Mid-Year Check In!

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It's August, you guys. I have absolutely no idea where 2019 has went so far (can I get an amen?) and can't believe over half of it is already underway. Like I talked about last week, 2019 has brought more change and transition than I've experienced collectively in my adult life so far (marriage, being a pastor's wife, moving, starting a new job - all in 3 weeks). 

Maybe this year looks different than you thought. I know it does for me! Even in the expectations I had for marriage and life here in MS, the reality of the every day "new normals" are beautiful but, as usual in life, different than I had imagined.

I bet you can relate.

Now that the dust is settling and there are a few less moving boxes lying around the house, I've been able to focus more on what I sense God would have me write about from August through December. I'm an Enneagram 3 wing 2 (if you haven't taken the Enneagram yet, this will make no sense but I plan on giving my two cents on the personality assessment later in the year - hint hint, it's made a big impact on me), so that means I'm an Achiever/Helper of sorts. That also means that productivity, efficiency and watching others chase their dreams is my jam. 

So part of me is disappointed that I've missed a few months of the year writing content. God has really been challenging me to savor the season/moment I'm in and not get sucked into the "people pleaser/achievement obsessed" mentality. That can happen in a hurry for me. 

You have goals and dreams for your year too. Chances are on January 1st you started the year off with a bang and you had some goal in mind. 

Start seminary?
Train for a half marathon?
Spend more intentional time with your kids?
Work on your side hustle?
Write a book?
Read a book a week?

Today I'd love us to take a step back and think about those goals and ask ourselves the following questions:

1. What practical steps have I taken to pursue my goal/dream for the year?
2. How have my goals/dreams shifted as a result of how this year has played out with unexpected circumstances?
    a. Am I giving myself grace for the unexpected?
    b. Am I recognizing how God has moved in "immeasurably more" ways than I could "ask or imagine" that might shift my capacity/bandwidth? (Ephesians 3:20)
2. What is my word of the year and how has God used that word to continue to transform me to become more like Him?
3. There are 148 days left in 2019. How am I going to use these remaining days to work toward my goal? 

Be specific.
Make a plan.
Write it down!
Share it with someone who can hold you accountable!

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Jesus, thank you for how You've moved and worked in my life so far in 2019. Looking ahead, help me keep my eyes on You and focused on what would bring you the most glory for the remainder of the year. Help me stay free of distraction and live in a way that would bring the most praise and honor to Your name.

In Jesus name,
​Amen