Tuesday, January 13, 2009

New Year - new goals...


I'm not one for New Years resolution. I do find that the beginning of the year lends itself to evaluation of one's life and activities. I'm also thankful that our Lord is the one who works in our hearts to bring us to desire change. I believe He has been doing so in my life lately. I'll be 27 at the end of this month...(if you are already over 27 - bear with me on this...) I'm not where I thought I'd be. And I guess we can each say that at every birthday, but the fact remains that life is passing - each year a little faster and fuller. Who am I becoming, what have I done, whose life have I touched, how much more do I love and know my Saviour this year? Seminary is half way over for us - are we ready for the ministry ahead - what have I done to prepare post college? All thoughts that have played through my mind last week.

On Thursday night our associate pastor spoke in Women of CBTS. What he shared with us continued my thinking with training and preparation. I decided to come home and make a list of books I'd tackle this year. Last year I wanted to do this also, but the difference this year is I've already stacked up my selections next to my bed. I also decided to read a few categories (thanks to Pastor Jim). History (David McCullough's John Adams - very excited for this), theology, Counseling (How People Change), Marriage (When Sinners Say I Do), Fiction, Bible Study. And I guess I'm posting for some accountablity. John challenged me to blog my 'book reviews' so we'll see what you all get. Maybe I can encourage my readers in this small way. If there's an aspect of personal growth you have endeavored to see in your life over the past years - let this be the year you see it take hold in your life. I hope to see this happen in my own life...I wish it for you also!

6 comments:

Tim, Kristen , Megan, Emily, and Anna said...

Bethany, I hope you are able to get those books read...I am sure you will!! Those seems like excellent books to pick out to read...I guess I need to finish the one I started when we moved here like 5 months ago...I am so bad! Thanks for your posts! I love it when you blog and I get to have a little catch up in your life. We love you guys and miss you so much.

Karis said...

Like Kristen said, I too love it when you blog. It gives me a peek into your busy life.

As Dan and I reflected on our marriage at end of year, we both desired to read a book 4-5 times a week together (and of course we said we wanted to pray together more -- that seems to be said every single year). Dan chose the book "When Sinners Say I Do" and we are about half way through it. From what I've read -- highly, highly recommended. I am so excited that it is on your list because the theology in it is transforming my life and from that my marriage. Theological concepts that I know in my head more than in my life -- so good.

Love you and miss you!

Katie Barker said...

Way to go Bethany! I'll be expecting those book reviews - it's great to keep reading after schooling. I'm particularly interested in your review of the marriage book.

Anonymous said...

This particular blog has been a challenge to me!! Thanks for making me think!! I'm going to make a "TO READ" list as well...I'll post on my blog. =) Thanks for the encouragement!

sara said...

I see Shepherding a Child's Heart in that stack- such a wonderful, practical book!

Thanks for leaving me a comment! It is nice to meet you!

Debs said...

Shepherding a Child's Heart...one you'll go back to time & again. I think I'm on my 2nd time through & I go back to reference certain sections all the time.
Good for you! I don't have specific books I'm going to tackle, but I have a goal to read a book every 2 months...right now I'm on "Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie O'Martin. Convicting...maybe that's why it's taking me so long. ;o)
Love you!