Week 1: Freeze, Melt, Conserve
Money—Save/Give/Repay – Set small 3 month goals; post in your journal and/or online; Let’s each set a savings or loan reduction goal: $90, $900, $9000 for the next 90 days—put an envelope in your purse or in a file at home or at the office, open a new account and daily/weekly transfer money into this account.
Calories—Say Yes to Less & Say “No Thanks" to More! -- Do you know what works for you? Get back on that plan or try something SIMPLE and new. But IF you want to see a change you have to DECREASE your caloric intake, eliminate white sugar and white flour, count calories and if you want to change even more, exercise more.
Time – The best, most productive hour of your day is spent alone with God. You become more “in tune” to your priorities, less sidetracked, more focused and determined. Every hour of your day in prayer, will accomplish more than wishing or worrying or wasting time will accomplish. So be sure that for the next 90 days that you give God time 5, 10 or 30 minutes to talk about your day, month, your goals. (“People who pray most, accomplish most.”)
To see these goals become a reality--YOU MUST DIVIDE THEM INTO DAILY & WEEKLY GOALS!
Be encouraged,
Becky
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26 comments:
Hi everyone,
I am REALLY looking forward to our group! My husband got me a personal trainer for Chritmas (8 times)and went to a kick boxing class today! So I am excited about the "save calories" piece of our group. The "time piece" I continue to struggle with even though I have been in cyl groups before. So I am back again to receive the encouragement from you all as well as the accountability. The huge challenge for me will be the "save money" piece. I have a some credit card debt which I really need to address. I know God is drawing me to deal with each of these areas, so I look forward to this group and meeting all of you.
Maureen in New York
Checking in, eager to start!
Been doing very well with the exercise and journaling/prayer.
Becky, you will be glad to know I am now reading the CYL Bible daily in addition to other Bible study lessons.
It's been speaking to me every day!
Financially, we are struggling right now. Our small businesses are slower than slow. So I am praying Scriptures over them. I'm trying to see God, not man's ways or 'systems'.
Looking forward to a great new year!
Good morning, Everyone!
I am excited about this new group, too. What a great way to start the new year with a clear focus and definite goals.
As I was checking e-mail this morning, I came across a message with a link to a site that poses some questions that seem very fitting for our group. Since the website has a part that says "click here to download a bulletin insert," I don't think the writer would mind my sharing it:www.
spiritualdisciplines.org/NewYear.html
May all of you enjoy this last day of the year, and may God bless us all as we embark on this new journey!
Wanda in Maryland
Greetings and a Blessed New Year to all from Knoxville, Tennessee! I am off to work now yet still wanted to let you all know that I am with you all in spirit, heart, and determination for this new and exciting 2009 journey, with Becky. I'll be checking in later. I am excited for many things including having all of you as new, like-minded, friends. Until next time...Hope!
Hello! I am also looking forward to this new year to make and keep the changes! Each area will be important for balance for me this year. I have set my 1st week goals and look forward to all of us making a permanent change!
It will be a great 2009 with our God in control!
Dear friends, I was hesitant to join because I can't seem to find enough time in my day as it is, but I am glad I did. I struggle more with food than with money, but I can use improvement anywhere! I have lost 25 pounds in the last year but have stalled and gotten sloppy. I need to lose 50 more. :( I know giving up sugar and white flour, as Becky says in her post, would make a huge difference - I just can't picture myself living without those things. Do any of you do without sugar and white flour? I guess it's more of a stronghold than I care to look at. Anyway, I pray we are all blessed and changed this year, and I look forward to getting to know you all. Julie B. in Duluth, MN
I'm looking forward to the group. Discipline is something I need in every area of life! My hope is the group will provide some accountability and motivation to continue what I start. Hopefully, I can do the same for you all too.
Heather in Nashville, TN
Hello, everyone!
I am so pleased to be able to participate with this group for 2009. This year has been filled with many challenges and disappointments and I found myself falling into poor eating habits, not making time for exercise or prayer. I have been in a rut for a while and I needed something to help me get out of this pit.
May God bless each step we take in His direction, growing and becoming the women He created us to be.
Happy New Year to you all from cooooold and snowy Boston! I am looking forward to this group for accountability more than anything else.... I struggle with food the most and have gotten really out of control...it's funny how lack of discipline in one area of our lives really seeps into other areas and we can find ourselves getting sloppy in other ways, like how we spend money and time is huge ...not making time for what is truly important to us, like time alone with God, with family, friends. Perhaps planning these things out is essential...I believe Beck has said this. I need to make a daily schedule for myself and say "these are the non-negotiables...." and schedule these important things in, like "appts. with God," and even include 20 minutes a day to do things I like,,,like 20 minutes at night to read a book.
I have been involved with a group that is trying to do the "Thin Within" program for food and I have asked these ladies to keep me accountable but it seems like they are not comfortable with that role.
I found a quote I've carried for years...I think it comes from Radio Bible Class material. It has to do with setting goals and says to consider: "Do I have the time?" (Only for what I put in first place.) Do I have the commitment? (Only for that which I truly desire to do) Do I have the energy? (Only for what I invite God to do in me.) Anyway, now I am off to do what I say I will do...plan! Plan out a schedule, make a budget, and regulary work through the thin within material that I have allowed to lay to the side. Looking forward to journeying with all of you!
Mary P
Happy New Year! I am looking forward to spending the year with you all and watching how God works through this group to help each of us change and become more of what we were designed to be. How easy we can fall to the worlds ways and get sidetracked from the extraordinary life God has planned for us. I am looking for change in all 3 areas. Currently I have lost 24 pounds. I am looking to lose 30 more and I will be at my ideal goal weight. (I heard today that the average dress size sold most in 1985 was a size 8. Today the size is 14.) For money...I have set a goal to save $900 (giving 10% to church), even though I am a stay at home mom and do not get a paycheck. Money is the #1 issue in my marriage that is a conflict. Praying that my husband and I can communicate better in this area and that I can make and stick to a budget. For time I need to be more consistent and "feed" daily on God's word. I have a Bible study I do and also teach a ladies Sun. School class, so I get my lessons done...ha; but need to value and make a daily appointment with God. Also struggle with procrastination and not allowing enough time to get places so I end up being late or driving anxiously to get there on time. I am blessed by all of you...my new 2009 cyl accountability friends.
Beth from south Mississippi
Happy New Year! Like many, I am looking for discipline in all areas of my life. Alone it is difficult, so am looking forward to having so many accountability partners.
Hi Everyone
Today I give up white sugar. This is going to be so hard for me, but necessary for a variety of reasons. Looking forward to a year of giving support, encouragment and receiving support and encouragement. Her is to a successful year of change.... for the better.
week 1 My Goals
money-Repay
Make more money-not sure how right now. get back to this one.
Calories
Write down everything I eat.
Started today--Walk at home video
Time
Where do I wast time
I am lazy about cleaning.
Hello from beautiful New Mexico. I’m very excited to begin this process with Becky and everyone else.
Yes, you can give up white sugar and white flour. I was forced to 2 months with a diagnosis of borderline Type 2 Diabetes. Weight has been an issue for me for 30 years, and I have been fortunate to have not other health issues until a few months ago; high blood pressure and the diabetes have forced me to change my eating habits.
I’ve also started walking, usually in the tread mill as the weather here at 7000 feet prevents outdoor exercise during the winter. 20 minutes five days a week and I am feeling better already.
My biggest challenge is with finances. Supporting my mother-in-law for 5 years has depleted our savings, although I am grateful she could continue to live in on her own in a nice retirement community until November 2007 when she had to be moved to a nursing home. She now qualifies for assistance and we have been able to begin paying down our substantial credit card debt.
Fortunately 2 years ago I started taking at least 30 minutes each morning for prayer, daily reading and solitude. I also take time each evening to write down five things I am grateful for. Using a gratitude journal is a wonderful way to appreciate wonderful things in your life. Try making a list of 75 – 100 things you are grateful for and I’ll bet none of them have anything to do with money.
Blessings and gratitude to each of you,
Debbie
week 1 goals;
Money: from two paychecks per month, pay off $125 from credit card and don't add anymore to it. Finish taxes by the end of January.
Calories: Cut out white flour...
meet with trainer 2 times and swim 3 times this week.
Time:resume cyl bible reading, and try to 8 to do's...schedule QT, exercise time, errand time, school work with kids, email time etc..
I really want to cut down my time on the computer. Both writing and responding to emails and surfing. Since I have a laptop and can move it from room to room, I tend to look at email several times a day. I would like to reduce it to a designated time each day to review mail. Does anybody else struggle with too much time on the computer?
Maureen
Here are my 3 mo. goals
Time:
1. Get back to my 1 hour a day with the Lord.
2. Get back to using a Calendar/planner on a regular basis
Money:
My husband and I do not have a lot of debt, PTL. so my goals are:
1. Get organized. Get a good coupon filing system... stop wasting money. Don't buy anything unless it is on sale or an absolute necessity. Simplify my stuff by downsizing what I dont' need and giving it to others who don't have.
2. Get my financial software/accounting restructed. Learn all the ins-and-outs of the software and use it to its fullest potential.
3. Prepare a Budget so that debt will never be a problem and we will have the money to meet emergencies and do some fun things together. Goal of $600.00 for vacation fund at the end of March.
Calorie goal:
1. January - give up all white sugar and foods with added sugar. Daily drink 40oz of water or more
2. February - give up all white foods.
Daily drink 56oz of water or more
3. March - Begin a daily regime of walking on my treadmill or outside or both.
Daily drink 72oz of water or more.
Hi Everyone!
Yes, I too am really looking forward to our group. This will haelp me be more accountable and get to my goals and dreams.
Coni
Greetings!
Because of a scheduling conflict, I will not be available to join you 'live'.....
I thank you for the insight and inspriation I have received form your comments.....this helps me as I sift and sort through the overwhelm of my life with greater clarity and deeper commitment.....
Growing up in a small town in western PA afforded me the luxury of many Orthodox freinds......I give myself the gift of their calendar, allowing myself time to be gentle with myself following the disciplines of the liturgical celebrations of Advent, Christmans, Christmastide and Epiphany..... so will set goals by 14 Janaury.....
I look forward to mutual support and accoutability as I pray for each of us....
Blessings!
(and Happy -Orthodox- Christmas)
Hello-
As usual, I'm trying to catch up from behind. I signed up for this before Christmas, but am just now coming onto this site to see what it is really all about.
I really need these goals and your support in my life.
Thank you for having me,
~Autumn Angie
Sorry, one question: I saw somewhere it was talked about journaling online. Does anyone know where this might be?
Also, where is the first assignment? Sorry, probably right in front of my face, but I appreciate the help.
Thank you.
Autumn Angie,
The general assignment is on blog each week; a more specific assignment will usually come in each week's phone call. Today's call is in 30 minutes. If you miss the "live" call, log onto the blog 1 pm PST and you'll have NEW call in codes and numbers to listen to the call anytime before next Wednesday at 1.
Be encouraged,
Becky
I too will be unable to join in on the "live" phone calls due to work. However, I look forward to listening in on them after work!
Hi everyone,
I am posting late, but have been keeping with everyones comments. For some reason, I was hesitant to leave mine. On the phone call Becky mentioned about getting involved. And that is very true. Why sign up for a group for accountability and growth if you are not going to be involved. So here we go.
My goals for this quarter are to be consistent in all areas of my life. Money - to start using Quicken to monitor household finances and be more diligent in recording transactions and updating bank balances. Calories - no white sugar or white flour. I stopped for a few days and then started again. I will have to take it one day at a time. Also to start walking or doing and exercise video 3-4 days per week. Time - to increase and vary my time with God.
2009 is a year of change!!
M
Denise
Hello, Looks like I am bring up the rear but better late than never. I am excited about joing this group and I am excited about the possiblities for new changes and about loosing weight.
My Goals for 2009 are to walk everyday starting with 30 mins and before I go home go to the gym on my way home for at least 4 times a week. Make it to bible study every week and spend at least 1 hour in prayer.
Denise in Moreno Valley, CA
---SmileHigh----from the MileHigh City
Just wanted to give an update on something fun my city started on the 10Jan,that I plan to get involed in. Get FIT-Get Rewarded chalange that my town is involed in and you can earn rewards. I am not at work today because I have a huge migraine and when I take the med's I can't work...but anyway. Tomorrow I plan to see it anyone would be interested in joining me. You have to have a team. so ..I'll let you know...
Smiles
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