welcome, 2013.

It's still January, so this is still relevant, right?

I mentioned before how much I like the idea of setting goals to usher in the new year. And so I've been thinking and praying about how I want to approach this new year, and how I can do it so that I actually follow through.

And my mind has come up with 4594258364 different things--from spiritual disciples, to personal appearance, to totally reorganizing (read: hyper organizing) our life. I blame it on hormones.

I've finally managed to whittle it down, to focus on a few things that I feel would help both my character and my daily life improve, and ultimately be more God-glorifying. And while the list goes on and on of things I want to change/accomplish, I've finally narrowed it down to a few, hopefully attainable, goals.

One: Read through the Bible at least once this year. I used to do this pretty regularly, but the last two years I've totally lost it and have been floating aimlessly around between the old and new testaments, without much substantive reading. And it's definitely taken it's toll on my quiet times. I think having a plan laid out will really help.

Two: Read more. Period. Once upon a time, I knew how to read. Okay, that might be an exaggeration of my lack of reading, but not by much. I want to carve out some time each day, or at least every few days to read books. Of all kinds. And actually finish them. Hopefully I can learn to even take advantage of baby feeding sessions to do this.

Three: Meal plan. This is something I've been working on a lot lately (and actually improving in!). It's been so helpful in relieving stress during the day when I have it all planned out, so with a new baby in the mix, I definitely want to get even better at this.

Oh, and last but not least? Have a baby.

I've got this.

I'd love to hear what you're planning on working on this coming year! And also any suggestions you might have for this very pregnant mama.

love.

out like a lion.

It's hard to believe that we're here already--in January, in the new year.

I love the idea of a fresh start, despite how cliché that may be. New lists, new calendars, new goals. So crisp and clean feeling. So naturally, I've been putting a lot of thought into ways I'd like to improve, and things I'd like to change in this new year. I was pretty excited about getting started come the first of the year.

But life, it seems, had other plans. 

Somebody got a nasty virus right before the new year. It started with a crazy fever.

And then came the weird face rash.

Thankfully, he has the best daddy who set him up a pretty sweet home theater.

Gross, huh? 

Needless to say, it's been quite a week and a half. But after a lot of worrying, comforting, praying and not so much sleep, this guy is doing much better. And today, this happened.

We are so relieved and thankful that he is on the mend. And grateful to all of you who were so faithful to pray for him. We have been blessed with a healthy, happy little boy.

Though this was small compared to what many others are called to endure, this sickness shook me a bit (being eight months pregnant hasn't helped). But it has reminded me even more how kind God has been to us in keeping him well and safe. It's a terrible feeling, being helpless and watching your little one suffer. And it's one that I hope I don't have to experience again for quite awhile.

So while 2012 went out in a similar fashion to how it came in, I am much encouraged to see what this new year will bring. God has been so faithful to see us through so much, and has proved that this year will be no exception, to say the least.

Oh, and I'll get to those goals of mine. They'll just be a little later than I had hoped. As usual.

love.