May Goal Update

Ok...so I stink at keeping this updated.  Please post your May goals along with a brief update of your progress below.  Let's strive to surpass our April progress and stay motivated!

Goal Updates

Let me know how you are doing on your goals! 

My reading has suffered this last week.  Morning sickness has struck and struck hard.  My free time has been eaten up by sleeping and feeling lousy.  I know that is no excuse, but I'm keeping it real. 

Prayer time has been going pretty well.

What about you????

My March/April Goals & Update

I wanted to make sure I shared out my goals, as a big part of this project is accountability.  I don't know about you, but I'm a lot more likely to follow through with something if others are alongside me and encouraging me. 

Here are my goals:

1.  Read my Bible every day and keep current with our Bible Read-Through group chapters.  This week, I'm doing much better at staying on track.  I have been in the Word everyday except yesterday...and yesterday, I could have really used His wisdom.  It was just one of those days... 

2.  Specifically pray for my Sunday School members during my prayer time.  We have a new class, and I am praying for growth and strengthening of friendships within the group.  I am also praying that God helps me to reach out to all class members, and that He would open my eyes to anyone who is feeling lonely.  I love having an area of focused prayer.  This is something I absolutely will keep doing.

How are you doing on your goals?  How can this group help you to stay committed? 

Happiness Project Tracking Sheet

I have to apologize...my brain went on an extended Spring Break & I failed to post the tracking sheet.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0As1SECST8md-dDVsUXdKbWZsZ2pSWGRwQTdNS3dDVGc&hl=en


Post your goals and steps below.  Let us know how you are doing.

The Christ-Centered Happiness Project

I am so excited to begin our Christ-Centered Happiness Project!  I became interested in the concept of a "Happiness Project" after reading a magazine article written by Gretchen Rubin.  In her book, "The Happiness Project", Gretchen Rubin sets out to enjoy and find happiness in her life by setting monthly resolutions and steps to achieve them.  I liked the fact that she was not looking to overhaul her life but simply seeking to find more happiness.   As she worked to achieve her goals, I kept feeling that she was missing the point of happiness.  Happiness is not about making yourself happy.  God wants us to enjoy the gifts He has given us, but happiness is not selfish.  I felt led to take the initial idea of finding more happiness in our everyday lives and to connect it with the giver of true happiness, God.  He directs us in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, "Remeber that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize.  You also must run in such a way that you will win.  All athletes practice strict self-control.  They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize" (NLT).

Our happiness project will focus on finding joy that can only come from the Father.  Each month, we will set individual goals and steps and meet monthly for accountability, brainstorming and support.  For March, we have adopted a group goal: Drawing Closer to God.  Each member will be setting subgoals to draw closer to our Heavenly Father.  We are each in a different place in our spiritual walk.  Spiritual maturity is never fully achieved.  God is continually teaching us and molding us to His image. 

Goals should be SMART goals:
     *  Specific
     *  Measurable
     *  Attainable
     *  Realistic
     *  Time specific

Examples of subgoals for drawing closer to God might include:
     *  Read one chapter of the Bible every day
     *  Have a daily quiet time (you might even set a specific time/place as part of your goal)
     *  Pray four times a day
     *  Pray with your children each day
     *  Share a devotional with your children each day
     *  Commit to pray for a specific topic or person each day.
     *  Pray each week with Christian friends
     *  Read a book on a specific area of struggle in your walk.

The possibilites are endless!  To assist with accountability, I am attaching a weekly Tracking Sheet for your use.  You could also keep track of your goals on your personal calendar or in your journal.  We also want to hold each other accountable, so share your goals with our group and check into the blog regularly for encouragement as you strive toward your first goal!!!