Disciplined & Intentional: Month 4

Well, it’s time for another update on my resolution to live a disciplined and intentional life in 2011. It was, again, a busy month, but I think that’s just the way life is. Does anyone else wish you could just slow it down for a few minutes?

At any rate, April came and went, marking the passing of an entire third of the year. Where has 2011 gone? It seems like it just started! As I look back at where I was on December 31, 2010 and where I am now, I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made. Here are a few of the disciplines I have established:

Daily Bible Reading. I’m up-to-date on M’Cheyne’s Bible Reading Plan. That’s not to say that there aren’t days that I skip a couple of chapters, but by and large, reading four chapters a day has become my custom. When I wake up in the mornings, before I even get out of bed, I pick up my Bible off the nightstand and read two chapters. At night, Dennis and I read our Bibles together, which means that we hold each other accountable for our reading. That has been invaluable.

Paying off the Student Loan. That’s right. You heard it. The student loan is gone. Sallie Mae is no longer welcome in our household, and I, for one, hope we never see her again. I spent the first quarter of the year contributing every bit of profit from Senojal Designs, as well as all of my writing income, our tax refund, and Dennis’ bonus check to the student loan. And it’s gone. Never to be seen again. Next up? Paying off the Honda. We should have it paid off within the month, and then we’ll be screaming “WE’RE DEBT FREEEEEE!” along with my good friend Meredith.

Blogging Regularly. Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve been posting much more frequently than I did in 2010. That’s directly linked to my decision to establish more discipline in my life. To simply sit down and write for the sake of writing. Whether I have something to say or not. Just write. There have been a couple of weeks where life has gotten out of control and snippets had to take the back burner, but by and large, posting at least three times a week has become a habit. And that’s a good thing.

Exercising Frequently On Occasion. Honestly, this has been my biggest struggle. It’s not that I don’t enjoy exercising or that I’m too lazy to get off my tail, it’s just that I can’t seem to find a way to make it fit into my day. I’ve all but given up on my plan to become a runner. I’m pretty sure that it’s something that will never come naturally for me. BUT, I am committed to get moving at least a couple of times a week. Which is better than not at all. I’ve been walking several times in the past month, thanks to a walking buddy and my sweet husband. As the days continue to warm, I’m hoping that this too can become a part of our evening routine.

And that’s about all I can think of right now. I have so much farther to go, but it’s good to celebrate the small victories along the way.

How are you doing in your resolutions?

Until next time, grace and peace.