I can’t believe we’re almost 2 months into 2013! It seems just like yesterday that I was working on my word for the year and listing the areas I wanted to work on.

February is about that time we get a bit discouraged with ourselves. We’ve made resolutions that we haven’t had much success in keeping… Goals toward which we are making little or no progress…

Well, maybe you’ve made a lot of progress in your goals over the past month. But I haven’t :). And that’s why I needed a visual reminder. Something to remind me everyday what I need to focus on.

I made this board early last month and hung it prominently in my bedroom – on a wall I see early in the morning and late at night. It was pretty easy to make – and believe me, I am definitely not the creative/crafty type {isn’t it obvious?!}. I simply took an old cardboard wall-hanging, covered it with white paper and used brightly colored pens to write down my focus.

A bit about my board:

• Health: Last year our family went through several bouts of sickness that wore us all down. This was a reminder to pray that my family would remain healthy this year.
• Persevere: My one word for this year and the areas I needed to concentrate on (Prayer, Fitness, Home).
• Fruitful: This is the prophetic word we received from our church for the new year. Something I need to be constantly reminded of, especially on days that I feel unmotivated.

I love that when I sit down to pray, this board stares me in the face. I cannot but pray for God’s help to keep me going this year.

Do you have a visual reminder of your vision, or a favorite verse perhaps?

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I’ve always loved reading, but I’ve never been intentional about the books I read. I read just about any interesting book that came my way. I soon realized that I didn’t have time to read ALL the books in my Kindle library. I had to choose the books I wanted to read – books that would enrich my life.

This year, I’ve decided to read books that will help me improve in the areas I am working on. Specifically:

• Prayer
• Home Organization
• Fitness

Whenever I come across a good book that falls in these categories, I add it to my to-read list. Every month, I include one or more books from this list in my monthly goals, so I’m motivated to read them.

Here are the books I’ve picked up till date. I’m sure I’ll be adding more to this list in the months to come.

Prayer:

Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home

Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

Home Organization:

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living

Fitness:

42 Days to Fit: A realistic diet and exercise challenge to help you get fit…and stay fit for life!

I try to pick up good Kindle books when they are available for free. Click here to find websites that publish lists of free Kindle books on a regular basis.

I know most of you would love to read but can’t find the time. Here’s a post that lists 15 ways to fit more reading into your day.

So, my suggestion is this. Take some time to list out specific areas you need help with – Leadership, Planning, Marriage, Parenting, etc. When that is done, find a good book on each of those subjects and devour it.

If you’re really short on time, I encourage you to start with your Bible. There’s no better way to enrich your life :)!

What’s on your reading list this year?

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Psalm 139:5 has been running through my mind all day. I looked it up in various translations and here’s what I found:

You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. (NKJV)

You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. (NIV 1984)

You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. (NASB)

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. (NLT)

I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. (MSG)

All the versions have the same underlying meaning (obviously!). God hems us in – surrounds, encloses and places a hedge around us. He protects us.

When I think about the things I fear, this verse comes to my rescue. God has hemmed me in – behind and before. He has placed a hedge of protection around my family.

According to the Geneva Study Bible, this verse also implies:

You so guide me with your hand, that I can turn no way, but where you appoint me.

I love knowing that God’s hand is always around me, nudging me to move in the direction He has planned for me.

What is our responsibility in all this?

• Simply trust that God has hedged us in.
• Stay connected with God, so we can feel His nudging.
• Live in such a way that we do not leave the gate wide open for evil to enter.

If you feel vulnerable and unprotected today, pray. Ask God to cover you with His arms and protect you from what you fear. And then, rest in the assurance that God is in the business of mending fences, no matter how mangled.

Photo Credit: BFS Man

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