New year planning
I wrote a few weeks ago about how I toss it all up during the autumn season each year, and begin evaluating and asking questions about any changes to make in my life. I have already received some guidance for the upcoming year, and I thought I would share the general shaping up of the rhythms guiding personal life in 2024. These are not all of the areas that I consider when praying about change, but maybe this is the general framework for the rest of my habits.
Reading
I get to keep the English Standard Version interleaved Bible that I used this year. I will loosely follow Grant Horner’s reading plan again in 2024 with some personal modifications. I am also going to be reading from the Daily Reader’s Bible in the New Living Translation along with the kids. Each boy got his own copy, and we are hoping to stay on this together. In addition to all the Bible reading, I have a stack of books that I want to read in 2024. I hope to incorporate some fiction, mainly rereading some books I’ve enjoyed from the past. I am sure I’ll be pre-reading books for The Pioneer, as well as reading along with him. The Adapter is also ready to take off on her reading, so this should be an adventurous year for us. I don’t know yet if I will use any guided reading as a devotional study, but I do have a word study list that I have compiled and want to work on.
Journaling
I purchased another undated calendar to use as my journal. This keeps all my thoughts in an easy-to-access yearly format. I also use this to record books I read through the year. I use the large version of this planner, and like the space it affords for all my thoughts. There is also a smaller size, which would be handy for those who don’t need to use so many words. I record all the scripture I’ve read, small anecdotes from my day, lists I come up with, along with other intrusive thoughts that need a place outside my mind. There is a pocket inside the front cover, along with an elastic strap that can close the planner. I only use this in conjunction with my reading and time with the Lord. I have a separate calendar planner for our day-to-day activities.
Prayer and Scripture Memory
I am probably the least structured here this year. I have apps on my phone for these that I found helpful in the past. However, this has been a challenge to navigate recently, since I really lose focus on what I’m doing when my phone is in my hand. I can pick it up just to look at a specific email, and before I know it, my fingers have navigated me all over the place. Then, when I put that fancy rectangle piece of technology down, I remember that I forgot to look at what I’d originally needed! Can I get a witness?! So, this year, scripture memory was a little further down my list, and random. I am going to pick this up again in 2024 and probably use a combination of this app, and note cards. I have tried several scripture memory apps, and this one is my favorite. For my prayer time this year, I used a prayer journal I had on hand. I will continue to do this for certain types of prayers, and then turn on notifications for this app. Prayer Mate has been a wonderful tool, and I probably need to explore it more to make the most of it. They roll out helpful updates every now and then, and I have been pleased with how easy it is to add lists and update requests.
Home life
We will be starting school the second week of January. The plan is to phase in the subjects, starting with math. By the end of the month, they will be at a full load, with the boys mostly self-sufficient, but with some guided teaching in writing. The Discerner and The Adapter have agreed to work together on the same science this year, and I am already praying about that. I am working on writing each child a personalized note for each week throughout next year that includes scripture and what my prayers are for them specifically. I hope to insert these into their school planners each week, or possibly surprise them in other locations.
I am also praying about incorporating new recipes into our tried and true rotation. I enjoy collecting recipes and cookbooks, but I really want to find some new favorite meals for my family. My criteria is easy and quick with simple ingredients. The kids are going to do some meal planning of their own through the rest of 2023, and I am hoping we can get into a groove with trying new things.
We typically do our chores once a week, with the kids fully responsible for their rooms and laundry. We all pitch in on the rest of the house through the fall and winter since the boys get a break from the lawn care. We’ll attempt to stay with this rhythm. Once the spring comes, The Adapter and I take the house while the guys get the outside. Throughout the rest of 2023 we are enjoying movie nights and visiting some places we don’t get to often, and the kids always enjoy playing outside while the weather is mild.
We just undertook some furniture moving in the kids’ rooms, and some other small changes and rearranges throughout the house. Each child is so different, and they are growing into the beautiful individual they were created to be. I have been amused at how each one interprets their space, and the desires they have in using their things. I try to meet with each one of them and do some long-range and short-term planning with each of them, too, as we are in transition.
Blogging
This has been a murky area for me. I know I need to continue to write, and keep up this website. However, I think podcasting and possibly a video component is on the horizon. I keep praying and asking for guidance, and then I sense the nudge to research and read and study. So, I am. I know I want more depth, and honestly, I probably need to narrow my content a bit, but I also know all that will come. I have so many ideas that this has been an exercise in trust, patience and faith to just to take one small step at a time. I am in the middle of a full life-season, and I only have so much time to give. Rest is a valuable gift that I willingly receive, and I can sense a shake-up in my day-to-day schedule that will likely free up some time. Change is hard, but it is necessary and so I keep telling my Father all my hesitations and hopes, and I thank Him for the answers He has already granted. I hope you stay tuned and invite your friends to join us in this space.
What about you? Are you looking at 2024 yet? Any changes you’re making in your life?