Monday, January 04, 2010

New Year Ramblings


Each morning when I wake up I try to find music that will motivate my troops to get up and get moving.

In my early morning haste, I grabbed the first CD I could reach and put it in the player. Avalons New Day started with a burst.

Providence...how I love thee.

Yes, its a new day, its a new time.....


I love new beginnings.

Of course this is a time when most are wont to make resolutions and new commitments. I am no excpetion, except.....

I don't really make resolutions, because that supposes that that list of things will be resolved--meaning  settled, or that a specific solution will fix the problem.

Let me tell you, if there is one place where I remain consistent it's in this: I am a continual (and not always in a forward motion) work-in-progress.

With that said, I desire to always be learning, creating and striving to be who God has created me to be.....and let's be honest here, there is nothing I like more than a list at the beginning of a new year.

So I make goals. Goals feel more do-able than resolutions. Goals put more emphasis on the journey than the destination.  I like that.

Am I sounding like the adults on a Peanuts cartoon? - whaa whaa whaa whaaaa......


Then let's move on.

This year I made three goals: A spiritual goal, a creative/relational goal, and a personal goal.

Spiritual: To read through the bible in a year.



I've read through the bible in a year 18 months before, but I am looking forward to having some accountability and some dialogue with Tanya and the other gals.

Creative/Relational: Last year I joined a tap class, and that was fun, but it didn't open the relational doors that I hoped it would. I am fairly sure that was because we were too busy concentrating and feel self-conscious about getting the steps right to actually look each other in the eye and make a friend.

This year I am considering a knitting class at my local library, or something creative that lends to more interaction with others.

Personal: Finally, one of the things that I really want to focus on this year is not to allow culture to dictate and influence my perception of beauty.

God has created each of us uniquely, and He is happy with what he has perfectly created.

How sad it must be to Him when he sees how critical we are; when we compare ourselves with others; when we don't appreciate the gifts, and talents, and bodies, and lives he has given to us.



I saw this design of "beautiful" on a t-shirt at the True Campaign store. They didn't have any in stock when I wanted to order one, so I embroidered/knitted the one in the picture above. I plan to frame it in my office; a reminder that to "Be you" is the most beautiful (and God honoring) part of beauty.

Its my creative interpretation of the Psam 139:13-16 and Psalm 45:11--


Psalm 139:13-16






For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you







       when I was made in the secret place.

       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
 All the days ordained for me

       were written in your book

       before one of them came to be.

Psalm 45:11 -
The King is enthralled with your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord.

I want you to know that this, above all things, is a daily battle for me. There are days the war is full scale combat, and on others the white flag is raised. I know I'm not alone. I also know that we fight the good fight knowing that in Christ, the battle is already won.

So those are my goals for 2010.

If you would like to join the Read with Me gang. Follow this link to Tanya's site and let her know! Its certainly is not to late to join and the bible schedule we are reading is NOT DIFFICULT or overwhelming....it even gives you five days a month to catch up if needed. You can do it!

Happy New Year!

20 comments:

Rae said...

I LOVE Avalon's "New Day" CD!!! I listen to it often! The b u beautiful shirt/design is wonderful! I love how you created your own and the idea of framing it! Good luck with your goals this year. They sound truly inspired!

Gretchen said...

I would never strongly hint that my b'day is on March 7th or anything, u BEaUtiful coffee girl, you.

Lurve that we can study His word together. And storm heaven with our prayers. And lift each other up, as you so often do for me. xxxooo

Melissa said...

Thanks for the link. I signed up!

Anonymous said...

great goals! I also chose the word goal this year! I am doing the reading in 90 days.. Its a lot of reading but I like that its less length of time. Less time means I am less likely to give up.. or atleast that is my hope!

Elizabeth said...

Kellie, I love your goals. They are thought-through and realistic, two things that most "resolutions" are not. Your going to have fun and learn so much this year. Isn't it fun to look ahead?!

Sandy said...

Love your "beautiful" sign! That Clinton can just do ANYTHING, can't he?!

Tiffani said...

I am thinking I'm going to sign up for that Bible read-through...

I'm doing Daniel over at Amber's blog.

I'm not a resolution-ator either...goals, that's better.

LOVE your BEaUtiful sign!

Tanya (In the Dailies) said...

I take it you're feeling better?

LOVE the sign!

We're up to 18 people in our Read with Me group. Pretty cool - huh?? I'm so excited! Thanks for nudging me. ;)

O Mom said...

Thank you for reminding me today that I have to; B U to be beautiful. I want a t-shirt with that too, will keep my eye out.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the reminder of who we are...I just 2 minutes before I read this was in tears over what I look like...knowing that the enemy is full on attacking me...but not sure how to pull out of those feelings in the moment...and God gave me the inclination to jump on my computer and catch up on your blog...Yeah God...He loves us so much...to know I would need to read what you wrote at this EXACT moment. Today was a struggle day for me...and I was ending the day feeling defeated. I love your sign...

Candace said...

Love every bit of that beautiful-ness. Well done, well said, and many blessings on your journey this year!!!

Sami said...

I used to have morning songs. It was the only way to start my day because I didn't want to go to work, etc! New Day was one of my faves! And Chris Tomlin's How Can I Keep From Singing. And Caedmon's Call's Thankful... apparently I could go on and on!!!

The Lord Family said...

My theme I guess is "done is better than perfect." Chose that because so many times I get caught up in the desire to be perfect that I get nothing done.
And I love the B U theme. How I struggle with that...and overcoming old battles.

Carpool Queen said...

I love you.

Rachel said...

I love that....BEaUtiful! I've never seen it written that way before. Such a great reminder. So inspiring. :)

Speaking of inspiring...after your blog post on knitting, I got my sister to teach me to knit last week, while we're here staying with my parents in VA (waiting, waiting, waiting for my sister to have her baby). I've gotten about 30 rows down on a scarf! I attempted to teach myself to crochet a flower too. Two attempts turned out ok, but I have a long way to go to get it right. Maybe we could get together one day and you could give me a few pointers? Your's looked like you've been doing it for years! Such talent!

Kendra said...

I have always tried to read through the Bible in one year. I even own a one year Bible. I may have to sign up at Tanya's site, especially if there are built in make up days, which I always need!

Take up knitting! I LOVE it! No one gets my love on knitting, but I've got to branch out beyond hats and scarves. You need another hobby.

Cathy said...

I'm doing the Read through the Bible thing...do I need to let her know?

Love what you said about goals. I do that to. I especially love what you said about BeaUtiful...I struggle with this almost daily and you've encouraged me (again) to see myself through His eyes. Thank you!

Sherri said...

I think I'll make your goals my own. Everything you said resonated with me today.

really.truly said...

Goals,not resolutions.....much more do-able for me.

And Amen to the beautiful part. We are all so unique. I noticed that the teen girls these days(in my town)looks so much alike. Maybe that's how it was when I was a teen(can't remember)...but He did create us and we are each like snowflakes...unique... beautiful in our own way!

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

My father-in-law used to wake John and his brother up every. single. morning. with music. It's a special memory they share, and I bet your kids will never forget that either.

Love your goals. Love the quest for true beauty. Look forward to your "spotlights" on it too.