Goals for 2011

With every year that comes, I decide to sit down and make out a list of things that I would like to see accomplished. I compile a list of anything and everything, even down to the superfluous things that come to mind. So I want to share some of the more greater-valued items on my list.
First, at the risk of sounding super-spiritual, I want to know that all the Sunday school lessons, and nightly devotions are getting into the heart of my 4 year old, Kylie. While I still think it is too early for her to understand what it means to be saved, I want to hear her begin to discuss it and ask questions, so I know that she is becoming "heavenly minded". Now to some, this may seem a little early, and presumptuous, but as a mother, if my babies don't end up in Heaven with me, then I am a failure. It won't matter how much money I saved, or how many coupons I used, or how good I was at crafts and time management. If I lose my girls to the world, then I have lost everything. And it seems as if the world (devil), is getting to our children alot earlier then when I was younger. So, I want the Lord to be preparing her heart at a young age. So THAT is number 1!
Secondly, I want to be more content with what I have and what the Lord has blessed me with. Sometimes I find myself constantly changing things, and trying to keep up with the latest home makeovers, and fashion, etc. But I want to take a break from that and concentrate on things that are really important. I see so many people (me included), chase all the latest money-making gimmicks and try to be the "thriftiest" person in the world, when it just takes so much time and energy from their families. So, my word for the year is CONTENTMENT. Now, that is not to say there is anything wrong with wanting to be fashionable and thrifty, but moderation is the key.
And last, but DEFINITELY not least, I want to make sure that the loved ones in my life know that I love them. And not just my family either; but also my friends.
Recently, a guy in our Sunday school class and another man/son duo from our church, went out on a casual fishing trip, and never returned. The coast guard searched for 6 days to find them but never found even a trace. I replayed the last conversation that I had with him in my mind, and tried to remember if I even appeared TRULY interested in what he was saying, or was I in a hurry to get somewhere and shrugged him off? Thankfully,the Sunday before he left,we had a brief, but normal, lighthearted conversation and had to cut it off to get into the choir loft. But I thought to myself, how often to we put off those that we love, or act disinterested in them because we are tired, or just ready to go? How many times do we not pick up the phone when a friend calls, because we are afraid they will ask a favor, or we just don't have the time for them? And on a more personal basis, how many times has Aaron walked out the door for work, that I haven't told him I loved him? wow, to sit and think about this blows my mind at how careless I am with the relationships the Lord has allowed in my life. This year, I have resolved to make sure, not a day goes by that my family doesn't hear me tell them I love them.
These are my (serious) goals for 2011. I have a board that has mini-close pins on it, (that my husband....ahem...WHICH I LOVE DEARLY), is supposed to have up by this weekend, to which I am going to display these so I can be reminded every day. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the Pendergraft family. I know there will be hard times and trials, but I am also certain that we are in for a few blessings as well.