Who am I as a Woman in Christ? A 30-Day Shred Prayer Journey

            So my personal 12 New Things goal for September is to start having a consistent quiet time with God. Yes, I confess that this has been a challenge for me since Titus was born (and he's almost 11 months now).  Titus is a very attached child which is awesome, but can also be admittingly exhausting so "fitting-in" my personal Bible study and devotions has fell by the wayside. I know "good" Christians don't "fit God in" they build their foundation on Him, it just seems that this season in my life has brought many stumbling blocks to that precious and important time. So today, September 1, I am making a commitment to get back into the Word and grow in relationship with my Savior; not because I have to, but because I so desperately need Him and my soul longs for His company. To put it not-so-eloquently- I suck without HIM.

          Anyone want to join me on this journey? I'm calling it my  30 Day Shred. I'm committing to both working out physically and spiritually. Not only am I hoping to shred some pounds, but more importantly, I'm longing to shred my flesh and increase in HIM. A few years ago, God laid a study on my heart and I wrote it out, but never actually completed the journey. The other day when I was cleaning, I found it, and again I felt a pull to embark on this journey with God. It's a super simple format- just one verse a day with 2 questions and a prayer space. Anyone up for the challenge of "shredding" with me? Workout wise I will be doing Jillian Michael's Shred DVD, Pilates, and/or running (feel free to do whatever exercise you want) and devotionally, I will be posting a "Life Verse" per day along with the two main questions. I DARE you to join me :) Comment below if you are joining the  30 Day Shred so that I can be praying for you :)

         The Day 1 devotion will be in the next post!

12 New Things

Have you heard of Sarah's blog, Like a Warm Cup of Coffee? If not, please go check it out! She's inviting mommy bloggers to take the next twelve months to learn a new skill/ or grow in a new area. Click here for her explanation as to why.

After reading her explanation, and praying through it, I've decided to take on her challenge! If you have a blog, I would challenge you to "link up" and do the same (or if you have been thinking about and wanting to start one for some time, why not use this as a spring-board and chronicle your journey?).

I've decided to make two Twelve Things list. The first list is my Eco- Endeavors (which I will spend more time blogging about), and the second list, is just my own personal list that I will update you about from time-to-time. SO, below are my lists:

12 Eco-Endeavors

August- Share my knowledge of Cloth Diapering

September- Start using "Mama Cloth"

October- Explore Elimination Communication w/ Little Man

November- Research the benefits of Extended Breastfeeding

December- Eliminate plastic bags from shopping trips

January- Kick-off my "Cloth Diaper Circle"

February- Make & use a compost bin

March- Plant a garden

April- Make recycled art w/ my boys

May- Buy only locally-grown produce

June- Make homemade & dairy-free ice cream

July -Use only non-toxic cleaners

12 Personal Things

August- Dance for 10 minutes per day

September- Start and keep a prayer journal & daily quiet time

October- SHH! It's a surprise for someone that reads this blog.

November- Write The Little Fire-fighter for Big Boy

December- Bake sugar cookies

January- Start training for a marathon

February- Read Pride and Prejudice

March- Learn how to use my Photoshop Elements Program

April- Sew Something

May- Run a mini-marathon

June- Watch five classic movies

July- Create a Reggio-inspired art studio for my boys

SO- are you up for the challenge? I can't wait to start working on my Twelve Things List (s) :)