ENCOURAGED IN HEART

This morning I exited our silent “library”, to enter my non-silent office. Unbeknownst to me, I had a meeting waiting to be had.

Today is no ordinary day here at the Fink household. Today is the long-awaited and much anticipated play date with none other than Alexandar T. Yes, by birth right, the boy has a last name; it’s just not how he’s known in Cal’s world.

Cal’s excitement was just a tad more subtle than the Christmas Eve frenzy, “Alexander T has LOTS of train track stuff, that’s what he told me…he loves train tracks but I’m going to play with all his toys, but not his train tracks!”

“Well maybe you can play trains with him for a little while, then ask him to play something that you like?” His confused face spoke more words than his silence. Cal’s devotion today was about how to be a friend to Jesus. The answer, spending time. Being friends with your Alexandar T. or Jesus requires one thing – spending time together.

As for me, I’m off to spend time on the elliptical while I call a friend who just had surgery, I need to spend some time there too. Then, off to the big play date!

Isn’t the commitment to spend time together the nutshell of all friendships?

I love New Years.  It’s kinda like a clean sheet of paper.

A fresh start.

Well, my 2010 goals are drafted and printed up and I’m doing the happy dance over here! Yes, right here in my pleather chair…

The Type A gals are most likely excited with me….or freaking out because they don’t have their’s done yet.

The Type B gals are thinking, “For crying out loud Steph…breathe already!”

Deep cleansing breath…

Can I check the deep cleansing breath off my “To Do” list then?!? (He, he….)

Anyhoozers…

For the past three years, I’ve not done just goals, but also had a vision statement.  Yes, the “Corporation of Steph Fink” has a vision.  I’d like to share it with you: Pursue God’s desired life through connection to God and Godly people.  Have fun doing so.

I don’t care what “type” you are…we all need God and to be connected to God’s people.  Because my natural tendency is work-performance based, that’s why I need to intentionally add the “fun” part.

I love having fun.  One friend that always makes me laugh is Leslie.  She is one funny chica! Leslie used to live across the street from us. She now lives a few miles away.

When our kids were toddlers, we made a goal to take our kids on an annual pilgrimage to Chuck E. Cheese.  That is, right when the doors open and then we’re out before the lunch crowd.  Three years in a row we did just this.  Then, different schedules and neighborhoods boggled the goal all up.

Life has a way of doing that.

Last week was Leslie’s son’s fifth birthday.  Most conveniently, his shin-dig was at Chuck E. Cheese.  Before I could even say a word, Leslie said this visit counts for our 2009 “goal” (heck,  it’s Fiscal 2009 somewhere, someplace, or maybe just in my happy place) and since it was January – we’re counting it for 2010 too!

(Leslie’s Type A too…)

2009 – CHECK

2010 – CHECK

Ben’s birthday party – CHECK

Have fun while at The Cheese of Chuck – DOUBLE CHECK!

As you set your goals no matter how small, fun, serious or large – keep connected to fun, safe people.  They’ll strive with you, hug ya, kick your butt and also keep things in perspective!

What’s one goal that you have for 2010?

Today, I’m doing another blog cast to share a goal that I wished I didn’t need to have, but am very committed to do. This one falls under one of my marriage goals.  My goals this year are divided my goals up into six categories.

1. Spiritual

2. Physical

3. Emotional

4. Marriage

5. Parenting

6. Ministry

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

1 Corinthians 13 (Message)

Nancy’s had the courage (and I mean courage, because I can be a fierce Jersey girl when I get fired up!) to hold me accountable to my goal of “love hopes the best”.  This is just another example of what happens when I stay connected to God and God’s people…a big, full life happens!

Who’s one person you can ask to help you create, meet and share your goals?  Will you ask if you can be that friend for her too?