A more direct route to knowing what someone is thinking is simply to ask! As host of this week’s Fun Monday, that’s exactly what Faye at Summit Musings has done as she asks “What’s on your mind as we close out 2008 and begin 2009? Large and small….”
- Obviously, my father. As I approach the anniversary of his death (two years ago January 8th), I find myself quietly thinking about him…a lot.
- My children. My daughter is half-way through her sophomore year in high school; my BABY is in middle school! How can I make the MOST of the time I have left with them living full time under our roof? There’s a sense of urgency about this in my heart and mind–five minutes ago they were born; in five minutes they’ll have graduated.
- My faith. During the past year a new friend and our kinda-sorta interim pastor (a long story) has really challenged my thinking. He has this amazing gift of preaching conviction without condemnation; I’ve never heard that tension expressed so encouragingly. Joe makes me want to know Jesus more intimately, to love him more devotedly, and to share the hope of the gospel with those who don’t know it. My prayer is that you’d see less of Robin and more of Christ as I learn what it means to die to self and allow him to live through me. What a compelling mystery!
- Doing more with less so we can do more for others. 2008 brought with it a heightened concern for the needs of others, both globally and closer to home. Working with Seth on promoting The Mother Letter Project, I eventually stumbled across The Advent Conspiracy (if you haven’t watched this video yet, pleasePLEASE click it now!). Its message affected the way I celebrated Christmas, and it continues to shape my thoughts now. Warning: you can’t walk away from watching the video and not be affected….
- Blogging. A squillion things here, so let’s knock out a few bullet points:
~ Attending BlissDom ’09 (I cannot wait to moderate the panel Shannon and Melanie will be speaking on–we have the first Apprentice session of the conference! Guys, if you ever thought about attending a blogging conference, this is an EXCELLENT venue and there’s still about 80 spots left–but they’re going fast, so HURRY!)
~ Cleaning up my blog (a redesign?)
~ Constructing a decent About Page
~ More consistent response to my precious commentors and readers!
~ Re-engaged in and support of the community
~ Continued vision-casting and development of Inspired Bliss
~ More frequent posts submitted for Blog Nosh
~ Fine-tuning knowledge and use of social media
This list is endless, but these things are a start :).
- Returning to work. Full time? Part time? Free lancing? I’m not sure what this return to work outside the home will look like, but I’m excited about the possibilities. My background is in public relations, marketing, advertising and writing (is that really a surprise?), so in a very real sense, both directly and indirectly, I’ve been able to use that skill set in blogging and related online activities.
I’m skipping into 2009 with an air of expectancy and eagerness; I don’t think I’ll be disappointed :).
I’ve been thinking a lot about “faith” recently as well – and I’m resolving to make some changes this year. About a year and a half ago, my family left a church that we had been a part of for many years. It was a sad situation (too long to get into here), but it left me broken and torn – how could “Christians” treat each other this way? I found myself not wanting to give my heart to another church, afraid of having the rug pulled out from under us again.
I don’t mean to ramble on, but THIS YEAR, I plan to join a Bible study and get more involved in our church, and trust that God will take care of the rest.
Hello and happy FM to you! Great post. It sounds like you have a little bit of everything: sad remembrance of the loss of your dad; melancholy and excitement about your children’s progress through life; hope and optimism as you continue your spiritual journey and think about possible changes in your professional life. All the best to you for the new year!
“Its message affected the way I celebrated Christmas, and it continues to shape my thoughts now.”
What if we lived our entire 2009 allowing the message of AC (spend less to give more) to shape us? I am so glad you wrote this. You have taken the challenge, and re-issued it. Thanks!
Enjoy each moment you have with you children, these are the best years of your life with them. Once they leave the nest, it all changes. Best of luck in the new year, sounds like you have quite a few goals to reach.
I understand about the kids. I realized a couple of weeks ago that I am half-way done raising my son to the age of majority. Halfway! When did that happen? He was in diapers and learning to talk the last time I blinked and now he’s got friends and tests and a mind of his own. I am afraid to blink again.
Wow, Robin. An honest and revealing post. Returning to work? Very interesting. :~D
I haven’t forgotten your generous invitation to submit a post or two. (Busy with family over the holidays.) This month, I hope.
Hugs, e-Mom
I don’t think you will be disappointed either. With that outstanding attitude, you will have the world by the balls…or your vagina actually!
Hi Robin,
I am not surprised that your post is chock full of good thoughts. My faith too has evolved in recent years partially due to the influence of our pastor. Preaching convection without condemnation might be a rare gift.
Another thought, I have always been glad that I was able to read 1984 long before that year. Certainly, the Thought Police had not gained control by that time. What the future holds…well, we will have to see.
Oh shoot! Sorry I missed the 60 Minutes segment last night–was plugging away at Fun Monday linking! I like the approach you’ve taken of examining all your life roles and deciding what’s going to receive emphasis in ’09. Good luck.
I also could have written about expanding my blogging powers. Blogging is such a creative and community outlet. I’m not even scratching the surface. . .
I’ve got a lot things rolling around in my head as well. This is a big week for my company and to make things more complex, I’m already working on my next.
Hi Robin, lovely to see you participating in FM even if it’s a one off. Hope the coming year is good to you.
Listening your noise and thinking it sounds like one of those life songs that seems like noise until you stop and take a good listen. Then you hear a song.
Sounds good!
Happy New Year to you, Robin! May you achieve all your goals in ’09!
(BTW – I got my Jodi Picoult book just in time, and am eating it up!)
See you at Blissdom!
My father died three years ago in December, right after Christmas. This time of year always brings to mind our sudden marathon trip to his home in Missouri to bury him.