I Don't Want to Work

I have never wanted to have a job.

There, I said it.

But before you judge me, let me explain.

What I mean is that I have never aspired to have a regular, 9-5 job. The kind where you wake up in the morning, go to work, come home, sleep, wake up, go to work, and so forth. Every day, same thing, over and over for the rest.of.your.life.

Maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but do you feel like that is the cycle you're in? Like you're obligated to this place you call work and the endless pit of making money to spend it on material and necessary things?  Maybe your family's financial situation forces you to have to work, putting your kids through school or to help with other bills. Maybe you work long hours, overtime even, and feel that you never get to spend time with your kids or family. Maybe you're tired of working all day long with no real vacation and not much to show for it.

That. I never have aspired to do that.

I do know that this is a necessary reality for many women, and I'm not condemning you in any way for it. In fact, I have a deep respect for the lady who has to work outside the home during the day and take care of her family by night. Kudos to you!

All that being said, here is my heart on the matter.

I want to be able to leave room for ministry.

I never want to be so tied to a regular job that it leaves no room to run when service opportunities come up. Even simple things like church workdays, Wednesday night services, or music practice....I want to be able to give my talents to these areas and serve the Lord in this way.

Then there are the big things like missions work. Being tied to a job might not allow you to pick up everything and go to a foreign field. Right now my cousin and her family are in Africa for 6 weeks on a short-term missions project. They aren't tied here, and are able to take some of those opportunities that arise. I love that!

But how can one do it? How can you help contribute to the needs of your family, yet still not be tied down to a job so much that it leaves no room for anything else?

There are so many options for women nowadays to work from their own homes. It even can go as far as setting hours that work well for their family!

Other bloggers have done extensive posts on the options available, but let me just name a few that seem most doable:

Virtual assistant
Selling a product
Babysitting
Product consultant
Blogging

Some of these options may take time before you see regular income coming in. In the meantime, there are options like selling on eBay or Craigslist, taking online Surveys, sponsored tweets, or offering up one of your talents locally like baking and selling your goodies, or teaching music or sewing.

I've been blessed - the Lord has always provided for me without my having to tie myself down to a job. As a teen I cleaned house for a sweet, bedridden lady. Through college I worked part time in the college library during the school year, and was on the housekeeping staff during the summer. I was able to volunteer for 7 months in a missions organization, I've done mending from my home for people I know, and just recently the Lord provided a part-time, temporary job for me - I'm helping a Christian couple out with their business for the next few weeks that I'm in the States. The Lord is so good! He knows the desire of my heart - to leave room for ministry - and He has always, always been faithful in providing that for me.

My point is, there are options! And I'll let you in on a secret...this is one of my biggest dreams for So Sew Organized.

I've watched women that I know struggle with being a slave to a job. (That's how I see it anyway!) They work long days, 6 or 7 days a week, all year long...with almost nothing to show. I'd love to be the one to show them that there could be a better way. To be able to offer them a job that they can do from their own home while taking care of their family. Where they can set hours that work best for them, and take time for ministry as the need arises.

I can't wait for the day that So Sew Organized has grown to this place. We're not there yet, in case you are wondering. :) But its my dream, and I wanted to share it with you so together we can watch it grow to reality.

I'd love hear from you, not only where you currently are in a job situation, but also where you'd like to be in the future. What dreams are you working towards? If you would like to know more about any of the options I listed above, let me know and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction. =)

****************************************************************************************************************
Want to read more about how YOU can work from home? Here are some links that inspired me:

Becoming a Work-at-home Mom blog series via Money Saving Mom
How to make money blogging via Blogging on the Side
Maggie Whitley's Independent Business tips

My Current Devotional Plan

While we are still close to the beginning of a new year {its still January, so it counts, right?} I wanted to share a bit of my plan for my personal Bible reading schedule this year.

Some people stick to the same devotional plan year after year. Nothing wrong with that, but I am not one of those people. I don't want to get caught in a rut of doing something just because it is what I've always done. I like trying new things and sometimes pushing myself to do better than I have in the past.

In the past few years, I've read through the Bible in a year, then did a year of concentrated study on a few particular topics, and then last year read through the Bible twice in one year. That was particularly stretching, but I feel it gave me a great look at the Bible as a whole. I think it will be a while before I attempt it again, however. :)

To start this year off, I'm following a daily reading guide in a quarterly called Feature. This edition is a few years old, but the Bible does not change, so it doesn't really matter. This particular book has a passage to read and a short summary that explains it. So far I'm enjoying it, the writers really have a way of making some pointed, convicting summaries.

I'm using this simple chart to keep track of my progress.

I simply colour in every day that I complete my reading. You can see that I've missed a couple days...I'll be honest! While my goal is to complete this reading every day, the Christian life isn't lived keeping a score card. I want to have that daily communion with the Lord to have fellowship with him, not to make a check mark on this chart. Does that make sense?

This chart will be an eye opener because as the years go on I'll be able to see how many days I really do miss. It is easy to think, "I just missed this one day, its not a big deal." But really seeing how many "one days" I have will show how they all add up! I'm going to work on having the rest of this chart filled in completely by the end of the year.

Besides this reading, I'm also reading a chapter of the book of Proverbs each day, and going through a study book with a group of ladies from church.

I enjoy sharing my current study habits with my blog readers to help keep me focused and accountable, but also to encourage you to have a daily devotional time of your own! Share your current habit with us in the comments. Do you have a devotional time each day? If so, what is your current reading plan? If you don't, what is keeping you from achieving that goal? If I can be of help to you in this area in any way, don't hesitate to contact me privately.


Linked to the Weekend Wind-Down Party

Organization in 2014: Baby steps

Every year when the holidays are past I find myself feeling like I'm drowning. Drowning in presents, used gift wrap, laundry, sweets, unscheduled days and un-organized spaces. Do you share my plight? As nice as the holidays are, it sure is nice to get back into a routine!

Part of the drowning feeling this year comes from the fact that I'm a woman without a home. So not only do I have the holidays to recover from, but I'm back in Maine after a visit to Canada, and trying to get settled back in to my home away from home.

At the beginning of the week, my sewing room looked like this...

And this doesn't include the massive pile of laundry.

Which leads me to wonder...how does one person end up with so much STUFF! I mean, it is all "necessary" (a word I use loosely) like clothes and toiletries and fabric. But how did it all get here? Where is it all going to go?

Which leads me to one of my goals for this new year: to be content and organized.

I want to work on better organizational habits (not just sprees) in keeping clutter at a minimum. I want to have systems in place that help me use my time wisely. And I want to be content with the things I have to avoid collecting even more stuff...stuff I do.not.need!

Things are already looking better...

I'm excited to see where this goal takes me! I'll be sharing some of my processes along the way, and you know it will include some free printables. :) I can't help myself in that area! Until then, I'd love to hear what has helped you in the past to create some organization and what you do to maintain the clutter in your home. Also, do you have any goals for 2014? I'd love to cheer you along!

Goals for the Week, September 24, 2013

 Happy Monday, everyone! How has the beginning of your week been? Our weather is a bit crazy right now...yesterday it was 80 degrees and today it was mid-50s!! No wonder this is cough and cold season, right?

I picked up these beauties over the weekend. This will be part of the Christmas collection at So Sew Organized! I can't wait!

 Here are the goals I was working towards last week:

Finish girl's shorts
Memorize Philippians 4:3-4
Practice piano 2x
Continue to plan for the upcoming holidays
Write one hand-written note
Work at a teen retreat

And here are the ones for this week!

Memorize Philippians 4:3-4
Practice piano 3x
Write one hand-written note
Spend 1 hr. purging and organizing
Post one new shop item - squeal!

I'd love to hear how things are going in your neck of the woods, and what goals you are setting for this week! Any Fall activities going on?

Goals for the Week, September 17, 2013

Happy Monday er, Tuesday, everyone! My week was great, I spent a bunch of time with different friends. I even got taken out to lunch... 3 times! That never happens!

Did you see our new line of Fall printables? They include everything you need to plan a successful fall or Thanksgiving.

Here are the goals I was working towards last week:

Finish mending
Have a shop planning session for the upcoming season
Finish girl’s shorts
Go through one tote of stuff in storage
Memorize Philippians 4:1-2 {chapter 4!!!!}
Clean at church
Practice piano 3 times

This week, we're headed for a teen retreat and to help get the camp grounds ready for winter. I'm only setting a couple of goals, and I probably won't be blogging too much this week either. Priorities, you know! =)

Finish girl's shorts
Memorize Philippians 4:3-4
Practice piano 2x
Continue to plan for the upcoming holidays
Write one hand-written note
Work at a teen retreat

What are you working on these days? Has fall weather settled in where you live?

Goals for the Week, September 9, 2013

Happy Monday! I'm here reporting after a successful first week of school for the kiddos and a more definite schedule for myself. It feels so great to be on a schedule again and see things getting done! The slower days have been a welcome enjoyment as well. Anyone else feeling this way?

 Our linky party was last Friday and it was so fun! There are a low number of linkups so far but it is still fun to learn from these creative ladies. The above burlap wreath was one of the link ups, isn't it adorable? Such a fun fall accessory! You still have a few days to link up your posts, so click here to head to the party!

And now, on to my weekly goals update:

 Last week, I worked on the following:

Work on mending
Finish custom orders
Finish girl’s shorts
Review Philippians 3
Practice piano 3x
Begin implementing winter schedule
Write one post for another site
Donate bags of unused clothes

This week, I'm setting these goals:

Finish mending
Have a shop planning session for the upcoming season
Finish girl’s shorts
Go through one tote of stuff in storage
Memorize Philippians 4:1-2 {chapter 4!!!!}
Clean at church
Practice piano 3 times

How has your back-to-school been so far? Anyone else enjoying the slower days? Anyone else dreading the colder weather?

2013 Goals: August Update

When I decided to publish my goals for the year 2013, one thing I was looking forward to was the accountability I would receive from my readers! To keep myself on track, and let you know the areas I've been working on, I'm posting an update today from the month of August. I'd love to hear how you are progressing with your goals for 2013, whether you set several or even just one!

Spiritual goals: {this is the most important area for me!}

Draw closer to and be more like my Saviour. I know this sounds vague and non-specific, but at the end of 2013, I want to be able to say that my relationship with Christ has deepened over the year. If I accomplish nothing else all year but this, 2013 will be worth it!

      **Ongoing goal

Finish memorizing Philippians. I have the first chapter completely down, and half of the second. I need to be more intentional about plugging away at this!

      **I've finished chapter three - anxious to start 4 next week! The end is finally in sight!

Memorize one other book {or a section of 6 other chapters} from the Bible. After I finish Philippians. :)

Continue to record my 1,000 gifts.

      **Ongoing goal.


Read through the Bible twice. This takes a bit of explanation. I have read through the Bible once in a year before. This year I decided to try it twice. I heard recently that reading through the Bible in one year only takes 11 minutes a day. So in less than a half an hour a day I should be able to read through it twice! All I am doing is reading 6 chapters of the Old Testament and 2 of the New Testament each day, in addition to a more in-depth Bible study. I think doing this will deepen my knowledge and understanding of the Bible, and make me even more familiar with it as a whole!

      **I’m currently in my second time through - II Samuel in the Old Testament and Acts in the New!


Personal goals:

Purge and consolidate things in storage. Seems like I do this each year, but I am continually dissatisfied with how much stuff I have sitting in the attic untouched. If I don’t use it year after year, why do I hang on to it? I’d like to set aside a small amount of keepsake items and toss/donate the rest.

      **I haven’t worked on this during the summer, but am planning to pick it up this month.

Read 36 books. I easily read 2 books a month last year, so how about 3 this year? I also kind of dropped off the Booksneeze bandwagon, so I’m going to start doing those more as well.

      **I have finished a few books over the last few weeks.

Work on being a better correspondent. I think I improved in this area last year, but I still could do so much better. I’ve enjoyed hearing from some of my readers over the last few months as well, thanks guys! I’m also thinking about going back to some pen-and-ink corresponding - living life on the edge, I know - so we’ll see what I actually accomplish there.

      **Seeing improvement! I’ve actually sent a few hand-written notes as well, which was the goal.

Make daily exercise a habit. I had a good thing going for a while, but didn’t keep it up. Still trying to figure out the best way to make this work for me - you know I’ll keep you posted!

      **This is definitely “meh” right now. I’ve walked off and on through the summer, but am no where near the “daily” mark I was shooting for.

Make music practice a habit and priority. Confession: I never practice piano. Right now in this season of life there is nothing I need to practice for - which is truthfully kind of nice - but I still could stand to improve and be stretching myself further. I also have a violin and guitar that sit untouched, that I would really love to pick back up. Vocal practice wouldn’t hurt me either. So there is plenty I could be doing - I just have to figure out a system that fits in with our noisy schedule. :) {With 3 others practicing piano, plus practicing for church specials and a baby that takes naps, I’m not sure how this is going to work, but we’ll see!}

      **I’ve been practicing piano regularly each week.

Continue to work on rising early. The Christmas season threw me for a loop...need to get back on track with this! I’d love to be able to call myself an “early riser” by the end of 2013!

      **Seeing progress!!

Start a journal and write regularly. I’d love to do better about recording life happenings, plus I think this would improve my general writing approach as well.

      **Ahhh, started this and am loving it. It has turned into a daily life/spiritual journal, and I am finding tidbits to record on a regular basis. You can read some of my thoughts on journaling here.


Blog and Shop goals:

Continue to blog 5 days a week. Some weeks it is more or less, depending on what is going on, but on a consistent basis 5 posts a week seems to work well for me and this blog’s community.

      **Some weeks don't get 5 posts, but I'm just kind of rolling with whatever I have time for.

Have monthly planning sessions with myself to think and plan ahead. I continually find myself not adequately prepared to blog about a certain holiday or event...I need to take the time to sit down and see what is coming up in the near future. {hello valentines day}

      **I have regular planning sessions, but I need to be more intentional about actually sitting down and mapping things out, not just thinking through things.

List new shop items once a month. I have some fun, new things planned for the shop, so stay tuned!

      **My newest items are these matching totes for mommas and their little ones! So fun!

Post some new blog features and grow this online community...I have specific goals set in these areas, but don’t want to be a total spoil-sport. :)

      **One new feature this year has been a weekly newsletter that shares upcoming events, blog news, and lets you in on shop updates and sales. You can sign up by entering your email addy in the form at the top of my right sidebar! So far this newsletter has been a great way for me to further connect with you lovely readers! 

      **One thing I've been really trying to work on and improve lately has been building community. Any thoughts on how you'd like to see this done?

Write out {and share} my blog purpose statement. I’ve been pondering, “why do I blog” for some time now...and feel ready to actually map out my purpose behind blogging and where I hope this blog will {and won’t} go. In the meantime, I’d love to hear why you read this blog...what do you enjoy most...what would you like to see more of? Thanks, your feedback would be much appreciated!

      **Haven't shared this yet

Have you set any goals - big or small - for 2013? I'd love to hear about them! Thanks for helping me out on this journey! 

Goals for the Week, September 2, 2013

Today marks the first day of school for our family! Thankfully not for me - as I like to say, I served my time! ;) My homeschooling family is starting, however, and the public schools start on Wednesday. Big week for all the kiddos!

While I don't have to start back to school this week, I am hoping to start implementing a winter schedule and routine. During the summer months it is easy to get into the routine of no routine, if you get what I mean! With the rest of the family on a schedule, it  helps me to be on one as well. So this week I am putting that plan in place! I'm excited to have more time to work on So Sew Organized items! :)

Did you see my beautiful NS scenery post from Friday? I love this place!

Here is an update on last week's goals:

Mending
Memorize 2 verses
Walk 2 times
Practice piano 3 times
Finish shorts for girls
Write one post for another site
Write one hand-written note


And here are the goals I'm working towards this week!

Work on mending
Finish custom orders
Finish girl’s shorts
Review Philippians 3
Practice piano 3x
Begin implementing winter schedule
Write one post for another site
Donate bags of unused clothes


Who here is settling into a winter routine? Have kiddos in your area started school? What do you think about the summer and no routine?

Goals for the Week, August 27, 2013

Happy Tuesday, everyone! How has your week been? I'm excited to report with my updated goals list for this week, and hear what you all are busy working on. This is the last week before the kids start back to school - we're soaking it up as best we can!

Part of my day today - snapping beans! Yum!

Last week, I set these goals to work towards:

Mending
Work on some custom orders
Walk 3 times
Memorize 2 verses
Send one handwritten note
Cut out playclothes for girls
Practice piano 2 times


This week, I'm working on these items:

Mending
Memorize 2 verses
Walk 2 times
Practice piano 3 times
Finish shorts for girls
Write one post for another site
Write one hand-written note


What goals are you setting this week? Have kids started back to school in your area? Do you any end-of-summer plans?

Goals for the Week, August 19, 2013

I am looking forward to getting back to a normal blogging schedule this week! The past few weeks have been a bit crazy, thanks for sticking with me! Summertime is like that, I find...you never know for sure what each day or week will bring. It is a bit more spur-of-the-moment than other times of the year, but that makes it fun, too!

In case you've missed some posts lately, here are the very few I've shared in the past couple weeks:

A bright tablet sleeve I made for a friend
The days we spent at family camp
How to plan a VBS for the 4s and 5s age group

Here is a sneak peak at what we've been up to lately. I'll be blogging about these events soon!

I'm glad to be setting goals again this week, even though we're still doing some last minute before-school-starts activities. Things may still be a little fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-ish, but having some simple goals is still refreshing and gives me something to be working towards!

Here are the goals I'll be working on this week:

Mending
Work on some custom orders
Walk 3 times
Memorize 2 verses
Send one handwritten note
Cut out playclothes for girls
Practice piano 2 times

I'd love to hear how your summer has been, and what goals you are working towards this week! I see some places where school is starting this week, and I just can't believe it. We still have 2 more weeks of freedom...how about you?

A few Goals for the Week, July 16, 2013

Time for a weekly update on my goals from the last week, and the ones I am setting for the next 7 days!

We are down to the wire with VBS preparations - only 6 more days and then it will be here! For that reason I am keeping my goals limited this week, as most of the time will be spent on that. I’m excited...I always am excited for that week to come! Hopefully I can share more later in the week about my plans and the class I am teaching.

Here are the goals I set last week:


Memorize Philippians 3:16-18

Continue reading Jane Eyre

Sewing biz stuff...always! :)

Make a bible case for a friend

Make playclothes for the girls

Continue planning for VBS

Write 1 hand-written note

Organize in attic {and perhaps folding clothes in in order, no?}


And here are the goals for this week!

Mostly VBS prep

Memorize Philippians 3:18-20

Continue reading Jane Eyre

List one new shop item - wait for it! This has to be my cutest shop update yet!

Finish making a Bible case


I'd love to hear what your weekly goals are! Are you enjoying summer where you live? Any big events taking place for you?

Goals for the Week, July 8, 2013

Happy Monday, friends! Isn't it a great day to serve the Lord?

We had a simply beautiful week last week. I can't even tell you how refreshing it was to see the SUN!! I am certain my supply of Vitamin D was on empty, and I needed those nice days so much! We spent a LOT of time weeding in the garden, and we all got a little sun burned, but I loved every minute of it. Several mornings I just laid in bed, listening to the birds and our waterfall, enjoying the heat even in the mornings, and just so thankful for it all!

This week is cloudy and rainy again...but I have a nice dark tan to prove that we do see the sun occasionally! {wink!}

Well enough gushing about the weather...here is an update on my goals from last week:

Continue planning for VBS

Write one hand-written letter

Review Philippians 3:1-15

Organize dresser and clothes - if by organizing I meant dumping out the winter clothes and throwing in the summer ones! :)

Work on mending

Work on new shop items  {did you see the update from last week? I just love them!}

Work on Bible case for a friend

Make playclothes for the girls

Continue to read Jane Eyre


This week, I'm setting these goals:

Memorize Philippians 3:16-18

Continue reading Jane Eyre

Sewing biz stuff...always! :)

Make a bible case for a friend

Make playclothes for the girls

Continue planning for VBS

Write 1 hand-written note

Organize in attic {and perhaps folding clothes in in order, no?}


What has your week been like? Anyone else soaking in the sun and just enjoying life? What goals are you setting for this week?

Psst! I'll be back later with more info, but there are some exciting giveaways going on this week from my shop, So Sew Organized! You can get a head start by entering to win here. This is a great giveaway with 7 items, plus a whole week of Beat the Boredom posts on different blogs. So fun! I can't wait to give some product away to one of you!

June Goals Update

When I decided to publish my goals for the year 2013, one thing I was looking forward to was the accountability I would receive from my readers! To keep myself on track, and let you know the areas I've been working on, I'm posting an update today from the month of June (and May too, since I was gone last month!) I'd love to hear how you are progressing with your goals for 2013, whether you set several or even just one!

Due to being away for about a month, I didn't accomplish as much as I normally would or maybe would have liked...but I am always thankful for what I can get done!

Spiritual goals: {this is the most important area for me!}

Draw closer to and be more like my Saviour. I know this sounds vague and non-specific, but at the end of 2013, I want to be able to say that my relationship with Christ has deepened over the year. If I accomplish nothing else all year but this, 2013 will be worth it!

      **Ongoing goal

Finish memorizing Philippians. I have the first chapter completely down, and half of the second. I need to be more intentional about plugging away at this!

      **I'm currently working on chapter 3. Seeing progress!

Memorize one other book {or a section of 6 other chapters} from the Bible. After I finish Philippians. :)

Continue to record my 1,000 gifts.

      **I didn't continue this while I was gone, but I certainly did enjoy those daily gifts, even if I wasn't writing them down.


Read through the Bible twice. This takes a bit of explanation. I have read through the Bible once in a year before. This year I decided to try it twice. I heard recently that reading through the Bible in one year only takes 11 minutes a day. So in less than a half an hour a day I should be able to read through it twice! All I am doing is reading 6 chapters of the Old Testament and 2 of the New Testament each day, in addition to a more in-depth Bible study. I think doing this will deepen my knowledge and understanding of the Bible, and make me even more familiar with it as a whole!

      **I'm aaaaaalmost done the first read-through! I guess that puts me a little bit behind (I didn't start right at the first of the year) but I'll soon be done and able to start the second reading. So exciting!


Personal goals:

Purge and consolidate things in storage. Seems like I do this each year, but I am continually dissatisfied with how much stuff I have sitting in the attic untouched. If I don’t use it year after year, why do I hang on to it? I’d like to set aside a small amount of keepsake items and toss/donate the rest.

      **Currently I'm working on my bedroom...which means the stuff in storage is accumulating. Yikes. But I'll get there!

Read 36 books. I easily read 2 books a month last year, so how about 3 this year? I also kind of dropped off the Booksneeze bandwagon, so I’m going to start doing those more as well.

      **I have finished a few books over the last few weeks.

Work on being a better correspondent. I think I improved in this area last year, but I still could do so much better. I’ve enjoyed hearing from some of my readers over the last few months as well, thanks guys! I’m also thinking about going back to some pen-and-ink corresponding - living life on the edge, I know - so we’ll see what I actually accomplish there.

      **Have been keeping up with this!

Make daily exercise a habit. I had a good thing going for a while, but didn’t keep it up. Still trying to figure out the best way to make this work for me - you know I’ll keep you posted!

      **Wow...this is not going well. Outside activities are not doable right now, so I'm trying to figure out what else I could do! Any suggestions?

Make music practice a habit and priority. Confession: I never practice piano. Right now in this season of life there is nothing I need to practice for - which is truthfully kind of nice - but I still could stand to improve and be stretching myself further. I also have a violin and guitar that sit untouched, that I would really love to pick back up. Vocal practice wouldn’t hurt me either. So there is plenty I could be doing - I just have to figure out a system that fits in with our noisy schedule. :) {With 3 others practicing piano, plus practicing for church specials and a baby that takes naps, I’m not sure how this is going to work, but we’ll see!}

      **Seeing progress here! I practice some every week.

Continue to work on rising early. The Christmas season threw me for a loop...need to get back on track with this! I’d love to be able to call myself an “early riser” by the end of 2013!

      **Meh. That is all I can say.

Start a journal and write regularly. I’d love to do better about recording life happenings, plus I think this would improve my general writing approach as well.

      **Ahhh, started this and am loving it. It has turned into a daily life/spiritual journal, and I am finding tidbits to record on a regular basis. You can read some of my thoughts on journaling here.


Blog and Shop goals:

Continue to blog 5 days a week. Some weeks it is more or less, depending on what is going on, but on a consistent basis 5 posts a week seems to work well for me and this blog’s community.

      **Some weeks don't get 5 posts, but I'm just kind of rolling with whatever I have time for.

Have monthly planning sessions with myself to think and plan ahead. I continually find myself not adequately prepared to blog about a certain holiday or event...I need to take the time to sit down and see what is coming up in the near future. {hello valentines day}

      **Didn't get to this is June, but plan to pick it back up in July!

List new shop items once a month. I have some fun, new things planned for the shop, so stay tuned!

      **Here are my newest designs...what do you think?

Post some new blog features and grow this online community...I have specific goals set in these areas, but don’t want to be a total spoil-sport. :)

      **One new feature this year has been a weekly newsletter that shares upcoming events, blog news, and lets you in on shop updates and sales. You can sign up by entering your email addy in the form at the top of my right sidebar! So far this newsletter has been a great way for me to further connect with you lovely readers!

Write out {and share} my blog purpose statement. I’ve been pondering, “why do I blog” for some time now...and feel ready to actually map out my purpose behind blogging and where I hope this blog will {and won’t} go. In the meantime, I’d love to hear why you read this blog...what do you enjoy most...what would you like to see more of? Thanks, your feedback would be much appreciated!

      **Haven't shared this yet

Have you set any goals - big or small - for 2013? I'd love to hear about them! Thanks for helping me out on this journey!


Linked up with: Womanhood with Purpose

Goals for the Week, July 2, 2013

Greeting you from a very soggy Nova Scotia! I seriously can not believe the amount of rain we have had...our county has a rain warning today, even! It is kind of like living in a rain forest...even everything inside feels damp, things mildew easily, and things like our towels don't dry no matter how long you wait...but I'm pretty sure a rain forest is warmer. :)

Here is the progress I made on my weekly goals last week:

Continue to work on new shop items

Finish mending pile

Cut out girl's playclothes

Begin planning for VBS

Review Philippians 2

Rearrange bookshelves

Finish A Man Called Peter

Write two letters/emails

Practice piano 2 days


And here are my goals for this week! Yesterday was a holiday here in Canada, so I'm starting on these today instead:

Continue planning for VBS

Write one hand-written letter

Review Philippians 3:1-15

Organize dresser and clothes

Work on mending

Work on new shop items  {did you see the update from last week? I just love them!}

Work on Bible case for a friend

Make playclothes for the girls

Continue to read Jane Eyre

What are you working on this week? Any soggy days at your place?

Goals for the Week, June 24, 2013

Here we are at the last week of June...already! I made some progress on my goals for last week, how about you?


Work on lots of new shop items.

Review Philippians 1

Get up at 8 each day

Organize room - put away birthday gifts {*she says as she  hangs her head in shame.} This led to a whole organizing project!

Practice piano two days

Continue reading A Man Called Peter

Write 2 emails to friends

Cut out play clothes for the girls


This week, I'm working on these goals:

Continue to work on new shop items

Finish mending pile

Cut out girl's culottes

Begin planning for VBS

Review Philippians 2

Rearrange bookshelves

Finish A Man Called Peter

Write two letters/emails

Practice piano 2 days


What goals are you working on this week? Share them with me below!

Goals for the Week, June 18, 2013

Well, we've had a very interesting start to the week in our house, but I guess the show must go on regardless. :) I say this every time I take a vacation, but it is always so nice to get back into a routine and get cracking on those goals once again!

One of my favorite picts from my trip!

We had a funeral service today for a man who graduated to heaven this week. He had a hard-fought battle with cancer over the last years, but praise the Lord that suffering is over! Now that the funeral is past it feels like the week can actually begin, so here are the goals I am working towards this week:


Work on lots of new shop items. Can't wait to show them to you!

Review Philippians 1

Get up at 8 each day

Organize room - put away birthday gifts {*she says as she  hangs her head in shame.}

Practice piano two days

Continue reading A Man Called Peter

Write 2 emails to friends

Cut out culottes for the girls


I feel like I need to "catch up" with all of you...what have you been up to while I've been gone? What goals are you currently working towards? Any big projects planned now that summer weather is here?

Goals for the Week, May 13, 2013

Happy Monday, everyone! We had a rainy Mother's Day weekend, which was very much needed around here! Things are sprouting in our garden...how exciting!

Speaking of Mother's Day, did you read my post on one very special mother I know? She has just written a book that I know you will LOVE! I did! Check it out here.

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Last week, I set these goals:

Continue reading Tamate: the Life Story of James Chalmers {Richard Lovett}

Swap out some winter clothes for my cute summer clothes - I get so excited to do this each spring!

Work on hemming those 15 pair of pants

Work on one post for another site

Finish birthday thank you cards - didn't get them all done

Make culottes for one sister

Memorize Philippians 3:13-15 

Work on mending


This week begins my "vacation" ...I'm spending the next weekend in Moncton, the next week in Maine, and the next 10 days after that in Oregon! I'm incredibly excited (and can't wait to tell you all about it). So this weeks goals are a bit simple...mostly things I need to get ready before I leave!

Swap winter and summer clothes

Work on one post for another site

Memorize Philippians 3:14-18 

Finish birthday thank you cards

Continue reading Tamate: the Life Story of James Chalmers {Richard Lovett}

Begin one other book

Pack for trip!!


I'd love to hear where you are going on vacation this year - anyone else taking a big cross-country trip? Have you ever been to Oregon? I haven't...I'm so excited to cross this state of my list!

Goals for the Week, May 6, 2013

Happy Monday, friends! We are in the middle of a nice stretch of sunny days, and fully enjoying each one! How about you?

Last week, I set these goals:

Work on hemming pants

Post one new shop item - see it here!


Work on one post for another site

Write 2 letters/emails

 Continue to read Won by Love {Norma McCorvey} and Tamate: the Life Story of James Chalmers {Richard Lovett}

Memorize Philippians 3:10-12

Start making culottes for one sister

Celebrate my birthday! =)


This week, I'm setting the following goals:

Continue reading Tamate: the Life Story of James Chalmers {Richard Lovett}

Swap out some winter clothes for my cute summer clothes < I get so excited to do this each spring!

Work on hemming those 15 pair of pants

Work on one post for another site

Finish birthday thank you cards

Make culottes for one sister

Memorize Philippians 3:13-15

 
I'd love to hear what you are working on during this fine spring week! Happy goal-setting!

April Goals Update

When I decided to publish my goals for the year 2013, one thing I was looking forward to was the accountability I would receive from my readers! To keep myself on track, and let you know the areas I've been working on, I'm posting an update today from the month of April. I'd love to hear how you are progressing with your goals for 2013, whether you set several or even just one!

Spiritual goals: {this is the most important area for me!}

Draw closer to and be more like my Saviour. I know this sounds vague and non-specific, but at the end of 2013, I want to be able to say that my relationship with Christ has deepened over the year. If I accomplish nothing else all year but this, 2013 will be worth it!

      **Ongoing goal

Finish memorizing Philippians. I have the first chapter completely down, and half of the second. I need to be more intentional about plugging away at this!

      **I'm currently working on chapter 3. Seeing progress!

Memorize one other book {or a section of 6 other chapters} from the Bible. After I finish Philippians. :)

Continue to record my 1,000 gifts.

      **Continued this throughout April, and also read the book! {finally!}


Read through the Bible twice. This takes a bit of explanation. I have read through the Bible once in a year before. This year I decided to try it twice. I heard recently that reading through the Bible in one year only takes 11 minutes a day. So in less than a half an hour a day I should be able to read through it twice! All I am doing is reading 6 chapters of the Old Testament and 2 of the New Testament each day, in addition to a more in-depth Bible study. I think doing this will deepen my knowledge and understanding of the Bible, and make me even more familiar with it as a whole!

      **Doing well on this, and enjoying it! I'm currently in Psalms in the Old Testament and II Corinthians in the New Testament.


Personal goals:

Purge and consolidate things in storage. Seems like I do this each year, but I am continually dissatisfied with how much stuff I have sitting in the attic untouched. If I don’t use it year after year, why do I hang on to it? I’d like to set aside a small amount of keepsake items and toss/donate the rest.

      **Didn't get to this much in April

Read 36 books. I easily read 2 books a month last year, so how about 3 this year? I also kind of dropped off the Booksneeze bandwagon, so I’m going to start doing those more as well.

      **I did not read all 3 books in April. Unbelievable, right? I'm working on them, but April turned out to be crazy-busy. No sweat...they will get done when they get done! Reviews coming soon - you can watch for them here!

Work on being a better correspondent. I think I improved in this area last year, but I still could do so much better. I’ve enjoyed hearing from some of my readers over the last few months as well, thanks guys! I’m also thinking about going back to some pen-and-ink corresponding - living life on the edge, I know - so we’ll see what I actually accomplish there.

      **Did some emailing this month.

Make daily exercise a habit. I had a good thing going for a while, but didn’t keep it up. Still trying to figure out the best way to make this work for me - you know I’ll keep you posted!

      **Walked a couple of times in April. I can't wait for warmer weather to make this more of a possibility!

Make music practice a habit and priority. Confession: I never practice piano. Right now in this season of life there is nothing I need to practice for - which is truthfully kind of nice - but I still could stand to improve and be stretching myself further. I also have a violin and guitar that sit untouched, that I would really love to pick back up. Vocal practice wouldn’t hurt me either. So there is plenty I could be doing - I just have to figure out a system that fits in with our noisy schedule. :) {With 3 others practicing piano, plus practicing for church specials and a baby that takes naps, I’m not sure how this is going to work, but we’ll see!}

      **Practiced some during the month, but not as much as I'd like.

Continue to work on rising early. The Christmas season threw me for a loop...need to get back on track with this! I’d love to be able to call myself an “early riser” by the end of 2013!

      **Seeing progress with this.

Start a journal and write regularly. I’d love to do better about recording life happenings, plus I think this would improve my general writing approach as well.

      **Ahhh, started this and am loving it. It has turned into a daily life/spiritual journal, and I am finding tidbits to record on a regular basis. You can read some of my thoughts on journaling here.


Blog and Shop goals:

Continue to blog 5 days a week. Some weeks it is more or less, depending on what is going on, but on a consistent basis 5 posts a week seems to work well for me and this blog’s community.

      **Most weeks in April saw 4 posts. April was busy, remember? I'm hoping to stay better on track this month!

Have monthly planning sessions with myself to think and plan ahead. I continually find myself not adequately prepared to blog about a certain holiday or event...I need to take the time to sit down and see what is coming up in the near future. {hello valentines day}

      **Did this in April...love this time spent intentionally planning!

List new shop items once a month. I have some fun, new things planned for the shop, so stay tuned!

      **Worked on new shop items...just have to post them still! :)

Post some new blog features and grow this online community...I have specific goals set in these areas, but don’t want to be a total spoil-sport. :)

      **So exciting...last month I started sending a weekly newsletter that shares upcoming events, blog news, and lets you in on shop updates and sales. You can sign up by entering your email addy in the form at the top of my right sidebar! So far this newsletter has been a great way for me to further connect with you lovely readers!

Write out {and share} my blog purpose statement. I’ve been pondering, “why do I blog” for some time now...and feel ready to actually map out my purpose behind blogging and where I hope this blog will {and won’t} go. In the meantime, I’d love to hear why you read this blog...what do you enjoy most...what would you like to see more of? Thanks, your feedback would be much appreciated!

      **Haven't started this yet

Have you set any goals - big or small - for 2013? I'd love to hear about them! Thanks for helping me out on this journey!

Goals for the Week, April 29, 2013

Happy Monday, friends! Just popping in with a quick update on my goals from last week. Today is promising to be another busy week, so I'm keeping this brief and then going to get to work! :)

Last week, I set these goals:

Hem pants {15 pair!!}

Work on mending

Finish new shop item

Finish one post for another site

Write 2 letters/emails

Continue to read Won by Love {Norma McCorvey} and Tamate: the Life Story of James Chalmers {Richard Lovett}

Work on switching up bedroom decor - I’m ready for a change!

Memorize Philippians 3:10-12


This week, I'm setting the following goals:

Work on hemming pants

Post one new shop item

Work on one post for another site

Write 2 letters/emails

 Continue to read Won by Love {Norma McCorvey} and Tamate: the Life Story of James Chalmers {Richard Lovett}

Memorize Philippians 3:10-12

Start making culottes for one sister

Celebrate my birthday! =)


What are you working on this week? Are you having some busy days lately? How does setting goals help you?

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