The new year is just days away and I am looking forward to it. I'm the type of gal that thrives on clean breaks, finding energy in having one season end and a new one begin. I guess this is par for the course in being a visionary. I can come up with a fantastic plan and ride the adrenalin tide for a bit, until the thrill pitters out. That's why December 31st suites me perfectly. I can gracefully bow out of last year's vision and embark on a new one before me!
Of course, last year was about more than resolutions, focusing on living intentionally for the Lord with 8 in 2008. It was definitely a worthwhile effort, especially with the accountability of a monthly check-in (lasting on the blog through September). The biggest impact it had on me was in developing the discipline of praying for 8 special people on the 8th of every month. I wrote it on my calendar, and kept a prayer journal in a noticeable place. God didn't answer my prayers the way I hoped, but I certainly see how He worked through my heart over the months that have passed.
8 in 2008 also kept me focused on my health, seeing how I cared for my body as a living sacrifice. There were definitely days where running on the treadmill was simply an act of intentional living, and not because I was enjoying myself. I worked, meagerly, toward the goal of participating in a casual run here at the school. I competed and finished better than last year, running part of the race instead of walking the whole thing as in the past. For me, finishing 119 was exactly what I needed to mark out the next step in this living sacrifice journey.
There were six other goals, which I might write about at some point, but at this moment, time does not allow! I'd love to hear from those of you that participated in 8 in 2008! How did it help you? What did you learn? How was it different, or the same as, keeping a resolution?
Stay tune for more thoughts on intentional living!
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3 Comments:
Hey Lisa,
check out my post today! I posted about it!
I posted about it too on my blog today. I'm not much of a goal setter and truly didn't think I'd accomplished much, but looking back I had moved a lot further long than expected. Thanks for hosting this!
Well while I didn't accomplish everything, it did help a lot because I was more focused on doing something. But I think also because I had to come make the monthly post, it kept me the most aware of my own growth. I've never had a year where I was so aware of the growth and things I accomplished through God's work in my life.
It also prompted me to write a Christmas letter for my dearest of friends sharing some of it with them. Although I did not post that letter on the blog. If you would like a copy I can send you once since you helped inspire it. You can also check out my last post on 8 in 2008 here.
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I'm so glad you decided to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'd also love to follow up with you, so be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog! If you'd like to contact me directly, just pop an email to Lisa at extragrace at gmail dot com.
Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa