Worship on Sunday morning is the most wonderful way to start my week. Melissa and I attend service together; we hold hands while we pray and listen to Rev. Ahrens' sermon. The reflection, prayers and community are such a wonderful beginning to a new week. Finding First Church was a turning point for me. I've begun to realize how important worship and a chuch community are to my life. I've rediscovered my love of ministry. I remember now that seminary is the way of my heart and my life. I have so much to learn. My application alone requires so much introspection, so much understanding of who I am and what I want to be as a minister. I am ready to be a student again. I am ready to truly study the Bible and theology; to open my heart and mind to the plan the Lord has for me.

Outside my window, there's snow everywhere! So different for Ohio winters; I'm used to ice and slush. It's been a wonderful , white winter this year. I am thinking about jobs and my resume. Not fun, but necessary. I am thankful for the Columbus library system, we're lucky to have the best library system in the country. I use my local branch so frequently. I just love it. I am wearing a dark denim skirt, white v-neck t-shirt, royal blue scoop neck cardigan and my house shoes (black Crocs.) My hair is still damp and wrapped in a towel. Silver hoop earrings and my silver Ohio pendant necklace. I am creating fixes! I have a pile of mending on the couch next to me. I am going nowhere today! I have some reserves I need to pick up at the library, but today is a home day. I am reading "Jesus for the Non-Religious," by John Shelby Spong. I have book study at church next week. I am hoping that I can keep up with my healthier eating and exercise plan! I'd like to lose about 20 lbs. I am hearing cars drive by and my dog breathing heavy. Around the house, lots to be tidied; items to be listed on Craigslist; clothes to be laundered and dishes to be done. A few plans for the week: Youngstown tomorrow with Melissa, clean and list my car on CL, hang more art around the house and finish a couple sewing projects.

2010

A decade is over and a new one begins. I have never written out resolutions before, but this feels like a year for change. Starting with my physical being: I resolve to go to the gym at least 3 days a week; I resolve to take a multi-vitamin, along with my B-12, daily; I resolve to eliminate high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils and as many preservatives as I can from our diet. In regards to my spiritual being: I resolve to read and study the Bible, from a critical and theological perspective; I resolve to become more active in my home church, as well as the local conference; I resolve to write frequently for my seminary application. For our home: I resolve to minimize our belongings and to purchase less; I resolve to recycle more effectively and use fewer disposable items. For my emotional being: I resolve to focus on the positive aspects of our life; I resolve to be more optimistic; I resolve to write at least 5 good things about my day before bed each evening; I also resolve to pray quietly before sleep each night.

Wow, it seems like so much! Most of these are things I have been trying (and succeeding, in most cases) to do for a while. Writing everything out is a way for me to make conscious choices to become a better person for myself and my family.