As I mentioned in my 2012 Goals Final Tally post, I’m trying to be much more specific and simplistic in my goals this year. I not only want to keep in mind what is realistic, but also make sure that all of my goals are clearly measurable.
If you’re brand-new to goal-setting, be sure to read my post on How to Change Your Life By Setting Goals.
Here’s my list of 25 Goals for 2013:
Personal Goals
Read through the Bible in a year using this plan.
Run in at least one 5K race.
Complete the Couch to 10K program.
Memorize Romans 1 and 2 with Jesse.
Wake up by 6 a.m. and exercise, shower, and dress by 8 a.m. every day. (I’ll explain more about this goal tomorrow when I share about my one word focus for 2013.)
Read 150 books/ebooks (see my list of 48 books I’m for sure planning to read here; the other 102 or so books will be ones that I discover throughout the year and want to read.)Marriage Goals
Read 3 marriage books (I’m not sure which ones yet. Any recommendations?).
Finish reading through the Psalms together as a couple.
Have overnight stay (sans children) at least every other month.
Go on at least one date per month.Mothering Goals
Continue Grace and Truth memory book.
Ice-skating lessons for all three children during the first quarter of 2013.
Swimming lessons for all three children during the summer.
Finish at least 37 read-aloud books (see my planned list here, along with details on how we incorporate a lot of read aloud time into our everyday lives).Ministry/Friendships/Extended Family Goals
Begin weekly accountability meetings with my friend Jerica.
Get together with friends for a playdate or lunch at least once a month.
Continue being involved in our local church, couple’s group, and blogging accountability group.
Continue with weekly get-togethers with both sides of our extended family.Financial Goals
Use a portion of the proceeds from my next book project to fund a well project.
Fund our Child Survival Program for 2013.
Buy a new bedroom set.
Invest in another rental property.Business/Blogging Goals
Release two new ebooks.
Attend one speaking conference.
Finish and submit the manuscript for my next book.
Have you set goals for 2013? If so, tell us what they are or leave a link to your blog post below.
At the end of each month in 2013, I’ll be posting an update on my goals and encouraging you to share the progress you’re making on your 2013 goals, too. Let’s encourage one another to live lives of intention and purpose!
Crystal, I highly recommend Every Woman’s Marriage by Shannon and Greg Ethridge. This book was a game changer for me!
Thanks for posting your goals for the new year! I really enjoy your blog and receive many good ideas from you. 🙂
Thanks for sharing crystal. Having written goals and an accountability partner makes a world of a difference. My husband and I are going over our goals together and using the sheets you provided. I love how we can type directly on them.
I’m still amazed at the number of books you read added to all that you do! I love to read and I am generally a fast reader, but I don’t think I could get that many read. Maybe once I get a better routine around here I will have a bit more down time.
Ok this is probably a very silly question but what is the difference between a list of goals and a to-do list/project list or a list of habits? I’ve been reading the goal posts and am working on a few simple goals for 2013, but what I am mostly coming up with is a list of projects. For example, I’ve listed for scrapbooking what I’d like to accomplish in 2013: 2011 family album, 2012 family album, 1-year old’s baby book, 2013 grandparent book and update Christmas album with 2012 Christmas card photos. I won’t break those down into monthly goals or smaller because I want to have fun doing them. And if I were to back out to a big goal, it would be to attend my Creative Memories’ consultant’s monthly workshop. But if I don’t complete those projects, I’ll carry what doesn’t get done to 2014 and not worry about it because again I enjoy the scrapbooking. Another example would be with some healthy habits I want to start – which are to quit drinking apple juice for breakfast and drink green tea instead, and to decrease the amount of chocolate I eat each day. I’ll work on those 1 at a time and once they are down good, then I’m sure I’ll have 2 or 3 more changes to make and will do them 1 at a time. And if I were to back up, the bigger goal would be to eat healthier. But my focus won’t be on that bigger goal, but instead on the specific habit that I’m currently working on. So with my original question, what is the difference between a list of goals and a list of projects to do or habits to create? Thanks so much.
My favorite marriage books are Love that Lasts by Gary & Betsy Riccuci and Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, another great one: When Sinners Say “I Do” by ? Harley (william I think).
I’m not sure if you’ve already read these but I’d recommend reading:
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
Safe People by Cloud and Townsend
I recommend “As for Me and My House” by Walter Wangerin Jr. as far as a marriage book to check out. 🙂
Thanks for the link-up
Did I miss the word of the year?
Post is here: https://moneysavingmom.com/2013/01/change-your-life-in-2013-with-one-word.html
Sounds like 2013 is going to be a great year…for both of us! Looking forward to your inspiring updates! :O)
Great list of goals! I went ahead and posted my goals on my blog, too. I also have a To Do list that I make each year. Working on that now. 🙂
These aren’t marriage books but I discovered them at my local library and really like them:
“The Hurried Child” and “Miseducation” by David Elkind
Even if you have your parenting philosophy decided there are great points to consider.
(I put them on my Christmas list and my husband bought me both 🙂 !)
For a good marriage/relationship book, I suggest “I Promise” by Gary Smalley. It’s been several years since my husband and I read it together, but it was life-changing….
I also recommend “For Women Only” and “For Men Only” by Shaunti Feldhahn -you may have read those already…
Also I really like “Formula For Family Unity” by Walter and Trudy Fremont http://www.amazon.com/Formula-Family-Unity-Walter-Fremont/dp/0890841225/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357237934&sr=1-1&keywords=formula+for+family+unity
and “A Wife After God’s Own Heart” by Elisabeth George
and “A Remarkable Marriage” by David J. Whitcomb http://www.bjupress.com/product/262832
Excited to see how this year works out for all of us!
Thank you for inspiring me to write down all of my goals that were in my head. I always tend to shy away from goals thinking I will be legalistic, but this time I didnt’ get all carried away in making the goals and made them simple, but doable, and I love the idea of making goals in each area of your life in order to maintain balance and not dwell so much on one area. Awesome 🙂
Read “As For Me and My House” by Walter Wangerin. I received it as a wedding gift, and it is hands-down the best marriage book I’ve ever read!
What’s It Like to Be Married to Me is another book – I think it’s by Dillow. Although I think it is probably not one you would read WITH your husband.
Hi Crystal, a great book my hubby and I are reading is How we Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich
I thought of another marriage book…Walk With Me: Pilgrim’s Progress for Married Couples (http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Me-Pilgrims-Progress-Married/dp/0802405932)
Marriage Book Recommendation: “Love and Respect”
Wow, I am so impressed with all the goals you have lined up! I’m keeping my goals pretty simple this year because now that I’m back in college the classes suck up a lot of time. 🙂
Good luck to everyone in pursuing their goals!
I very much agree with recommending “Love and Respect” by Emerson Eggerichs and “Sheet Music” by Kevin Leman. Also, I highly recommend “Creative Counterpart” by Linda Dillow and “After Every Wedding Comes a Marriage” by Florence Littauer (an older book that may be harder to find, but one that helped me and several friends with marriage).
Hi Crystal – I’m so sorry, I posted a wrong link at first so I did it again! 🙂 Wow – what an inspiring group of women!!
I have a slightly different way of looking at New Year’s Resolutions….
http://www.cityofmotherlylove.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-completely-new-way-to-look-at.html
I so agree that resolutions are just setting yourself up for failure! That’s why I’m a fan, instead, of setting specific, measurable goals and then breaking those down into bite-sized pieces and having regular accountability to follow through.
Well said! Everything is so much easier when it’s in bite-sized pieces! I think the most important thing about resolutions or goals is that they create positive change in your life and make you feel better about yourself!
There is this song on my son’s Handy Manny CD (everything goes back to Disney, it seems), called “One Step at a Time”, and when my son is getting frustrated we start to hum it as a reminder 🙂 I think sometimes I need to do it for myself!
I shared my focus for the new year and will talk about the goal part in another post. I still need to work on that too.
I only set 3 goals for 2013 but I’m excited about working hard toward reaching them. Thank you for always encouraging and motivating us to be the best that we can in all areas of our lives.
Your goals are such an inspiration!
In the marriage book category, have you ever heard of Creatve Counterpart by Linda Dillow? That on was given to me as a wedding gift and it’s excellent!
As for goals, all of mine this year center around the main goal of having a baby in July. 🙂
I linked up mine! Even though last year some major life circumstances had me reevaluating and chucking a lot of goals out the window, I think these will be more attainable no matter where life takes me in 2013. 🙂
I love your goal setting posts! I’ve become so much more productive and efficient since I started doing my yearly/weekly goals. I plan on doing my goals for 2013 over the weekend!
Marriage book: The excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Its wonderful…based on Proverbs 31! I also recommend the study guide to go with it. Gods blessings on your new year!
Awesome goals! I’m posting mine tomorrow, so I’ll link up then if the linky is still open.
As far as marriage books, I HIGHLY recommend The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller. Outstanding! Hope you have a great 2013!
Love and Respect is a great marriage book!!
As far as marriage books go, have you read This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence by John Piper? Excellent – highly recommend.
Go pick up Beyond Ordinary by Justin and Trisha Davis. Just came out this week. I’ll be doing a book review on the 15th but trust me, it’s fantastic!!!
Oh, thanks so much for that recommendation! It looks really good!
If you still need ideas for good marriage books, Gary Smalley’s book “For Better or For Best” is an amazing book for wives about marriage. I have read it over and over, and each time I still get inspired to try to be a wife the way he describes!
150 BOOKS!!!!!????? WOW!!! I was shooting for 30-40….looks like I better get crackin’!!!
I know, with my goals, I’m getting very specific thanks to following you for the past 2 years!! Thanks for sharing your list and your progress throughout the year!!
For marriage books “When Sinners Say I Do” by Dave Harvey and “This Momentary Marriage” by John Piper.
The marriage book I would recommend is ‘Love and Respect’ . We read it after 29 years of marriage and it has totally changed our relationship for the better.
Sacred Marriage!
Your goal setting posts are always inspiring. Thanks for taking time to share them!
Hi, I love your blog it has been inspiring to me! My husband and I do pre-marital and marriage counseling for our church so I love reading marriage books. Some of my favorites are “When Sinners Say I Do” by Dave Harvey, “Love That Lasts” by Gary and Betsy Ricucci, and I also like Tim Keller’s “The Meaning of Marriage”. Sacred Marriage is a good one too!
Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerich. I’ve been married 32 1/2 years. This is the top marriage book that I would recommend. Men are Like Waffles and Women are Like Spaghetti would be in the top 5 books. If you read the first couple of chapters of this book you’ve got the gist of what it is saying. Funny thing- I had read the first couple of chapters before my husband came home from work one day. He is an electrical contractor and I handle the phone and appointment making. It had been a busy day on my end and I started down a list of about 10 or 12 things. I was half way down my list and I looked at him and cracked up and said, “It’s just like that book said!” He was still back in the first square/box.
Sacred Marriage. Hands down the best marriage book I’ve ever read.
I started reading a lot more books after we got rid of cable several years ago. Right now I find it a bit difficult with an infant and a 2 year old but at least you give me hope that those days will eventually pass!
I really enjoy reading your blog. God bless you and your family!
Will you still be homeschooling your 3 next year?
Hmmm….I didn’t even notice there was no mention of homeschooling. Are you not going to be homeschooling anymore?
Wow. This list is ambitious, and I know if there’s anyone out there who will make it work it’s you!
I love how you’re using the specific, measurable, and realistic concept in your goal making. This is something I want to do more this year when I’m sitting down making goals for myself. Today I did a lot of rearranging on my “getting things done” system: to-do lists, calendars, and such. It feels good to be honest about what’s been working, and what hasn’t and make a new plan to face the month. I want to make it productive*and* relaxing.
Happy New Year, Crystal!
Awesome list. One of my favorite marriage books is “When Sinners Say I Do” by Dave Harvey.
Hi Crystal.
My husband and I have purchased our first rental property with cash thanks to God’s provision and the Biblical teachings of Dave Ramsey. We are now looking to invest in another. I am interested to know what books/websites/ etc… you found helpful.
Thanks, Dawn.
I would also love to hear more about your new rental investments. It is something we are considering too.
It’s an adventure — and we are just learning as we go. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, I’ll feel like I’ve learned enough to actually have some words of wisdom to share. For now, we’re just experimenting and learning!
Um comparatively, my goals are not that lofty. However for me, each will be a challenge. I hope to build on these for years to come. I left out school goals from my list. Spring semester starts mid-January at NOBTS, so I’m still working those out. I also have a prayer goal that I kept private from the whole world.
I have a marriage book suggestion. I LOVE this book. It’s called “For Better: How the Surprising Science of Happy Couples Can Help Your Marriage Succeed” and it’s by a woman,Tara Parker-Pope, who writes for the New York Times. (Bonus: It’s only $6.40 on Amazon right now!)
http://www.amazon.com/For-Better-Surprising-Science-Marriage/dp/B0064XIDPG
Anyway, it focuses on what various scientific and psychological studies say about happy marriages and is less self help-y than some marriage books. Even though I do also appreciate some of the more typical self-help marriage books, it makes for a nice change of pace.
Love reading your goals; thanks for sharing.
okay, I have to ask because I feel like it might just be my “mommy brain”. But what does (sans children) mean? I know it’s not a goal related question but it’s driving me bonkers!! I’m sure when you explain I will have one of those DUH moments.
“Sans” means without. I think it’s Latin. 🙂
Hi,
Actually, I think it is french.
I’ve found the best marriage advice in Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s books – “The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands” and “The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage”.
Thank you for sharing your goals. For the first time I made a list of books I want to read this next year. I am posting them on a board in our school room with my children’s goals. I think I will expand it to include more categories. Thank you for the inspiration!
My favorite relationship book is “For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men” by Shaunti Christine Feldhahn. It was eye opening and inspiring. I would recommend you read the For Men Only companion too. Reading it made me understand myself better. Then I gave it to my husband 🙂
One of my favorite marriage books is Letters to Karen by Charles Shedd.
I can still remember details of it, and it’s been several years since I’ve read it.
For marriage books I would suggest Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl!
Wonderful goals! You are such an inspiration to me in the goal setting area. It’s good to set goals, but even better to work on accomplishing them. You have been a great example of consistently working towards achieving your goals. Happy New Year Crystal! Thank you for sharing your goals with us 🙂
I like how you break your ideas into topics!
My only three/four that I have this year are :
1.Train and run a 5k by the end of the year.
2.Make an updated resume.
3.Save our $1,000 emergency fund (As of last loose change count, we had nearly $35 and don’t plan on emptying it until the tin is completely full).
4. Begin paying off debt if number three can be completed.
Number 5 is a BIIIGGG iffy but something we really want to do – Start trying to conceive for a child by beginning of December 🙂
Can’t wait to read more about your goal of getting dressed by 8am. I totally slack some days and wear pjs until the afternoon.
My goals are a little less concrete. I sort of have a goal of getting better at setting goals. 🙂 But I’m also working on choosing a word for the year–I like that concept!
Thank you for posting your goals– you’re such an inspiration! My husband is even reading your goals! LOL. I was wondering if you (or anyone) recommended any finance books for young couples (retirement, investing, etc)? We’ve done the Dave Ramsey stuff and love it.
Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton
We just listened to Marriage and Money God’s Way by Howard Dayton and it was excellent, very practical with lots of real examples. Lots of resources on moneyandmarriage.org
How on earth do you get that much reading done? I’m a stay at home with 2 girls under the age of 3 and haven’t read an entire book (aside from audio books and books that are bible study driven) in YEARS. However, for 3 marriage books, I would suggest “Love & Respect” “Real Marriage” and “Created to be a help meet” (Disclaimer- Created to be a help meet is directed strictly to the wife and is a pretty hard core look at our role as wife. But in my experience it is VERY worth the read.
Check out my articles linked at the top of this post for some of the ways I get in a lot of reading:
https://moneysavingmom.com/2013/01/48-books-im-planning-to-read-in-2013.html
Also, I’ve found that it’s gotten a lot easier for me to read more as my children have gotten older.
Really this is a reply to the book suggestion in the last comment that I saw referenced in a couple other comments too….before deciding whether to even spend your time reading “Created to be his help meet” I highly recommend reading this well-researched, thoughtful, well-written and respectful review that goes over scriptural concerns in the book:
http://createdtobehelpmeet.blogspot.com/2007/09/introduction-main-concerns.html
My husband had to read the book, Sweethearts for a Lifetime by Wayne A. Mack and Carol Mack for his marriage and family class at The Master’s Seminary. He liked it so much that he suggested we read it together this year.
Good Luck Crystal! I have written out my goals for the first time ever…and I have started a blog to keep myself accountable!
Crystal—I love, love, love your “goals” posts, and how you update us on your progress! My husband and I just got back from our annual Goal Setting Get-Away (One night at a local B&B 🙂 It is always exciting to praise God for the blessings of the last year and prayerfully plan the year ahead! One marriage book that I love is “For Women Only” by Shaunti Feldhahn. I always knew that respecting my husband was important, but that book taught me how to do it in a ways that are meaningful to him. Thank you for all you do!
The best marriage book we have read is Love and Respect by the Eggerichs. The DVD’s are very good and make the book come alive. We watch the DVD’s once a year at the least. Very good marriage book.
Didn’t you use to have a sheet you could print off listing the books you have read? I can’t find it. Thanks for all you do.
I m a doctor.I graduated from an international medical school.This year I m planning to take my board exam for license.one of the most tough exams in the world.This year is very imp. to me.Plz pray for me.
I love your goal posts! I can’t even tell you how much you have helped our family. I started following you before Silas was born, and I have checked your blog everyday since then! You are simply amazing, and I am forever grateful~
I didn’t realize you were writing a new book! Have you released any details about it?
20 Goals for 2013 {Believe} http://skipperclan.com/2013/01/02/2013-goals-believe/
oops! Hit submit a little early. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing every week, your format and progress this year was very inspiring to me and helped me revamp my focus for 2013. Blessings, Tammy
Love the goal posts! This is the first year I’ve made goals… that I actually think I will complete. Thanks for the inspiration!
I would highly recommend reading Timothy & Kathy Kellers “The Meaning of Marriage”. My husband & I wrote a study to accompany the book and went through it with a group. Lots of great feedback and a very challenging read.
Megan
These look so exciting! I love the promise of a new year, full of possibilities and potential!
As for marriage books, I highly recommend The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman, the therapist who’s famous for being able to observe a couple talk for 5 minutes and predict with 91% accuracy if the couple will divorce. It’s on my list of books to RE-read in 2013.
Goal setting is always so helpful for my focus and discipline in staying committed to the direction God is leading me. I’m amazed at how wishy-washy I get without goals, though that may just be my personality 🙂
What Did You Expect by Paul David Tripp and The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller. Here is a review of Driscoll’s book so you know what to expect…….http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/book-review-real-marriage
So funny you linked to Tim’s review of “real marriage.” I just finished warning women above linking to the same blog post (but without a link).
Love your goal-setting posts!
Marriage book suggestion: Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel. The authors use a fun approach and explain why a man is like a waffle (compartmentalize each element of his life into a separate box) and why a woman is life spaghetti (everything in her life is connected to everything else). It’s an easy read (with biblical insights) broken into different topics: communication, parenting, sex, etc. At the end of each chapter there are “discussion questions” to can do with your spouse.
I also wrote a post about my 2013 Book List: http://brendaweatherly.blog.com/2013/01/02/my-2013-book-list-48-book-challenge/
Reading 48 books in a year will be a challenge for me- I have 7 children and a grandbaby due in March and taking foster parent training! Reading over 100 books in a year…?! Crazy and awesome and inspiring. Great job, Crystal!
I have so many goals going wrk towward this year! I can’t wait.
I am so excited to be able to participate in this goals post. I couldn’t even think about it last year, my life was just too much to handle period. Praising the Lord for answered prayer and for His never ending grace to get me through.
Wow, very ambitious goals! Good luck! My goal also includes release a mini ebook.
Yay!! I have been waiting for your goals posts!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
This is my first year for making goals for the full year. I even made a book list to read also, this is another first for me. Last year my daughter and myself memorized Romans 12 and learned it in sign language too. We may do this again this year too.
I second Gary Thomas’s book Sacred Marriage. I just finished it and it is an amazing book on Christian marriage. A true blessing to have read it.
I would also suggest Sacred Parenting, which is also by Gary and very uplifting on what parenting does for a parents growth with God.
I enjoyed that book too.
My goals this year are HUGE! But after reading your goals all year Crystal I am ready to achieve more!
🙂
Lisa
Marriage book suggestions: Kevin Leman’s “Have a New Husband by Friday…..” (ebook). It is practical, simple and I love the fact that it is from a man’s perspective. He has several other good marriage books as well. “Fascinating Womanhood” by Helen Andelin is also a good read from a christian perspective. It’s a little too full of examples but it is interesting and loaded with good info. Hope you enjoy the suggestions.
A great marriage book was Driscoll’ s ” Real Marriage” it was excellent! If you haven’t read it yet that’s one I would recommend along with Tim Keller’s
Fascinating Womanhood is my very favorite marriage book on being a godly wife!
Sheet Music by Kevin Leman is also great! Makes you really look at intimacy with your spouse!
We really liked Tim Keller’s book on marriage…it’s called The Meaning of Marriage. We also read Mark and Grace Driscoll’s book, which was good, just in a different way than Keller’s (and honestly, it wasn’t NEARLY as controversial as you’d guess from the press it received. We read it and were like, “Huh? What was all the fuss about??”)
We felt like Keller’s book was a little more helpful for our particular marriage, so I’d give that one a slight edge if I had to pick one over the other.
Thank you… added to my ever-growing list! 🙂
“Real Marriage” is one of the best marriage books I have read! My husband and I learned so much from it that we lead a small group on it! It’s not the Bible but there are some really great and challenging concepts in it. Highly recommend 🙂
I read both of these books in 2012 and they were both wonderful! I highly recommend them.
I’m going to have to speak up and say that the entire chapter 10 of “Real Marriage” is seriously sketchy and I most definitely did not grow up in a “sheltered” environment. The whole chapter is focused on sexual acts that he has labeled as essentially “ok” biblically or not, when really, his opinions don’t always align with scripture. I do think what he wrote in this chapter is controversial and I want to caution women to be prepared to read it because it can really mess with your head. Where you once knew the bible clearly stated something was wrong, Driscoll has you thinking, “hmm…maybe this is ok” but just because he said it’s ok does not mean it’s ok. I researched A LOT after reading the book and Tim Challies has a very good blog post explaining why Driscoll’s entire chapter on sex is actually not gospel focused. I just want women to be warned before they read the book because once you read it it’s in your mind forever whether you want it to be or not.
You are such an inspiration Crystal. I’m going to set SMART goals this year and follow them through to completion. On another note, can you please recommend a book to read to prepare for a second child. We have a three year old daughter that is used to receiving lots of attention and I hope to make the transition as smooth as possible. Thanks 🙂
Go you! I’m cheering for you!
As far as a book to prepare for a second child… hmm, I can’t think of one off the top of my head that was particularly helpful because I’m not even sure that I read any when I went from one child to two. Anyone else have suggestions?
While I do not have a book recommendation (and there are probably a lot out there) our daughter is almost 4 years older than our son. I thought that she might have some trouble adjusting to a new little one, and to my surprise it was just the opposite. She loved him from the moment she saw him and was happy to do anything she could to help. Hope it might be the same for you!
We had a very wise pediatrician when our 5 were growing up and he gave us great advice in that department. He said that the new baby is the next oldest child’s baby. When the new one is born and you are besieged with visitors they must ask your daughter if they can hold the baby. She becomes the caretaker and this puts her in a place of attention too. We found that the next older child will always look out for his or hers next younger sibling this way. Ours would never admit it now that they are 21 to 33 but they still look out for that next younger sibling even though all but one is married and they are spread all over the east coast.
Agreed! I’m nearly 5 years older than my brother, and my mom said that I LOVED having a baby brother. I would feed him food when he was older, always walk with him wherever he needed to go (we went to a small school), helped him pick out shirts, taught him the ABC’s, etc. He called me little mama. When my husband and I had our first baby he said that he knew I would be an amazing mom because I had been so patient with him. 🙂 kids love easily and freely.
When I hear of siblings who entice their younger siblings into behaviors such as drug using or skipping school or shop lifting, I am always blown away. If anything, when I was doing something I knew my parents would not approve of, I hid it from my younger sister so that she didn’t do something “bad” or get in trouble with the parents. I took seriously my parents’ admonition that I needed to be a good example to the younger ones. I think starting the older ones in the mindset of protecting the younger ones is so wonderful.
I read Siblings without Rivalry by Faber – It was recommended by my midwife. I have it on my list for this year as a re-read, since the baby is now old enough now that they interact more with each other.
Two books on Marriage that are really good are The Five Love Languages and His Needs, Her Needs. Enjoy 🙂
The Five Love Languages is on my to-read list this year — I’m excited to finally read it after hearing so much about it for so long!
Thanks for the recommendation of His Needs, Her Needs… just added it to my list.
I recommend the book “Marriage Coaching; Heart, Hope and Skills for a Great Relationship” by Jeff and Jill Williams. It is helpful for encouraging others and for your own marriage.
Thanks so much for the recommendation!
I tried to post my goals for the year and it wont stay liked up
I got it fixed, I think. Let me know if you don’t see your link.
I figured out what it was: your blog had gotten spam-blocked because you’d posted your main site URL to link-ups instead of direct URLs to the relevant post for the link-up. Make sure that you post the direct link in the future on link-ups and you should be good.
Thanks so much — and great job on your goals.
working now, never mind!
Thank you for you inspiration and dedication. I appreciate you and all you do!
In the Marriage book category we really enjoyed the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Thanks so much for the recommendation! We’ve not read that one and it sounds good!
I third this. I put it down for reading this year too.
I also put down Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl but there is a LOT of debate on that book so a word of caution there. I have been very blessed by it but I take it with a grain of salt…I don’t follow everything to the letter. 🙂
In addition to “Love and Respect” and “The Five Love Languages” I would highly recommend “His Needs, Her Needs” as a 3rd book for christian couples to read together.
I second “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas! I love that book!
I loved Sacred Marriage too.
Definitely Sacred Marriage. Thanks to that book, I stopped getting annoyed at my husband about not refilling the ice cube tray. You’ll have to read it to see what I am talking about. 😉
Another vote from me for Sacred Marriage. Also, I highly recommend “For Women Only” by Shaunti Feldhan (VERY quick read) and “Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie O’Martian. We have a good used Christian bookstore nearby and I always look for these books and pick up extra copies to pass on to other ladies in my life. 🙂
I 3rd this recommendation…and I’ve read a lot of marriage books. Another one I’d recommend is Love and Respect. I love Kevin Leman’s parenting books, so I bet his marriage books would be good reads, too.
Love and Respect is a FANTASTIC book on marriage. We read it before we got married and it really makes SO much sense.
And I think it’s on your list, but “Five Love Languages” is a fantastic marriage book as well. Very eye-opening. (We also read that one before getting married)
I just found that one along with devotional on my bookshelf. don’t even recall how we got them, but I’d just been chatting with my husband about reading something together, and there it was LOL
150 books, whew. I am curious to see how many books I do read this year since I have never formally kept track. One of my goals for this year is to cut back on workouts, which is probably the opposite to a lot of New Year Goal lists out there. I have had plenty of down time with this back of the knee injury of mine and it really gave me time to think about balance in my physical fitness pursuits.
I know. That number would have sounded crazy to me a few years ago, too. It’s amazing how much more time I seem to have for reading now that my children are older. I think I’ve also gotten a little better at finding ways to fit reading into my schedule — and am being more intentional about reading at least a few chapters of a book every single day.
Oh and I totally think that you are one of the few people who can cut back on workouts and it won’t hurt a thing! 🙂
Speaking of workouts, tomorrow I plan to bring a book with me to the dread tread at the Y and try your idea of reading while I am warming up and cooling down. Considering right now I am spending 10 minutes walking at the beginning and 10 minutes at the end and I run 3 times a week that is 1 hour of reading!
Yay for more reading! 🙂