As for me and my house we're going to serve the Lord

January is almost at an end - wow that is amazing. Time certainly goes fast when your older. What have I achieved of my list thus far. Well I am working my way through the Street Pastors courses. I will have completed 3 out of 4 by the end of Saturday which means only 1 more until I can go out as an official Street Pastor. At the training course on Saturday - at the police station, Mark asked if anyone wanted to open in prayer and I could feel myself shrinking in my seat, so instead I stood up and offered to open in prayer to 20 something people - most of whom I had never met before. Getting out of my comfort zone or what.

I have started to read a book called The Five love languages of children. I really feel that God is talking to me about investing in my children. I want them to grow up knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, they are loved by us and so much more by God. The other day (as part of our Breakthrough Fasting)I was praying and singing in the car park at work when I felt the Holy Spirit tell me that I need to sing a song of love over my children. I need to have high expectations for them so that they can fulfil their God-given potential.
I have also discovered the joy of walking to work. It is a spiritual and physical exercise. I get the heart pumping whilst praying to God and mulling things over in my head.

The house is still a tip - that one is a year long project. Ongoing, for ever and ever, Amen. However another charity drop off day will be coming up soon so will have to do my darnedest to get there so I can offload some stuff.

So far I think January has gone pretty well and I feel that I am achieving the things I have set out to do.

Happy New Year - 2012

2012 is here, and it is supposed to be a glorious year for the UK. The Queens Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics amongst others and it got me thinking "what do I want to achieve in 2012. So I sat down and wrote down my resolutions and achievements for 2012 and here are some of them.
Physical, Spiritual, Educational, Relational, Service and Financially

Physically
I need to take up running again. I am one of those people who see's food and puts on half a stone. Although motivating myself can be difficult - I'm not a "natural" runner, I do enjoy when I'm out there. I need to find some 10K races to challenge myself.

De-clutter the house. It is so full of stuff its driving me mad. I hate not having a tidy house. I may put pressure on myself by comparing my house to other people's houses but there is just stuff everywhere. Mostly not mine as well.

Pete started painting the kitchen last year in a summery yellow colour and it looks really nice so I want to finish the kitchen off, and the hallway as well and then do the stairs and landing and then maybe when those things are done I could host Connect in my house. (Church housegroup)

This New Year's eve I was home alone with the telly, so if the tidying and painting of the house goes to plan I could maybe have my own NYE's party with some friends.

Spiritually
I want to carry on learning to speak in tongues and have the confidence to use it. Also to pray when prompted instead of being really shy. This afternoon at church I felt like I should ask someone if I could pray for them but I didn't. Maybe because he has a bigwig job and I feel a little bit small.

Educational
I'd like to go on a course. Whether its for a day or a term I think the old grey matter needs dusting off.

Relational
Spend some quality time with my family.
Spend individual time with the kids.

Service
I am signing up to become a Street Pastor. I am really looking forward to this and the courses I have to take will help with the educational goals.

Financially
We have set up a really good budget system with a spreadsheet. I love my spreadsheet. At the click of button I can tell you how much money I have saved towards a new mattress. (I am going to get a good nights sleep one night this year) or how much money we have towards the car tax. I love it. I am going to teach my children financial responsibility.

We are starting the year off at church by fasting and praying. 4 days of praying for our city, from the church and then going out into the community - a hotel that used to be a sex hotel, a nightclub and the Guildhall (like a theatre i guess). Our church is then spending another 2 weeks praying and fasting for breakthrough in our city. What a way to start off the New year. In April Pete and I will be part of a 100 strong team going on mission to Belgium. Gonna be exciting.

Perhaps my last resolution will be to blog a bit more this year than last. Haha

Wishing you all a happy new year and that 2012 will be a blessed and awesome year.