My 8 in 2008 recap!

We haven't done this in a while, but when I start something I have to finish it out, otherwise I cannot move forward! Odd I know, but I wanted to recap my year. Partly to finish out what I started and partly to encourage and spur me on in this new year, so here goes:

MY 8 IN 2008!

1. To learn to wait on God

I learned alot this year, but God isn't finished with me yet. What he is showing me now, and was probably showing me throughout the year, but I wasn't LOOKIN' is that I need to "Be Still" before him in order to hear and see what he is saying and doing, and to follow Him in that way. Just this morning I was looking at my index cards of scripture and this was the first one I saw:

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying :This is the way, walk in it"

So this is what I must continue to learn through 2009 and beyond!

2. To practice better hospitality

I think I have gotten better here. I am trying to be better at sending cards when prompted, but it still continues to be a struggle. Not because I don't want to do it, but because I don't remember to do it.

3. To speak truth in love and to stop gossip before it begins

I believe I have improved here. I guess I would have to get my close friends opinions on this though. They are the ones I suppose I would do both of the above too. I desire to always build people up in the Lord and not tear them down. I hope that that thought guides my tongue.

4. To pray for others more. To pray for the salvation of my family (extended)

I don't think I did very well with this in 2008, but I have a renewed desire to pray for my brothers and sisters, so I continue in this as well!

5. To take better care of God's temple

I have NOT done a good job taking care of God's temple. My health has not been as good lately and that is partly due to what I put in my body on a daily basis. I am ashamed and saddened by this, but I am also motivated by how bad I have been feeling to make the proper changes. We are starting a Biggest Loser at church, and I am joining there to get support, and wonderful dietary help from 2 awesome ladies at church. I so want to be healthier for my sake and my familys. There is so much we like to do outside and lately I am just to winded to do it well.

6. To study 8 books of the Bible

I think I got my 8 in. I started with Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians,Colossians, Nehemiah, Malachi, Jude. I am currently studying Ezekiel. I think I've study a couple more, but can't remember, but at least I got my 8 in.

7. To memorize 8 verses

As I look back over the verses I have memorized I realized I didn't stick with it, but here are the ones that I did memorize: Isaiah 30:21, Philippians 1:9; Eph 6:10; Isaiah 26:3

Romans 12:13; Psalms 5:3; Psalms 27:14 this is one on waiting; and so is this one Psalms 40:1

On the LPM blog Beth is doing a challenge for 2009 to memorize 24 verses in the year. I am considering do that to spur me on.

8. To organize all the closets, bookshelves and storage areas in my house.

Well I clean out my bookshelf, bathroom closet, spare bedroom closet, 2 hallway closets, the storage room down stairs; my laundry room cupboards, and my spice area. Now ask me if they are all still immaculate and tidy!!!! I dare you, ask me!!!!

So there you have it! My final 8 in 2008 post! I will not be discouraged by where I failed, but will continue to trust in the Lord to help me grow closer to him in all things!

Have a wonderful and safe 2009! Here is are some verses that I think we should all do for each other:

Hebrews 10:23-25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.