least four, and increase from walking most of the time to running.

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!

No weight loss month. Bummer. But no gain either! I need to increase water intake and decrease sugar...still!!! I'm continuing to focus on saying no to the sweets I don't like, instead of just eating them because they are sweet. That's progress!

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 blessing for the next month of 8 in 2008...

The love of God the Father, the faithful creator, the peace of Christ, the wounded healer, the joy of the challenging Spirit, the hope of the Three In One, Surround and encourage us today, tonight, and forever. Amen.

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 next week, as I'll be away from the computer for the weekend! With the 8th falling on a Saturday, it just doesn't jive with the schedule at hand!