The List

I know it's February First and not January First.
We have been a little busy,
but I am AWARE I am a month off with posting my resolutions.
Thankfully there is no wrong time in life to set a few worthy goals.
And believe you me,
I am all about setting goals!

I LOVE lists. To a fault. I am one worthy of joining list makers anonymous. I can see my self stepping forward almost eagerly and excitedly confessing...

I'm a list maker.

I, um, make lists...

I'm one of those. You know, one that, if I do something that isn't on my list,
I write it down so I can cross it off.
Oh, if you're a list maker, you KNOW the satisfaction of crossing things off your list. It's almost as good as the feeling of throwing a completely crossed off list away.

***day dreams a minute***

****sigh*****

Ahem, where was I?

Oh, right. Lists.

I have put some mundane things on my lists over the years. Things such as "take shower", "brush teeth", "check mail" or even "get dressed"...o.k. most of those were back in the day when I was outnumbered by toddlers, but still, if I do it, it's going on.

I. LOVE. LISTS.

I make lists for the day,
for the week,
for the season,
for the school year,
for my garden,
for my house...hay~yi~yi, for our house
....my head could start swimming thinking of the list for our house...

and those are just normal lists.
Not Christmas lists,
or VBS lists
or "insert odd event here" lists.

Usually my lists are ridiculously too long, made the night before when in my exhausted delirium I sat planning a new day, for some reason thinking I would turn into Wonder Woman overnight, wake up with enough energy to shame the Tazmanian Devil, and cheerfully and completely finish homeschooling my five (then four, then three) kiddos and then accomplish forty other things on my list, which almost ALWAYS includes painting something (o.k. usually multiple) things white.

I know.

I know.

Admitting it is half the problem,

right?

Other days,
(I sure wish I could say more often,but my mama taught me not to lie)
but some days, I write my lists down in tiny chunks.
Ridiculously tiny.
Wash dishes.
Dry dishes.
Put dishes away.
Make bed.
Dust my dresser.
Dust hubby's dresser.
Dust bedside table.
Paint one thing white. (yep)
Go ahead and laugh.
It's my life, and I don't mind.
:)

But onto The List

Lists are good things,
and they do help me,
and many people to stay focused and get things accomplished.
And believe me,
the things on my list do need to get done.
I kind of think Sheet rock on a wall is a real help in a bedroom.
And install toilet in maser bath is a worthy goal
(that's on hubby's list...don't get me started on that list...hubby's poor head will start spinning)
Finish grading and recording science tests is important.
Bible study is always at the top of my lists.
Always.
And 95% of the time, I get it accomplished.

But at the New Year it's a very good time to re-focus and re-examine my lists and my goals.
Firstly to re-examine myself spiritually.
Really look at my strengths and weaknesses.
See how I can be a better helpmeet to the love of my life.
See where I need to improve as a mom, and grandma.
How to be a better sister and friend.

During this time of introspection I have heard more than a sermon or two, read more that an article or two, and read multiple scriptures on two things.

Trusting in God.

And Evangelism.

These are the two areas of my life that I need the most improvement.
Now, there are plenty of other things I need to work on, and I am and will.
But these two stand out.

So.

THE LIST

1)Work with all my might, praying and studying to learn to trust in God more.

2)See the lost souls all around me and try and do something about it.
Pray, study, gulp down that fear of conflict, and speak up.

That is my list.

Of course I still have a hundred little lists.

I'm a list maker, did I mention?

But this is THE LIST and here is my reminder and motivation to keep at it.
~~~~~~~~
"You Never Mentioned Him to Me"

When in the better land before the bar we stand, How deeply grieved our souls will be; If any lost one there, should cry in deep despair,
"You never mentioned Him to me"
"You never mentioned Him to me,
You helped me not the light to see;
You met me day by day,
and knew I was a stray,
Yet never mentioned Him to me."
O let us spread the word where'er it may be heard, Help groping souls the light to see; That yonder none may say, "you showed me not the way,"
"You never mentioned Him to me,
You helped me not the light to see;
You met me day by day,
and knew I was a stray,
Yet never mentioned Him to me."
A few sweet words may guide a lost one to His side, Or turn sad eyes on Calvary; So work as days go by, that yonder none may cry, "you never mentioned Him to me,"
"You never mentioned Him to me,
You helped me not the light to see;
You met me day by day and knew I was astray,
Yet never mentioned Him to me."

~James Rowe/ J. W. Gaines

~~~~~~~~

Feel free to encourage me.
Remind me.
Ask me if I'm sticking with it.
It's that important.

Love to you all,
~m.