March Resolutions: Even Though This is 19 Days Late

Good afternoon, readers!

I realized this week that even though I dreamed of posting monthly resolutions when I first created this blog, I have yet to post my resolutions for March! And I know what you're thinking: I'm a little late to the party. March is almost over But after giving it a lot of thought, with plenty of hesitation on whether or not I should just wait for April, I decided that I should be able to post this month's resolutions, even if there are only 12 days left. No judging. :)

Some of you may be wondering, "What are monthly resolutions?" Well, I'm glad you asked! "Monthly Resolutions" is a system that I picked up from the blog, She Learns As She Goes by Kelli Taylor. (Link to this blog is on the side of this page.) It's a way that I can hold myself publicly accountable for particular responsibilities and personal goals. Here's how it works. At the beginning of each month, I will post my resolutions and then at the end of the month, I will give myself a report card showing my progress and achievements (or sometimes lack thereof) for each resolution that I made. Now here comes the fun part! Each time that I make a resolution post (whether it's announcing my resolutions or grading myself), I will invite my readers to post their resolutions and grades as well! In the comment box, give me a link to your blog, your word doc, your google drive presentation, your Google+ post, (or just stick the whole thing right into the comment if you like!) etc. with your name and resolutions or end of the month grade. Whatever works! ;)

Without further ado, here are my resolutions for the month of March 2013. (Notice how they're all in different shades of green! You might have guessed that it's for St. Patrick's Day and the beginning of Spring. Cute, huh?)

March Resolutions

1. Learn ASL Project: Practice 10 signs this month.

2. Becoming A Well Rounded Classic Reader Project: Catch up on Omnibus reading!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Omnibus, it is a course that combines the subjects of Literature, History, and Theology. I am taking Omnibus IV, which focuses on Ancient Literature and History, and I also get credit for Theology IV. The way it works is that I read a book such as Antony and Cleopatra, Aesop's Fables, Selected Works of Cicero, or The Iliad, and then we study the literary theory behind it, the historical background, and we also discuss deep theological or philosophical aspects about the piece of literature. For example, a couple of weeks ago, we studied Antony and Cleopatra, and we studied the facts about the story and how it's an excellent play by Shakespeare, and we also discussed the history of the Roman Empire and the growth of the Triumvirate, but then, we discussed the theological aspect of how sin can often be justified by being "in love."

3. Diary Writing Project: Write in diary at least once a week.

I'm making this resolution because I'd like to eventually put a really cool 5-year journal on my Christmas list, but I'm worried that it would be a waste of time, effort, and money if I never take the time to write in my diary or journal anyway. Just thinking ahead...

4. Teach Youth Group: Schedule a time to teach either this month or next month.

I'm really really really excited for this one! One of the biggest things that gives me joy is to learn more about God's word and ask Him to speak through me to minister to my family of the church. I already know what topic I'm going to share!

5. Bible Reading Project: Read Judges and Proverbs according to guest speaker from youth group’s instructions.

A few weeks ago, my youth group had a guest speaker, who is a missionary from Japan that ministers to military kids, and he discussed a lot about his experiences that were really intriguing. I told him about some of my spiritual gifts that I had discovered recently, along with current struggles, and he recommended that I take the examples of particular judges and look for verses in Proverbs about fear and speaking to others, especially about God's word. I hope to finally accomplish this.

6. Gluten Free/Sugar Free Cooking Project: Find a gluten free meal to practice with, and try more variations on peanut butter cookie recipe.

Clarification: I am able to cook. I am just "expanding my horizons," or whatever that saying is... An update on my baking project will be coming soon. :D

7. Fitness Project: Keep eating healthy (Gluten-free!) and exercise outside of P.E. at least once a week.

This one should not be too difficult. I've been sticking with gluten-free for months now, especially since there is practically no trace of any gluten containing products in the house at all right now. Also, my parents make an effort to exercise every morning, I just need to get up early enough to join them more often.

8. Music Goals: Practice outside of rehearsals at least 45 minutes per week.

I seriously need to make this a habit. I think I'm hurting myself by not practicing, and I'm definitely not benefiting the rest of my orchestra and bands by not making an effort to work hard outside of rehearsals and performances. I'm not beating myself up too much about it, but it doesn't feel right to not be working on reforming this habit. Hopefully, making myself solely accountable in public will give me the proper motivation that I need.

My resolutions are now complete and carved in stone. Now, it's your turn! What are your resolutions for this month? Has God revealed His plans for this month in your life?

Don't forget to send me a link or comment! :)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" --Jeremiah 29:11