8 in 2008: April Check In

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.

This was the blessing I offered forth at the end of last month. Did you come to see God as our faithful creator? Did you experience the peace of Christ? Were you encouraged by the Three in One?

I find that one of the best, yet most surprising side-effect of doing 8 in 2008 is seeing what God has accomplished, regardless of my own efforts or lack there of. This month, I really had to go back and look at my list, because I could only remember a few of the things I had determined were important back in January. HAH! As I reviewed, I was reminded that intentionality really does need a check-in time and friends to be intentional with! Thanks, ladies, for joining me in this endeavor, as I know I wouldn't be writing this post without you!

So, here's my confession of sorts..

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!

It was a quieter month for this theme, with no great profound truth coming forth. Yet, my Bible has often been opened to Romans and Corinthians. Thank you, Jesus, for what you are continuing to teach me through your Word!

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

Although the "8" has been satisfied for the year, we're continuing to focus on hospitality. It was great fun to have my dear friend's family over for a spontaneous dinner. God continues to bless our family as we step out in faith, being hospital in our hearts, instead of getting hung up on the details of "where will we all sit, what will we eat, etc.".

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. And I find myself praying for those on this list at other times, too.

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, added Ephesians 5:22

God added another verse this month. Ephesians 5:21 was the the crux of a talk I was supposed to give on Girls, Guys, and God, which didn't actually happen (although it may on the 15th!). This verse continues to come up in my studies and thoughts. Here it is with a few different twists on the translation...

Ephesians 5:21

NIV ~ Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

MESSAGE ~ Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.

NASB ~ and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

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 is sooooo hard! I have so many excuses. The girls are tired, and so are we, at the end of a day. Our middle daughter was sick for over a week, so bedtimes have been crucial. Yet any other time to read is a challenge, because when twins are awake makes it very hard to concentrate. We haven't given up, however, and hope to finish Numbers this week. Pray for us to make this a priority!

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!

Done! AMEN! Well, still a few straggling photos to pin down. I'll make that the goal for next month!

7. Be able to run 8 laps by October.

I'm still getting on the treadmill about 3 days a week, but I want to increase to four. I'm running about half the time, which is better than walking!

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!

This has been an extremely hard month when it comes to food! As I said to my husband the other night, I just need to quit eating cookies. If only money found it's way to our wallets like cookies find our kitchen! I'd be rich. He said, "Well, just throw them out." My response, "I can't. I love them!" Ick. Love cookies. No sooner did that come out of my mouth did I realized I have a serious issue to face with the Lord. At least I finally said it, so now I can repent and move forward.

I also realized that I feel pretty terrible about how I look, as my skin is broken out almost as badly as it was in high school. It isn't the appearance that gets me as much as the pain! With every cystic pimple, I grow more and more sad and angry, even though I know I ought to just give it up to the Lord and yield to the lessons He is teaching me about faith, perseverance, suffering, and identity in Christ. Even so, I go through cycles of feeling really terrible about myself and when I do, I tend to eat what I otherwise would not. I covet your prayers to see myself through God's eyes and to offer my body as a Living Sacrifice. Only if my mindset changes (hmm, can we say Holy Habits), will my behavior change!

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...

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Psalm 37:4

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