Abide | October Goals

Lately this myth of “I can do it all and be completely awesomesauce” has been overwhelming me. Anyone else?

When I sit down and reflect, I tell myself it can’t be done and really shouldn’t. But when I am actually in the middle of life, the whispers of guilt and false expectations flood my mind. By the time I shove them out, it’s too late, and I’ve already pushed myself to the breaking point. Ugh! It’s really annoying.

I decided to dissect this myth to find the reason behind it. I looked at the ebbs and flows in my life. Last autumn was a tough time for our family, and I remember totally relying on God and being so close to Him. I was abiding in Him and He in me (like the parable in John 15 about the Vine and the branches). At that point in our lives, everything was out of our control, but now that things seem to be a little more “normal,” I slowly slip back into the mindset that I can control things. I try to do everything and more and then I completely fail. I forget that nothing has changed – God is still in control and he is still right here with me. Bullseye!

The whole myth that I can do everything is rooted in me, myself and I having complete control. You know, I’m a big girl, I can make my dreams come true all by myself and I’m gonna do it my way. Ummm…where’s God, then? Actually the question we should start with is why am I here, then… on earth. What is my life for? Well, I know the answer, but it gets lost in my “to do” list.  

I will write more about that sometime soon (see the first item for my October Goals). The truth is we can’t do anything without God. I am completely confident that I am in the best place on earth when I am relying on God. But it’s not easy. It’s a day-to-day battle, but it’s a battle I can prepare.

There are a few things that I know have helped me in the past.

1. Read and study God’s Word – thoroughly.
2. Pray constantly throughout the day and in a quiet time with no distractions. Pray-journaling is so helpful to me. The best way to start the day if I really want to rely on him is “God, what do you want me to do today?”
3. Listen to worship music or music with meaningful truthful lyrics.
4. Memorize scripture and post it around me all the time.
5. Stop a few times a day and just remind myself why I am here on earth and that the God of the Universe wants my attention.

What about you? Do you have some daily routines that help you keep your focus on what really matters? I would love to hear them. I need all the help I can get and I would love to walk together with you into battle.

October Goals

All my goals, really, have a lot to do with number 5 above, especially Goals 1 & 2 in October. Here are my goals for October:

1. Write my personal vision statement.
2. Write a vision statement for Three Eleven Photography.
3. Set up a new sitting area outside my office.
4. Celebrate Declan’s birthday at Mike’s Farm.
5. Email my first submission to Southern Weddings.
6. Help create a web promo for the Toloha Project.
7. Keep up with my two-week turnaround promise for my portrait clients. So far so good!
8. Stay sane during this busy season of weddings, senior shoots and family Christmas Card sessions!

Do you post monthly goals? Please share a link to your blog in the comments below. I’d love to hear yours and encourage you!