Three in Thirty

Three in Thirty - Week Two

I am so excited- I've gotten off to a terrific start this month!

• I am on time with the #31DBBS Challenge. I really enjoy having a specific prayer focus for each day.  I printed the eBook and added it to my morning Power-Time routine. 
• I have found a beautiful gratitude journal with photo capability. Ann Voskamp has a One Thousand Gifts mobile app! Wow, I mean what more can you say about that? I have it on my iPad and LOVE it.  Love it, I say. Being able to add the photos is just incredible.
• I have posted both my organization post and my faith trial post. I hope it blesses you. 

It feels so good to be back in the groove and getting things done. You know what else feels good? Having a whole community of folks cheering you on! Thanks, #3n30 Ladies!

Three in Thirty : A Late Start

My life and #3in30 got just a tiny bit interrupted during December and January (I'll post about that later over on Practical Faith for Everyday Life). My overall goals for 2012 are in three broad categories:

Faith

Home & Family

Social Media

My goals for January/ February (a little late than never):

1. Complete the 31 Days to Pray For Your Spouse Challenge
2. Create or find an existing gratitude journal utilizing photographs
3. Publish my post on organizational habits/tips and post about my recent faith trial.

These were some of the things that I wanted to accomplish in January - thank goodness for "carry over," huh? I'm super excited about the 31 Days to Pray challenge. I'm also so thankful for the privilege of praying for my husband.  He's truly a God-sent spouse.  I plan to post the organizational post this week here on MommieKate. The faith trial post...well, lets just say that's a bit of a test for me. It's hard for me to share the really personal stuff.  I posted about our pregnancy loss a year after it happened. It took a whole year just to work up the nerve.  I started blogging because I wanted to share my faith and encourage other women.  I've realized that sometimes I have to dig a little deeper. You can get fluff anywhere, right? Maybe what I've been through can bless someone else and the only way to know is to share it. Share it, I will.

Although the little #3in30 break was not planned- and I took a break from EVERYthing- I was able to spend time loving my family and living simply. That's what it's all about, anyway!

Three in Thirty

Weeks Three and Four (I can do that, right?)

These days have just been wild!  I'm not sure I'll complete my #3in30 goals this month- I may just have to carry over into January. The upside: my mobile office is complete & my organizational post is ready to publish next month.   The downside: I have not even begun to type my homeschool scriptures.

This verse has been especially encouraging to me lately.  I hope it blesses you too.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Psalm 31:24

King James Version (KJV)

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, 

all ye that hope in the LORD.

Three in Thirty

Week Two - Status

Am I the only one feeling like there are not enough hours in the day? By the way, I still dream about having a Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons.  Could it really be that hard? Really? (Yes, Honey Hubby Wonderful Man this is a hint...)

Oh yeah: progress. Maybe I should have made getting the Christmas presents made/purchased one of my goals.  I've not bought ONE bless-ed thing.  Nope- not one. I'm usually so on top of that. I have been busy, though.  We've been camping, decorating, playdates...and working on my #3in30 goals.  Here's my status:

1. Typed List of Homeschool Scriptures - not yet started
2. Organizational Post - working on this one. I've compiled ideas of what to include, taken pictures, edited pictures, and have rough draft started
3. Create Mobile Office - DONE! I'll share more about it in the organizational post.  Wanna sneak peek? Here ya go:

Idea from http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/

I'm wishing y'all #3in30 blessings and holiday cheer from my cozy, comfy Big Chair in front of the fire (so better than the office I had wanted and stressed over, silly me).

Three in Thirty

Week One - Roll Call

My goals this year have been to:

1. Grow in my relationship with Christ
2. Have fun with social media
3. Continue to get organized.

In keeping with those overall goals, my December goals are to:

• Type a list of homeschooling scriptures
• Share some of my organization tips in a blog post (with photos)
• Make a portable home office

I've gotten a bit of a head start with the mobile office.  I got the idea from A Bowl Full Of Lemons.  I've purchased the tote bag and folders.  Wish me luck!

Three in Thirty

Week Four - Wrap Up

This is the short and sweet holiday version: I completed my goals! Yippie! Even though this month has flown by (and included both a surgery and a holiday) I consider it a huge success. I'm on top of my to-do list and have been very active in social media. I have had so much fun visiting my #3in30 friends. You are all so fun, encouraging, and just down right sweet!

I'm dashing off for another turkey & dressing sammich... catch ya' later!

Three in Thirty

Week Three - Encouragement

Whoa Baby, the month is just flying by!  With Thanksgiving fast approaching there seems to be so much more to do.  I am pleased (ok, really impressed with myself) that I have completed another #3in30 goal.  Yep, check another item off my list! Here's my progress so far:

Finished - typing the scriptures from the book on the favor of God (see that book here).
Finished- gathering all passwords into a secure iPad app.
In Progress/On Target- setting aside blogging time (see big comfy writing spot here)

I can think of no better way to encourage you today than to encourage you in the Lord.  I want to share my Favor Scriptures with you! I spend "Power Time" everyday confessing scriptures out loud.  It will really rev you up and get you going.  Confessing God's Word is a powerful prayer tool and a super- charge for your faith. Try it... you'll like it! :)

Favor Scriptures

Favor Scriptures

Three in Thirty

Week Two- Progress

I am really digging technology right now. Thanks to lovely gadgets,  I am writing my post from my big ole comfy chair. And it is big.  Big and comfy.  In front of the fire.  All nice and cozy.

Post-surgery bed rest has provided a kind of a mini- epiphany moment for me.  I've been stressing for-evhah about finding time to write.  I've had this idea of sitting at my desk, all alone, at an appointed time, with my research and notes all laid out before me.  I like things all straight, neat and nice like that.

All this time... and it's been right here all along.  I don't need a certain space or even quiet time.  It's even better that I'm not alone.  Hubby and DS4 are happy watching a movie.  And I am happy with my notebook computer.  Perfect world.  They don't feel neglected and I don't feel like there's not enough time for everything.  It's working...for now.

I have already completed one of my goals.  I have finished gathering all passwords into a secure iPad app.  Loving the iPad, by the way.  It's been wonderful entertainment while recuperating.  Not only is it entertaining, it's a powerful organizing tool.  If I had acquired it earlier, I wouldn't have troubled with my home management binder.

I'll be setting aside time each night to type my new scripture confessions.  I'll also set aside time on Saturdays to write.  I'm pleased so far.  And comfy.  Really comfy. I'm going to be surfing this weekend from my cozy spot- checking up on my #3in30 Gals.

Three In Thirty

Week One - November Goals

#3in30 has really helped me get things in order. Even in the months that I didn't officially participate in the blog challenge, I did spend time intentionally growing in my relationship with the Lord, participating in social media, and getting my home organized. These little monthly snippets have yielded great overall progress that I am proud of. I'm so inspired and encouraged by reading your posts. I have gotten so many great ideas and learned so much from each of you...big thanks...y'all are fantastic!

This month I am going to:
Type out the scripture references from the inspirational book I read in October,
Continue writing on Saturdays, and
Compile all my passwords in a secure application/location.

I will be using (get ready for the shout out) my new iPad2 to accomplish these goals. Thank you to my wonderful hubby for such a great anniversary present! Smooch smooch to you, Honey.

Three in Thirty

Wrapping Up

I have completed my goals (well, almost). I have just a few pages left in my inspirational book. I have set Saturdays as my day to write (yeah, let's see if that one works out). I have decorated my home for fall. It feels so good to complete something.

I'm already looking ahead to November.  What about you? Are you getting close to the finish line? I'm so proud of all of us- not for accomplishing the goals, though.  I'm proud that we set goals and worked on them.  We've spent intentional time improving our lives and our homes.  Any progress at all is worthy of applause.  I'm clapping for you.  Oh wait: I have to stop typing.  OK, now I'm clapping for you. Great job, Ladies!

Three in Thirty

Week Three - Encouragement

I'm plugging along:

•  almost finished the inspirational book
•  still trying to find the right day for writing time (looks like Saturday, maybe.  Don't hold me to it)
•  finished with Fall decorations.

I'd like to encourage you today by saying, "hang in there." Great speech, huh? No really, just keep going. Keep moving forward- even if its just baby steps.  Wherever you are, what ever you're doing, just take one step forward.  Then another.  Then another.

Since everyone is doing so well, I'm making supper for all my #3in30 Gals.  That's right! Supper.  Here is THE. EASIEST. SUPPER- evhah, Baby.

Here's what you'll need to make the most wonderful, delicious, moistest (did I mention easiest?) Pulled Pork Sandwiches

1. Crock pot
2. Pork loin
3. BBQ Sauce
4. Buns

That's it.  Super easy.  

Separate your pork loin if it comes two to a package.  Place it in the crock pot and pour an entire bottle of BBQ sauce over it.  Fill the empty bottle with water and add a half or more of the water over the loin.  You have to eyeball this one.  The amount of liquid depends on the size of your pot and loin.  Don't overfill as the crock pot creates moisture.  You knew that already, I know.  I just had to say it. Put the lid on and bake on low for 8-10 hours.  An hour before you intend to serve it, take two forks and shred the loin to pieces.  It'll be so tender it will just fall apart.  At this stage it may absorb more of the sauce so you will want to check it after 30 minutes to see if you need to add a little more water.  Serve on buns.

We use Ubon's Dipping sauce.  I'm not sure you can find it outside of the South.  It's made locally.  Any BBQ sauce will do.  My family enjoys using Hawaiian Bread as buns.  We also top our pork with coleslaw (Kroger prepared package- just add a little mayo) and a dab of Sweet Baby Ray's. Serve with chips or fries.  Enjoy!

(Disclaimer/Credit: I have no idea where this recipe came from.  I've been making it this way for so long I have forgotten who told me about it.  Heck, I may have even come up with it on my own. Who knows? Just enjoy. Feel free to share.)

Three in Thirty

I am LOVING October!  Cool(er) weather, leaves turning colors, prelude to the holidays...what's not to love? I'm getting things done: reading my inspirational book and continuing to decorate for fall.                  

               

                 

While I haven't penciled in the time on my calendar, I have found some time to blog.  I'd rather have a set time every week, but when?  So far I've been utilizing family TV time to hop on my mini laptop.

What's on your October agenda? Thanks, #3in30 Gals for keeping me on my toes!  Look out, I'm watching you too :)

Three in Thirty

October Goals

For my October goals, I have chosen:
1.  Read one inspirational book (Relationship with God)
2.  Establish a blog posting/ writing routine (Social Media)
3.  Decorate for Fall (Home/Organization)

I have already completed one goal!  What, you're not applauding? I've put out our fall decorations with the exception of the turkey things.  I'll put those out next month closer to Thanksgiving.  So far we have a few table decorations, window clings, a couple of mantle pieces, and I added a few pumpkins to the year round table center piece.

I don't really do a whole lot of seasonal decorating outside of Christmas.  I don't know why...maybe because my family never did.  We always had a Christmas tree, of course.  Now that I'm a mom, I'll have to do better!  I think my son and husband appreciate it- so that motivates me.  I enjoy making seasonal crafts with my DS4.  I'm sure we'll get more elaborate with the decorations as he gets older.

Silk Leaves

 

Pumpkinized Centerpiece

Living Room Mantle

Sun Porch Window Cling

It's fun getting back into the #3in30 habit!  How are you doing with your goals?  I love seeing everyone's progress.  It's encouraging to me that we all have so many similar goals.  Great minds think alike, right?  Keep up the good work, Ladies. #3in30 Blessings to you!

(You know, I really did want applause- just a little.)

Three in Thirty

September just flew by.  Did anyone else notice?  This month has been especially busy for us.  We've been getting back in the homeschooling groove and had a beach vacation.  Although my vacation has nothing to do with the challenge (or this post),  I know you are just screaming for beach photos. I wouldn't want to disappoint - here's a shot or two:

Blue Crab

Snack Time

I am proud to say that I accomplished two of my three goals.  Notice how I put a positive spin on that?  It's all about attitude, Baby. I created a home management journal.  I may do a post on it with links to the pages I used.  Want to see it?

Front Cover

Calendar Pages

Scripture Confession Pages

And I tackled the over flowing stack of magazines and catalogs.  Now it's down to three that we are actually using.  Here's a before and after:

Before

   

After

How did you do in September?  Are you thinking about your October goals?  I am!  One of my Home/Organization goals is to get out the fall decorations.  You know, sometime before the actual day of Thanksgiving!  Here's a sneak peek:

See you next time...

Three in Thirty - Back in the Game

It's been awhile since I've written a #3in30 post.  I've been busy, getting things done, and doing the dailies.  I just haven't  been goal setting (more like list making).  Buuuuuuuuuuut I'm back in the game now so here are my goals:
     1. (God Category) Read one inspirational book. Yes, I know.  This was a previous (unfinished) goal.  It didn't work out. After my evening Bible time, I fall asleep.  Any suggestions?
     2. (Social Media Category) Empty the dining room of the 2 foot stack of magazines and catalogs. Really, this has nothing to do with social media.  Read about my blogger envy confession. Let's just say I've got some commitment issues.  Maybe next month I'll set and stick to a blogging schedule.  Don't hold your breath, though.
     3. (Get Organized) Create a Home Management Binder.  I've actually completed this one.  It was a nightmare!  I printed all my lists and pages. I made and laminated front and back covers.  I took it to the local office supply/ print shop for binding and they RUINED it.  I had to start all over and you know what? They ruined it again!  Hours upon hours of work, costly paper, and precious printer ink made me want to cry. My wonderful, gallant, and always to the rescue husband offered to beat up the staff but I opted for buying a binding machine instead.  Much better for all involved, wouldn't you say?  We have only one office supply store and I can't afford to burn bridges with all the homeschooling supplies I need. (I did kinda' want to show them my finished binder, though. Rub their noses in it.  I was successful on the first attempt! So easy. Alas, the love of Christ constrains me- after quite a bit of prayer.)

I can't wait to link up and read about your goals/progress.  I always find encouragement, humor, and tons of great ideas! Let me know how you read in bed without crashing.

Three in Thirty

I must admit: I've had a hard time picking my goals for April.  There just seems to be so much to do. Narrowing it down has been almost impossible.  Heck- I don't even have all three.  I'm hoping that somehow as I type it will come to me.

My three categories are: to grow in my relationship with God, participate regularly in social media, and become more organized.  OK, it's starting to come to me.  I want spend more time reading so I'll make that a goal. #1 Finish a book of spiritual nature.  I didn't do so well coming up with a blogging/writing schedule so I'll keep that as #2.  Hmmm...#3...get more organized...hmmm.  I've started doing online surveys and swagbuck collecting.  I think for #3, I'll create a form (and share it online) to keep up with my surveys and such and whether or not I've received compensation.

There you have it.  A week later but I've got it. Thanks for keeping me on my toes.  I can't wait to see your April goals and progress.  #3in30 blessings to you!

Three in Thirty

Yikes! The month is almost up! I have NOT accomplished my blog scheduling goal.  (Although I did land an AWESOME interview w/AProverbsWife!) Where did the time go? I've been a little sidetracked... looks like April will have a carry-over.  I'm proud to say that I HAVE been able to do my scripture confessions regularly.  I'm also VERY proud to say that I have been getting to bed on time almost every night.

I've been filling up my daily to-do list with things that aren't on my goal list.  I need to get back to the Maximize Your Mornings Mission Statement and be very selective about adding chores.  I've been too easily distracted lately with things that haven't produced the fruit I'm after.

How's your #3n30 going? Did you complete your goals? What has been your triumph? Your challenge? I love reading your progress- I'm always encouraged by your posts.

Three in Thirty

Whew! Is it just me or is March just flying by? So much to do...

I'm progressing well enough with my goals this month.  How about you? Truth is, I could so better...sometimes, though I have to remind myself that just DOING IT is good enough. It doesn't have to be perfect.  I'm doing my scripture confessions almost every day.  I have not yet worked out a blogging schedule that works for me.  I have it on the schedule but life just isn't cooperating with the written schedule! The good news (are you ready?  Get ready cause it's good.) is:

I'm getting to bed at a descent hour EVERY night!

(Now that I've put it out there, I'll probably be up til 2:00am! Let's hope not!) 

Even if it's not perfect, I've made progress.  This month that's good enough! Take encouragement, #3in30 Sisters:

 "The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize." 
Richard M. Milnes 

Three in Thirty

February Review and New March Goals for #3in30

Each month I am picking a goal that will help me grow in my relationship with the Lord, participate in social media, and get my home and/or personal life more organized. I was able to complete two of the three February goals.  I was able to read a chapter of Proverbs almost every morning.  I posted weekly on either this site or my other site Practical Faith for Everyday Life.  The 10:30pm bedtime was...well...pitiful, actually. I made it to bed by 11:00-11:30pm only three times. Evidently 10:30 is just not realistic for me at this time.

For March I plan to

• Add a daily scripture confession time from my God's Creative Power series by Charles Capps.
• Adopt a set time in my schedule for computer/ blogging time.
• Be in bed by 11:30pm.  If I am successful, I may back up the time by 15mins each month until I get to my ideal bedtime.

I am so glad to have the encouragement and support from my fellow #3in30 friends.  Good luck, Ladies!

Three in Thirty

Week Three Review & Encouragement

Wow!  This month seems to have flown by.  I hope that you're meeting your February goals with progress! I have accomplished two with ease.  One seems to be way more trouble that I thought.

1) The daily Proverbs has become automatic (yippee!).  I love starting out my day in the Word.  2) I've been able to post weekly and participate in blog hops.  I have really enjoyed visiting with everyone.  I always learn something new and fun.  It's the third goal of getting to bed by 10:30pm that is proving to be quite the challenge.  I have been to bed before midnight only twice so far.  No matter what time I get into bed,  the little wheels in my head just keep turning and turning. I'm not ready to scrap this goal yet, though.

One encouraging quote that I love is from Winston Churchill:

"Success is going from one failure to the next without loosing your enthusiasm."

Things don't always work out or go as we had planned.  We make mistakes.  We goof up. We miss the mark.  It's okay. Keep your enthusiasm. Take a deep breath, smile big, and KEEP TRYING.