January 1, 2009

The New Year

Happy New Year to everyone! A brand new year- all the days that haven't been lived in yet are just waiting out there. 2009 seems to be a critical year for many. I know a lot of people are feeling trepidation about the new president and economy problems we are facing. All the more reason to be praying for our leaders huh?

For us 2009 holds lots of expectations- we know we shall be relocating at some point and we will have a new child. I will have two school aged children and two preschoolers. Life will change a lot next fall :) I'm sure everyone has made goals for the coming year. I'll share a few of mine.

1. We are moving back to the other house we lived in; it's bigger and will cost us next to nothing and the first goal is to move with as little clutter as possible. REDUCE the STUFF!!!

2. Eat nutrient dense foods 95% of the time, adhering pretty strictly to what the baby needs for growth and not so much what I happen to be craving :)

3. Begin and maintain an exercise routine- even if my belly is growing at least I can shape up the other parts of me.

4. Potty training...how glorious it would be to have all of them trained before the new one gets here! I might even have a diaper break for awhile...

5. Training the girls to become more self sufficient- doing things for themselves and with cheerful attitudes. (any tips on that?)

6. Become stronger in my faith and more filled with the Word of God. I am also seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit i.e. filled with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I've been surrounded by it all my life but it's never happened to me, probably because I've always been a little afraid of it, lol. ***not looking to debate this topic. there really isn't anything to debate because it's Biblical; any rude comments will be deleted***

I guess that's it. I also want to do lots of sewing projects, but we'll see. I want to start sewing up some jumpers for the kiddies and maternity dresses for me. Then I want to do some home decorating, which may include sewing curtains and bedding for a boy/girl nursery. Sarah and the baby may be sharing a room, and if we have a boy I want it to work for both of them. I am thinking of trying to find some cute vintage 'Dick and Jane' fabric and trimming it with yellow and white gingham and some white pom pom ball trim. (or whatever you call it) What I have in my mind would be really cute.

We started moving some things over to the other house today. I am about to go surfing for help on decluttering and downsizing. If I find anything really good I'll post the links.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!!

Kristi said...

I wish I could figure out how to do #5 as well! My four year old daughter needs to learn how to do things even when she is unhappy about doing it, but I just don't know how to explain it...hopefully, leading by example will work for now...

I had never thought about speaking in tongues being something specific to everyone as evidence of the Spirit. I had thought it was more along the lines of a spiritual gift; not necessarily given to everyone. I am so curious about this! I know you said this wasn't up for debate and I don't mean to get into a debate, but I am really intrigued because I have never heard anyone specifically ask for that gift (but then, I've never been around people speaking tongues).

I like your list and your Dick and Jane idea sounded good. I have lately been interested in toile...I don't know why...

Amity said...

Sounds like some wonderful goals!! Ya know I am filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit....I recieved the gift of tongues when I was 10 years old. I have heard SO many negatives about it since then..that it is from the Devil, that people are making it up ect..ect. Of course as a young innocent child I am VERY certain that I was not making it up or that is was of the Devil...I do feel that it was a gift from God, but I am not sure exactly what to do with my gift. I have become somewhat "scared" of it...I would love to hear any info or opinions you have on this :-)

Anonymous said...

"5. Training the girls to become more self sufficient- doing things for themselves and with cheerful attitudes. (any tips on that?)"

YES... :-P They watch your every move, even when their eyes aren't on you, they are observing. Do your chores with a smile. Whistle, hum, say "now that looks so pretty! I'm so glad I got it cleaned up!" etc.

Then, invite your little girls to join you in a task, such as wiping down the kitchen table and then sweeping the floor. You take the main wash cloth, and give each child their own damp cloth or damp paper towel. Smile, and say "let's wash this table together, and make it nice and pretty." Take your time, and tell the girls what a good job they are doing.

Next, to sweep the floor... I have several brooms. I use the big broom, and then I have a child-sized broom (from the toy section of Wal-Mart) a hand broom, and one of those Bissel sweeper thingies. Have your children grab a broom and "help" you sweep. This could get frustrating, so just relax, and remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. I usually am the one to sweep under the table. I have a big kitchen, so I'll usually tell my little girl "would you please sweep by the dishwasher and the door, while I sweep by the table?" She says "okay, mommy," then happily goes to sweep her area. I always tell her "you did such a good job, what a good helper you are. Thank you for helping mommy," and I give her a hug.

I"ll tell ya what... My little girl LOVES to help mommy around the house. If I don't let her help me, then she gets such a sad little pout. It's in a little's girl's God-given nature to nurture and help keep the house. You just need to tap into that in a joyful way, and gently encourage it.

My little girl helps me with laundry, sweeping, wiping things down, etc. (And you know what? Even though she's only 2yrs old, she has more of a knack for housework than my three older boys do. She's a "natural.")

Okay - speaking in tongues. I know I have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, because the Bible says that that occurs when one gets saved. I'm still studying the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but so far my studies have led me to conclude that one is baptised in the Holy Spirit upon their salvation. I've never spoken in tongues, but I have prophesied, have had words of knowledge, often have the strong gift of discernment, and may be able to interpret tongues on occasion. However, as for speaking in tongues itself, I guess I'm with Paul - I'd rather have the gift of prophecy, but if I'm to have the gift of tongues, I'll glady take it, if it will be used to edify others.

Sarah said...

I like the Dick and Jane theme. I saw a fabric in my favorite quilt shop some time ago that was Dick and Jane. I think it is made by Moda.

Kate said...

It sounds like you have a big year ahead of you. You and your family are in my prayers. And I look forward to reading how things go.