111 for 2011

As the new year of 2011 comes into full swing, I have noticed a few things that have eluded me in years past.

First of all, the number of weight loss commercials is bordering on ridiculous. I understand that people want to be healthy and lose weight, and I am all about that. I love the idea of using the new year as a starting point in that journey. However, if I ever purposely lost weight, I'd probably have to be admitted to a psych ward because I would certainly be certifiable.

Secondly, I've noticed an increase in goal-setting from all of my friends. This is highly conducive to why I created this blog, so, once again, I'm all about using the new year as a platform to set some tangible goals for life.

I realize that what I've noticed isn't anything revolutionary and isn't even anything new. Apparently I've just been very ignorant over the last 20 years.

Anyway, in honor of the new year, and because I was inspired by my cousin-in-law (yes, we qualify as family), I have made a list of goals for 2011. I already have my Bucket List, which I have shared bits and pieces of on this blog. However, these goals are a little different. Many of the things I have done in the past and simply want to do again this year. Many of these things are ridiculous. Many of them are impossible. However, it has really helped me to focus on living intentionally as the new year has begun, so take it for what it's worth.

This, my friends, is my 111 for 2011. Mock me (it's good for my ego), encourage me, and make a list of your own after you look over mine...

A Goal Near and Dear: Giving Radically

Today is an exciting day for a lot of reasons.

First of all, it's the 29th of November, which means it is almost December, which means that this semester is almost over.

Second of all, it's the only time the 29th of November in 2010 will happen, so I know something crazy could happen.

Thirdly, it's Cyber Monday, so are there some epic deals available to consumers, and they don't even have to leave their homes!

Finally, and most importantly, I've got a chance for every single person reading (including myself) to REALLY make something crazy happen today, since it IS the only time today (November 29th, 2010) will ever happen. And, to boot, it's Cyber Monday, which means you're obliged to spend buckets of money via the internet that you actually already spent on Black Friday. Want to do something crazy with that money while you're spending it? Keep reading - I've got a GREAT opportunity for you...

Time for Some Openness: Small Group Progress Report

About four months ago, I posted about a life goal that I would be embarking on soon: leading a small group. If you missed it, here's the post. Basically, I was very excited, but also very nervous, to start leading a small group here at MCC. I'm here four months later with an update on this life goal that's been in progress for a while now.

A note/disclaimer/warning: I want to be very open and honest in this post. Members of my small group may eventually see or read this, and I'm okay with that. I just want to be transparent in the way that I live, so I figure that I need to be transparent in the way that I blog about my life and about the struggles and joys of attempting to fulfill a life goal. If you are in any way involved with or connected to Small Groups at MCC or my own Small Group, please read this for what it's worth and don't read between the lines, because there's nothing there. What's being said is how I honestly feel and what I'm thinking, and that's all there is to it.

The short version of the story:

Leading a Small Group has gone slightly better than I expected it to. However, I'm disappointed with myself for a number of reasons (see "the long version" for details). I'd give myself a 6.5/10 as a leader, and my group a 9.5/10 for how epic they are. I hope to do better sooner rather than later.

The long-ish version of the story:

I love my small group. I can't say that enough. However, in my own mind, things haven't been a bed of roses this first semester so far. The small groups at MCC were recently asked to evaluate their leaders, so I received a "progress report" of sorts from the members of my small group...

An Attempt to be More Intentional: This Week in Review

In light of what has been on my mind lately, I'm doing what I can to be more intentional about living and about reflecting on life. Right now, I want to focus on reflecting.

I really think that part of living the fullest life possible means taking time to stop, be still, and reflect. So, in an attempt to encourage myself to do this regularly, I'm going to steal an idea from a friend's blog (yes, I'm aware that stealing is counterproductive to the whole reflecting idea).

So my friend doesn't hate me, and because I love her blog, this is my shameless plug to her. Check out her blog at http://littlethingsbigstuff.com/ and blow her up with comments about how amazing her blog is. Because it is and because I said so. Either way.

On to the idea stealing (did you visit her blog? because you were supposed to!)...

An Ambitious Goal (to say the least): Read Every Book We Own

As you can imagine, this post is going to be about books. It is not, however, going to be about A Critical History of the Mission and Ministry of the Christian Church in Hawaii.

I know, I know. You're disappointed. Unfortunately, my fingers just don't have the stamina to type that title more than once. Plus, I don't have a clue what that book is about - I've never so much as touched it except to put it on the shelf. And herein lies the reason for a life goal I hope to eventually accomplish: I want to read every book we own...