January 2016 Goals

.

Dan and I sit down each December and make goals for the upcoming year for various areas of our lives; faith, finance, family, fitness, home projects, etc. (see, they don't all start with "F"!) I find it helpful to set goals on a monthly basis that help me move forward personally and also with our big yearly goals.  Each month, I will be sharing my goals and then recapping how I did from the month before.  I find that if I write something down, I'm much more likely to accomplish it.  And if I tell someone else my goal?  Fuhgetaboutit...it's as good as done!

*Work Out 3 Times Per Week
I am loving a new app I downloaded called Barre 3.  I do not enjoy working out and this app contains several different barre workouts that range in length from 5-10 minutes each.  I am able to customize my workout with a combo of two or three different sets or whatever I have time for.  The moves are easy, but my legs are shaking by minute two.  Big results + little time/effort=perfect workout for me!

*Plan Parker's 14th Birthday
14 say what?!  I'll need his input on this one, but with a February 4th birthday, It comes up fast!  Last year, the two of us stayed in a hotel in Chicago, ordered room service and went to a Bulls game; so fun!  I knew at the time that these were precious moments.  I have a feeling this year's plans will include more friends and less mom! ;)

*Send an Encouraging Note/Card to 2 People
One of my goals this year is to be intentional about reaching out to others and encouraging them.  I am not always good about this, but I really want to be.  I love when I get a note or card out of the blue, mostly because it's becoming a lost art.  I think this is a good way of being intentional in relationship with others and it gives me an excuse to buy cute notecards at TJ Maxx!

*Have Another Couple Over for Dinner
See above :)

*Read My Devotion and Write in my Gratitude Journal Daily
When life gets busy, my "me" time is the first thing to go.  I am going to be reading a devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young each morning and recording three things I'm grateful for each night in a journal I found at Marshall's.  I think both of these practices with center and focus my days on what is truly important whether I am busy or not!  I have been known to read devotions in the car, at my
desk, or wherever I can fit it in.


*Date Night
I love my man and want to be intentional about our alone time.  We are usually very good about this, but January is always a crazy busy month for us with the new semester, basketball games, and life in general.  That's why date night made the goal list this month!

*Write 2 Devotions and Chapter 1
When I got divorced, I felt led to help others through the process when I made it to the other side.  I have had outlines for two different books in my head for six years...time to get writing!

*Organize Household Paperwork
We organize our paperwork and files each January as we prepare for taxes.  I plan to do a post on this and share some awesome resources from blog land that have changed the way we deal with paper in our house.


*Reduce trips to Starbucks
I can't even tell you...I {heart} Starbucks, but they are getting all my calories and money lately.  Need proof?  Check out my Instagram feed.  Time for a detox.  Coffee at home is the name of the game this month.

Wish me luck!  I'd love to hear your goals for the month or how you attack goal planning in general.  It's great to have others encourage you!

Devotions Through Divorce~Week 1

"For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to help you not to hurt you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 14:11

This season of your life will be life changing and life giving.  That’s not my promise, that’s God’s.  When our worldly husband steps out, God steps in.  He promises that His plan is sovereign and we need to trust in Him.  Our work lies in learning to trust our heavenly father when our trust in others has often been the source of such pain.

During the year after my divorce, I focused completely on getting my household in order, beginning with refocusing my relationship with God.  By putting that relationship first, I was able to find calm in the storm.  I learned to trust, lean, and let go by clinging to His word when I felt all else was slipping away.

God’s plans are infinitely better than ours, but we must lay our plans down daily so that His can come forth.  God’s promises do not disappoint.  Trust, lean, and move forward; there is much hope in a future held by the hands of God.

This week, set your intentions for your family. What do you want your home, family, life to look like? Even if it seems so far out of reach, you must know where you are headed before you begin your journey. Then pray over these intentions and ask God his will for your life.

Devotions Through Divorce~Introduction

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. ~Ephesians 3:1

I have been fortunate to always live where I am able to experience all four seasons this world has to offer.  Although each season has its pros and cons, there are some we would rather skip altogether.  Regardless, each must be experienced and there is beauty to be found even in the most undesirable conditions.

I believe that God organized the seasons as an outward representation of the seasons of our lives.   Part of my story includes the season of divorce.  I made a promise to God that if he helped me walk through that overwhelming time, I would share what I learned and encourage other women who were having to do the same.  If you too are experiencing this season, I would like to offer words of encouragement to bolster your spirit during this time.  While I am not a Bible expert, I do believe devotions are one of the most powerful ways to set your intention and focus your days.  I have walked through the season of divorce, made it to the other side, and the view from here is amazing.  Join me and be encouraged.  God has so much more in store for your life.

This blog series will be divided into four seasons, beginning with fall, with one devotion for each week of the year.  It is my hope that each devotion and accompanying scripture allow you to pause, reflect and pray.  I also recommend journaling during this time of your life as a way to see your progress and where God is answering prayers and performing miracles.

While you read, pray and journal, know that I am praying for the sunshine to return to your life.

Coffee with Kenobi Guest Post

My handsome husband, Dan Z. hosts a very popular Star Wars podcast with my nephew, Cory Clubb.  The two of them have taken a hobby of theirs and turned it into a very successful podcast and website.  Although I don't share the Star Wars fascination, I do think it's awesome that their interest gave me the opportunity to receive and review makeup from Cover Girl!  If you or someone you love likes Star Wars, check them out at www.coffeewithkenobi.com or download their podcast, "Coffee with Kenobi", on iTunes.  If, like me, you like makeup, keep reading :)

Hi guys!  My name is Deanna and I am Dan Z's wife.  He has graciously offered to let me do a guest post to tell you about a collaboration between Star Wars and Cover Girl.  And let's be honest, I'm earning major brownie points from Dan for getting excited about something Star Wars!

Cover Girl has teamed up with Star Wars to offer something everyone can get excited about; Star Wars collectible makeup.  Given that my husband is an avid fan and I am more of a novice when it comes to Star Wars culture, I love that Cover Girl has offered me a way to incorporate his love of Star Wars into something I enjoy as well.

I have to say that I am picky when it comes to makeup and I was not expecting much from the product other than it being a fun way to trick my husband into thinking I was jumping on the Star Wars bandwagon :)  However, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality.  The nail color I tried was called "Revenge Red" and it is the perfect color for this time of year.  It also stayed on extremely well and what girl doesn't love a polish that doesn't chip easily?  As for lipsticks, I tried colors 20 (lavender), 30 (red), and 40 (gold).  The red (30) was by far my favorite.  I have a very hard time finding a red that works on me and this one fit the bill perfectly.  I have found that it is my go to with my fall outfits.  The other two lip colors were not my favorite, but I could see where they would definitely be great for someone wanting to dress the part when attending the movie.  My favorite items were the mascara.  Not only are the containers super sleek and fun, the product is amazing.  I loved the unique brush and the way it lengthened my lashes.  There are ten different mascaras and I tested numbers 4 and 8.  

Whether you are buying the makeup to support your significant other like me, collecting it, or wearing it to the movie premier, you will not be disappointed.  There are many items other than those listed in this post and they can be found at any major retailer.  Tweet pics of you wearing the makeup to the movie with the hashtag #CWKandCoverGirl.  I can't wait to see your creative creations with these fun products!  

 May the force be with you! (more brownie points)