I’m stuck. There are some heavy things that I need to put down, and some lighter, brighter things that I need to pick up. And while I’m transitioning, it’s been difficult to write. I don’t want to give up this blog, but I need to take a break from my usual posts. I’m going to do something different for a little while, but I hope you hang with me as I look to form some new habits in my life.
I need so much more of God and his Gospel in my life. I haven’t been doing a good job of keeping him in my daily routine, and I’ve suffered. I came up with a list of things that will be the inspiration, comfort, and care that I need. I’m going to share these goals with you because I hope that it’s going to hold me accountable and get me back to the place where I can write more.
For the next month (April 12 to May 12), I’m going to do one at least one of these things every day and post about it here on 31 Feet. If you want to come along for the ride, feel free to use the comments page to post your progress, too, but no pressure. This practice is supposed to be like medicine, and I’m trying to think of it that way, not as some list of to-do’s that I’m threatening myself with.
Here goes!
1. Get outside. God created the world marvelously, so that when we look at nature our soul is stirred to our Creator. Maybe it’s just a walk around our neighborhood, a trip to the park, or plans for a camping trip this summer, but I need some more outside time. I hope to bring my camera along and post some of the pictures here.
2. Read the Psalms. The New Year’s Day sermon I heard this year was a call to read the Psalms, to make them a part of your daily life. This sounds so ridiculous, and I’m ashamed, but I need to praise God more. The Psalms put those words of praise in my mouth. I’ll write out these Psalms here on the blog so you can read if you drop by.
3. Start writing out my prayers. I read a funny quote on Pinterest this week.
Men: If you ever wanna know what a woman’s mind feels like, imagine a browser with like 2,857 tabs open.
I laughed out loud. So true. Which is precisely why it’s hard for me to pray sometimes (okay, a lot of the time). I have so much going on up there, it’s hard to tune it out. When I write out my prayers, I focus so much better at the task at hand, instead of losing my concentration or (so sad) falling asleep.
4. Practice gratitude. I used to be an avid gratitude journal-er. But not so much anymore. Being thankful produces contentment, wards off envy and greed, and makes me happy. I don’t know why I stopped.
5. Marvel at the Gospel. The news that Jesus loved me so much that he saved me is something I need to hear everyday. I’m going to hunt down some good Gospel passages this month.
So this is where I’m starting. Cheer me on or try it with me. If you want, share some of your goals here, too, and we can help each out out along the way.
🙂 Dana
31 Feet 
Dana, that was me when our kids were younger. Thankfully God gave me enough time to mend my ways. I admire you for tackling it now! Hang in there.
Thanks, Ann!
I had been needing a “31 feet” entry lately-so when I saw you had posted I got really excited to check out your words of encouragement. I wanted to fill myself up, selfishly soak it in, and walk away feeling better. But instead you now encourage in a different way and I will definitely try it with you. Thank you so much for sticking with it. It truly is appreciated! 🙂
Thanks, Stacey! Knowing you’re reading is a great encouragement. 🙂
One of my Pastors suggested reading the Bible out loud. I helps me focus.so I am not in one of the 2,856 other tabs.
That is a fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing, Jill!
31 feet always gives me a nice send off to bed, when I can’t quiet my days mind & I enjoy your thoughts. This gratitude journal is helpful to me as I’m concentrating on appreciating all I have like health & knowledge of God. My goal now is meaningful prayers like with kids. We fall into repetition instead of reflection. Keep up your worthy goals! Thanks for your posts.
Meaningful prayers with kids…definitely will be on my future goals list! Thanks for reading, Stephanie. 🙂
Thanks, Dana! I’m going to pass along your sight to my ladies’ Bible study this afternoon. I know one aleady follows since she’s on FB with me. God has blessed you and will continue to make His face shine on you, sweetie! Love, Sandy
You are welcome, Sandy! Thanks for your words, and thanks for sharing! God bless you.
We can all relate to the struggle to keep our focus on what is vital in our Christian walk. Life throws so many distractions in our way. God’s Word is always the best and most effective medicine for whatever ails us. Thank you for all of your reminders to “seek him with all our hearts.” Love you, Dana!
It really is…it really, really is…yet we always tend to wander away from this medicine. Thanks for the encouragement, Mom. Love you!
Thanks Dana. Daily reminders and encouragement are sooo important. I am a week behind…. but my #1 goal is to spend more time immersed in God’s Word in whatever way possible. Reading the bible, bible study, or my couple’s devotion with Carlos. I also should make a conscious effort to enjoy my children and not endure them. I read a devotion about that, and it has helped me make my home a fun place, more of a safe heaven instead of my place of work as a mommy/cook/cleaner.
We can be your support group if you need more time outside! 🙂
I love that reminder to enjoy your children. That’s a great thought when I get tangled up in my to-do list and forget about just enjoying the present moment with my kids. Let’s go catch some minnows this week, ay? Thanks for cheering me on. 🙂