8 in 2008: May 8th Check In

Psalm 37:4

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

I say this every month, and I just have to say it again -- can you believe how quickly time goes by? Aren't you shocked how the accountability of checking in monthly makes January plans relevant five months later? For me, 8 in 2008, has been critical in keeping my eyes focused on what the Lord is doing in my life and ears attentive to hearing Him speak. I hope and pray you are experiencing the same blessing!

So, here is my check in...

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 finished, A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss, by Gerald Sittser this past month, which led to a new understanding of God's Sovereignty and the power of His love. Although my grief has been very different than Sittser, I felt comforted when he said, "My loss joined brokenness and love together. Brokenness drove me to love, and I found a source of love that I could not find in myself. I found it in a community, and in the God who creates and sustains community for broken people like me." (p. 167). I am indeed, learning to love in a way I never knew was possible, through the power of God's healing touch.

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

To be honest, I can't remember if we had anyone over this month. It is all a blur! But I've been noticing that God is calling me more and more to be hospitable and friendly with those I would have been afraid to make myself vulnerable with.

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. And I find myself thinking and praying for these people more and more.

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 5:21

Nope. My test is whether I can recite them right now. I'd have to go look most up. So I'll focus on that this month!

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!

We're still plugging along. Thank you, Jesus, and thank you for everyone's encouraging comments last month!

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!

Found a few more pages to scrapbook that were overlooked, and I think the move will motivate me to finish! I hope!

7. Be able to run 8 laps by October.

My back has been out and I've been in PT again, so that is a clear reminder that while running is great, a total body workout is more important. I'm focusing now on endurance, with walking, and strength building, and will grow into the running in time!

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 have about 8 pounds to lose to get to my goal. I've lost around 4 pounds and have kept it off. I'm reading through, "Never Say Diet" (compliments of Waterbrook Press) and that is reshaping my thinking about health in a very good way. Stay tuned for a full report when I finish the book!

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 Word of Assurance, for you to take forth this next month of 8 in 2008...

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers we are dust. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
Psalm 103:8, 13-14, 17-18 NRSV.