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Kelly resolves to finish the Old
Testament, keep up an, ‘A’ average, and to start working out. Danielle resolves to get a job and start
working out her physical and spiritual life more often. Rhona hopes to get a job this year. To get Healed this year and
to grow in Christ. Jessica resolves to
become more focused on God. |
Kelly – updated 09/16/04
Danielle – updated 09/16/04
Rhona – updated 09/16/04
Jessica – updated 09/16/04
Finish the Old Testament, and to start working out.
January
UPDATE: How am I doing on my new years resolution?? Pretty
good actually. Since last summer my goal has been to read the whole Bible
backwards. And well, I got to about Acts and then stopped. So this year I made a resolution to finish
Acts-Matthew and then the Old Testament too. Right now I'm on Luke chapter 5,
and I'm hoping to finish that, Mark, and Matthew by February.
As for my working out everyday- I'm not doing so well with that. In school every other day I have PE, but I wanted to start doing exercises at home too. So recently I've started running on our Gazelle Trainer machine while reading my Bible. How's that for multi-tasking??
February
UPDATE: I'm doing pretty decent with my resolution... I finished the New Testament! :) I'm very happy about that. And I've been doing different exercises, but not regularly. Today I did a little yoga. A couple of days back I did Pilates and a week before that I ran on the gazelle machine. I know- I really need to start making my exercising an everyday thing. I'm working on it. Okay, so for the whole entire month of march I will do 50 sit-ups a night. And I'll do 50 leg-lifts. This is just my march goal... let's see if it works out!
March
UPDATE: We just ordered a new pilates tape. It's winsor pilates. I hear it's very very good. I believe it's still on sale, look around online for it if you're interested. I'm reading in Nahum, so I should be through Joel by next month.
April
UPDATE:
May
UPDATE: I
hate to admit it, but I'm still not doing too great with my resolution.
I've read a few more books of the Bible. As for the working out- I haven't done
that at all! I decided that I was going to get up and run every day this summer
though. Don't give me that look! I can do it! I will do it! :)
I hope to have finished the Bible, or at least gotten really
close by the end of this summer.
Finals and grades and everything have gotten a hold of me.
I'm hoping that once school gets out (next week) I'll finally be able to
re-focus and all that.
Also, I have applied for an internship position at the local newspaper. Please pray that I'll get the job. I want it so badly!!
June
UPDATE:
July
UPDATE:
August
UPDATE: I haven't kept up on my resolution this summer at all. I feel bad. I've finished a few of the larger books in the old testament, but had hoped to do a lot more reading while I had so much free time. As for the working out... ha. That has been so sporadic since summer began. Luckily now, I have PE first hour every day. So that will be my new forced daily work out schedule. I'd like to add on to my resolution one more thing- to keep an, 'A' average.
September
UPDATE: I'm doing great with working out, and decent with my grades (only 2 B's). As for the Bible, which is the most important thing, it's the one I've been slacking on most. With my Youth Group I'm reading things. We just finished Genesis, and have started Exodus. So I'm not standing dead still in my walk. I'm just not picking up any speed, which is what I have to work on doing.
October
UPDATE: I'm still crawling along my Bible. It's not hard to remember to read it, it's just awfully easy to forget. I am happy with how I'm doing with exercising. It's great waking up to PE every morning. My grades... well the quarter just ended. I've got straight A's, with the exception of 1 'b' in Math. Math is hard though, so I'm not too disappointed with that. Keeping up my grades is something that comes fairly easy. It has nothing to do with intelligence, just how much you care. I happen to care a lot about it because I want to get into a really really good college and the only way I can do that is by getting a scholarship.
November
UPDATE:
December
Did you accomplish your goal?
How did you do over-all?
I didn't accomplish any of my goals completely. I got close with my grades. And I've been playing games in PE every morning, but I've been so off-track with the Bible. For a long time, being reminded monthly about it was a big help. But when it comes down to it, you have to have a little bit more self-motivation than I had if you plan on accomplishing anything important.
Get a job and start working out her physical and spiritual life more often.
January
UPDATE: I have been doing very well with my new-year resolutions. I have been working out almost every day, I have been reading my Bible every day, and I now have a summer job. So right now my new-year resolutions are fulfilled! The only part now is keeping them going throughout the year and getting a new job after the summer.
February
UPDATE: I
am still doing very well with my new year's resolution. I have started an
exercise program that does weights one day and cardio the next and it goes back
and forth for 6 days and on the 7th day you take a day off. It's been
challenging but I've been feeling better and it's been helping a lot.
I have been reading my bible Everyday, I am currently finishing up the new testament, and will start on the old when I am finished. I think I have only missed 2 days of reading this year as well! (I mark on the calendar the days I read so it makes it a little easier.)
March
UPDATE: I am doing ok. I have really been slacking off in the working out part of the resolution, but I have still been reading my Bible everyday. I have a summer job at a Christian camp, and I recently joined a new youth group so things are overall going well. I better start exercising more though!
April
UPDATE: I have still been slacking off in the exercising area, but have been doing pretty good in Bible reading though. I have another meeting next week for my upcoming summer job that starts on the 26th of May. The only bitter/sweet thing is that the newsletter will be taking a break during the summer! I think our last issue will be around June 3rd, but we will still be sending out things every once and a while like the resolution updates and "Vacation Medication" like we did last summer!
May
UPDATE: I have been slacking off almost completely. I haven't been reading my Bible like I should be and so yeah it's been affecting some things. I haven't been exercising, but once I'm at camp that will change. My job is the summer camp called Victory Camp and I will be a souvenir shop manager. This will last from May 26th-August 7th. That's a long time! So yeah I have a job and the rest of my resolutions will get better this summer for sure.
June
UPDATE:
July
UPDATE:
August
UPDATE: My summer wasn't so great for the resolution. Yeah I had a job, and I was exercising a lot, but my relationship with God just wasn't what it had been before I went to camp. I started not reading my Bible everyday and all the stress just made things hard. You'd think that by being at a Christian camp, this would be the place to help the relationship: But it seemed to do just the opposite. Now that I'm back home I'm getting back into focus and trying to spend more time with Him. As for a job and working out after the summer.... I found a job at a local drug store; and have started training for a marathon that’s in February. Please keep praying for us!!!
September
UPDATE: I'm doing a lot better in my resolution. I've been running 3 times a week, and this past Sunday I ran 5 miles! I still have a job and things are going well there. And my relationship with God is getting back on its feet! Thank you sooo much for all the prayers and thoughts!!
October
UPDATE: I still have a job, and it’s going ok for now, hopefully it will get better. I am running and this past Sunday I ran 7 miles! I have cleared some things up for myself and am gradually getting back into the Word. So over-all I’m doing pretty good. Haven’t completely accomplished my resolution yet, but by the end of the year I should be able to!
November
UPDATE: I’ve been slacking off with my running. I’m going to run about 5 miles tomorrow. LORD WILLING. I’m getting back into God and I still have a job. Things are going good.
December
Did you accomplish your goal?
How did you do over-all?
I almost completed my resolutions. I got a job, I’m running every once and a while, but my walk with God is still being worked on. Over-all I’ve done really well. It helped a lot to be reminded of what my resolution was and have extra motivation to keep it. Usually when I make a New Year’s resolution I forget what it was and don’t do it! The most important thing I learned through this experience was that I couldn’t have done it by myself. I had God’s help through it all and no naturally the verse that helped me was the one that’s says, “I can do anything through Christ whom strengthens me.” Every time I get in a bind I say that to myself.
Get a job this year, get healed this year and to grow in Christ.
January
UPDATE: Health- Well there are a few days God uses to
heal his people, or he uses a wise Doctor a medication or healing service. I am
trying a different medication and I will go to the next healing service in
February. I have not been ill since the flu the week after Christmas.
GOD- I am reading a book about burning compassion, it's really great. I have just read the Aussie bible, which is the Gospel in the Aussie slang I am used to. I am also reading D C talk’s second book that I got for Christmas.
Job-I went to the job place on Tuesday. I found a Christian childcare place in the paper to write to, and I will also go from center to center in person next week with my resume.
February
UPDATE: My health is doing ok. I had a rough time last week while I was off my meds, but now things are back to normal. I still don't have a job because the place I sent my resume to wasn't accepting applications at the time. I have sent out more letters but haven't heard any news, so there is still a little hope. I do have a small job at a children's center though. My walk with God is still going steady, so over-all I am doing ok in my resolution.
March
UPDATE: I
had a rough week prior to the best Easter event of the year, but it was fair
enough because I was out every day last week. (Something I cannot handle any
more.) On Tuesday I got my first job trial run, they will keep calling me in
for three hour periods at a time until they decide to keep or chuck me. On
Thursday I graduated from Tafe so now I am officially a child care worker, and
I got a hep. B shot on Friday and went to a fabric shop that day as well. I
also have an appointment next month with a doc who actually knows about CVS.
I think God is in hiding trying to get me to seek him harder instead of going into cruise control and taking him for granted, so I need to work on that. Other wise I hope I've answered you in the nick of time.
April
UPDATE: I am on a job trial. I
don’t know what will come of that. I am also getting paid to work on Monday
mornings for a Christian craft group taking care of the ladies kiddies.
I feel closer to god and
hungry to learn again.
I went to a hormonal clinic to see if they could help my being sick, but they didn't think so and will try to get back to me. They said the medicine I am on is the best one for my condition.
May
UPDATE: I
am working every Monday for the All saints craft mob. They pay me 20 dollars
and a friend who I do it with does as well. So $40 from that every week is
nice. I have gotten a job with Center care with in a catholic group
watching kids while they do courses. The pay is good there too. I am yet to go
though. Bees Knees has dropped children to 30 something so I am not being
called in there at the moment.
MY health is improving. I’m taking Vitamin B. I haven’t been
sick since I last posted with you. I can't wait till I have a great testimony
about my health.
I guess I turned my back a little but of course the guilt is
heavy when A Christian does. I am BACK. I am going to start writing again. I am
taking Sunday school this week and am reading the Word most days of the week.
June
UPDATE:
July
UPDATE:
August
UPDATE: Alright, well I did get a job back in May; and I am now called upon to work 3 Wednesdays watching 2 children. I am also working 4 hours watching kids on Mondays.
My Doctor is sending me for a blood test for a few things. We'll discuss the results a few days after that together. The "G is for God" topic with Electric life has been refreshing. I also watched Jessie Duplantus talk on going to heaven and it touched me. I recommend it.
September
UPDATE: A lot happened on Saturday my sister has a new job in Sydney, and a new bed was arriving for me. It was major stress in the house: not good for anyone’s health.
The new bed is a bit bigger than my old one, and I caught my foot on it and twisted my knee. My body has been under a bit of shock since.
I also lost my voice and have had to rest since. Not too bad today though. Which is good because, tomorrow I am going to sign up for another casual child-care job.
God is great loves me very much. How else could you deal with an illness without hope and love around you like that?
October
UPDATE: I have a new casual job in child-care. I love working with the children. I am hoping my computer course which I am almost finished with, will be useful.
My health is improving this year. But when I am sick I just know God loves me so it's not that bad really.
As for God well he's still my daddy, but I could be learning about him more than I am.
November
UPDATE:
December
Did you accomplish your goal?
How did you do over-all?
I feel I am closer to God. I really relate to him as my dad. A dad that rules the universe and that I can trust. I still get sick but I feel at peace when I do get sick that God is in control. I am pretty satisfied with Job search and will go at it with gusto next year to get a part time job. I set some good goals and learned through it all how much God loves his children. The verses that helped me where really all the ones that tell of the great love God has for his people. Other than the verses that helped me: My friends and church family helped me out a lot as well.
Become more focused on God.
January
UPDATE: My update... I am doing great! A verse that is helping me is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. (Do you not know that all those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.) God has shown me that my focus should be on Him and only Him. He'll provide the rest.
February
UPDATE: I am doing great! I'm not letting anything get in the way of my relationship w/ Him, and I'm encouraging others in my youth group to do the same. One verse that is helping me right now is John 16:33. (These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.) I also saw The Passion and that just blew my mind. To know I was supposed to go through, but Jesus did that for me! A sinner! O man! Whenever I sing a song or read the bible, things take on a new meaning, a much deeper meaning.
March
UPDATE: Things have been okay. You always hear about God and Satan having a battle over you and well, that's kinda happening. Many things have happened that just aren't good, but one thing that is helping me to stay strong is that I know He is always there and will never leave me. Even in my darkest hour, He will be my light. Pray for me, please.
April
UPDATE: Well, I've been slacking off. A good friend of mine made some comments that just brought me down spiritually and I've been having problems getting back up. Than I got sick this past week w/ a nice cold, and my back is hurting me. Along w/ that, I've been working a lot of hours so by the time I get home and off the computer, I'd be to tired to read the Word and pray. Please pray for me that I will get back on track.
May
UPDATE: For a while I was struggling. I had lost my focus and was worried about other things. Once it had hit me I had lost my focus, I got back on track. It just didn't feel right knowing I wasn't as close to God as I want to be. Only I can chose how close I want to be, so how much I put into my relationship is how much I will get out. Things are getting better now, slowly but surely.
June
UPDATE:
July
UPDATE:
August
UPDATE: My Summer was great! Went to school and got down w/ my Up-Ward Bound junk. Made some new friends and they are really great! When school was done, I went to Camp Bandina. That place was awesome! I went there, w/ my focus fully on God. I brought no make up w/ me, no blow dryer, curling iron, or straightener. I wanted to grow closer to him. On the way up there, I told everyone my focus is on God, not boys. Well, I ended up meeting a guy. I never once took my focus off of God, it was just God's Will that this boy should come into my life. I got to know him, and we found out we both have a lot on common. What I loved most about camp was the worship. It was just so awesome! I was able to grow so much closer to some people in the youth group. But all in all, camp was great and I was able to grow so much closer to God. Like some say, it was the calm before the storm. My best friend, Stingy (her nickname) had just broken up w/ her boyfriend the week before we left for camp. They were still on good terms, kinda, so they kept talking. Well, that Saturday on the way home, he had passed away. We got back into town, all went home, and I was resting when I got this phone call w/ Stingy just crying her eyes out saying, "he's dead Bainum he's dead." So her and my youth minister came over and we got her to stop crying and I stayed the night with her. A few weeks after that, my Grandmother fell again and broke her hip for the 3rd time. It was just a very discouraging time. It was like I've been through this twice God, wasn't that enough? Well, I guess not! This past week was not good one for her. She was doing really awful, things at home were awful, and school had started and a friend of the family had just passed away. It was just all too much at once. But God is faithful. I turned to Him, and He gave me the peace, comfort, and strength I needed. My focus on Him has had its ups and downs, but I have grown so much closer to Him.
September
UPDATE:
October
UPDATE:
November
UPDATE: Things went downhill for a while b/c of the fact I didn't care, and wanted a break. Than I tried getting back on track, but it became so hard because I got into the bad habit of not caring. My Youth Group had a Fall Retreat, and it was awesome. God moved so many hearts, and it was the push I needed to become more focused again.
December
Did you accomplish your goal?
How did you do over-all?
I'd have to say over-all, I did my best. I had my ups and downs. This year has just flown by in the blink of an eye and I can't believe it's over. For the most I was focused on God more than anything else. But this is just the beginning of my life. I can't wait to see what else God brings my way.
I have learned that holding onto God and keeping my focus on Him makes me feel so much more complete than anything in this world. The moments I was down, I was searching, looking for something that made me feel complete like He did, but He's the only One.
The bible verse that has helped me the most would have to be 1 Cor 9:24-27. It just reminded me that I have a goal in mind, and a reason to live and keep on going.