Three Great Books by Andy Andrews

Three of the books I read this summer were written by the Andy Andrews who now is one of my favorite authors.  Andy has written several great books.  The three that I read this summer were The Traveler's Gift, The Noticer and The Butterfly Effect.  All three books are written to help the readers become better versions of themselves.  I have not been paid, given anything or asked to review the books and am only sharing because I truly believe that these books could have a positive impact on your life.  Though the links below are affiliate links if you choose to buy the books using Amazon.


The Traveler's Gift introduces seven decisions that determine personal success.  I normally do not enjoy reading fiction, but this book did a great job of incorporating a fun writing style to communicate the seven decisions that could help each of us.  The main character in the book travels through time to learn from historical characters about each of the seven principles.  While reading the book I could truly picture what was happening in each location.  This book will challenge you to be a better you.  Available now for 99 cents on Kindle at The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success.

The Noticer was another book that can transform your life.  Throughout the book the main character, Jones, pops in and out of Andy life and the lives of others to give them a little bit of perspective.  Jones is a noticer, which means he notices things that others don't see.  Jones' advice throughout the book helped give the characters of the book a difference perspective of the "problems" in their life.  In addition, his advice can be applied into each of our lives as well. This book is available now on Kindle for only $2.99 at The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.

The Butterfly Effect talks about how the things we do on a daily basis have an impact on our environment and the world.  We may not be able to see how the things we are doing matter or make an impact on others, but they are.  Each of us will make a difference in the world.  What kind of a difference depends on the things we are doing today.  Available on Amazon at The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters.

All three of these books can have a profound impact on the way you live your life.  I have bought a copy of each to keep on my book shelf and read over and over to continue to apply the principles of the books and to share with my son.  I am really excited that Andy Andrews is coming out with a sequel to The Noticer titled The Noticer Returns on October 1st.  The Noticer Returns can be preordered on Amazon at The Noticer Returns: Sometimes You Find Perspective, and Sometimes Perspective Finds You.

Fore more about Andy Andrews and his books:

• Check out Andy's facebook page
• Follow Andy on Twitter
• Subscribe to his podcast on iTunes or Stitcher
• Visit his website

Bucket List to Life List

I recently was directed toward the Beyond the To Do List podcast and have spent some time listening to the past episodes.  One of the episodes that made an impact on me was when Erik Fisher interviewed Alli Worthington.  During the interview she talked about how she has a life list.  I found the the conversation very interesting and made me think about my bucket list.  Sometime bucket lists are seen are finite (for example 100 things before I die) and when you put an item on the list it stays on it until you complete it.  While a life list maybe is seen as more fluid - as your passions and interests change so can the items on your list.

Even though I said I would share some of the things that still remained on my bucket list on an earlier blogpost, I have decided to update my list and turn it into a life list.  Here are a few of the things that are on my list:

• Go on a mission trip with William
• Take William to lots of different events
• a Cubs game in Wrigley Field
• to a NFL game
• to Washington, D.C.
• to a Broadway Play
• to a major concert
• to a NBA game
• To watch William graduate from high school and college
• To meet my grandchild(ren)
• Be silent for an entire day
• Do a lot of traveling
• Visit the Holy Land
• Go on a Cruise
• Go to Hawaii
• Go to Africa
• Go to Asia
• Go to South America
  
• Go to Australia 
• Go to England
• Go to Niagara Falls
• Go to the Grand Canyon 
• Go to Ireland
• Attend/Do Specific things

• Watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve in New York City
• Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
• Be in DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival
• Go ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza
• Sleep overnight on a train
• Attend a Supreme Court hearing
• Go to a professional championship game
• Go to an Iowa bowl game
• Go to the Olympics
• Sky-Dive
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Complete a marathon
• Complete a triathlon
• Complete the entire week of RAGBRAI
• Be debt free (including mortgage) and go to Dave Ramsey's studio in Nashville
• Have a commitment free summer

Sorry the list ended up so long, I kept adding things as I was typing.  I think by posting your life list in a public place you may connect with people who want to do similar things you do and have an accountability partner to make sure you take action when an opportunity arises. What are some things on your life list?  

Half Way There

The year is half over!  It is hard to believe that my goals area already 6 months old.  There are several goals that have had to be changed and others I have already accomplished.  Here is a quick update on them.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances  find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  Anna and I are still on pace to surpass this goal in 2013.  We have knocked another month off our debt free date and are now on pace to be debt free no later than June 1st, 2016!

Occupational Wellness 

One of my goals this year is to have portfolios prepared for every one of my students showing their specific progress based on the Humanities IB-MYP Objectives for 6th grade.  In order to do this, I will continue to stay organized and make sure to be given specific and meaningful feedback on all major assessments throughout the year. 

UPDATE: I have completed this goal and will not be adding another goal in this area this year so I can concentrate on the other areas. 

Physical Wellness 

I have many physical wellness goals this year.  One of my goals is to complete the entire week of RAGBRAI in July.  By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE: I have actually taken steps backwards on this goal and this month likely will not help as I am traveling most of it.  I still will be making this a goal and doing the best I can during the month of July.

Environmental Wellness 

One of my goals in 2013 is for William to complete the "Leave No Trace" requirements for cub scouts to learn the importance of taking care of our environment. We will work with William to learn to be intentional with doing things outdoors and indoors to help protect our planet. 

UPDATE:   William completed this achievement and got his award at the June pack campout.  I will not be creating another goal in this area to be able to concentrate on the other goals. 

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 46 books in 2013 and am working on several other ones.  I am currently three books behind pace to make my goal, but hope that July helps me catch up and get ahead while on vacation. 

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  I will continue working on these goals even while traveling. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week using Bruce Wilkinson's Family Walk.

UPDATE:  We completed our marriage small group study in June.  Anna and I are working on a couple devotional together over the phone while I am away and in person when possible this month. 

Parenting Tools and Resources

One of my favorite parts of teaching with some dedicated men is that they have brought the All Pro Dad program to my school.  During the program dads and their children talk about various family issues.  One of the final sessions this year we were giving a "Parenting: Tools & Resources" guide. In the guide they had lots of great tips on how to make sure to put your family first (after God).

The first step of creating a family-centered life is to do a quick evaluation of your current situation.  What are you spending your time doing throughout the day?  How much of that time is dedicated to work?  How much of that time is dedicated with your family?  How much of that time is spent online, watching TV or on your phone?  How much of that time is spent with friends?

Once you evaluate your current reality, make a SMART goal on what changes you would like to see happen.

Here is a list of ideas that you may want to do with your family this summer:

• Schedule some one-on-one dad (or mom) time with each of your children.
• Have your entire family gather for dinner most days of the week. 
• Hold a monthly home video night.
• Hold a monthly family board game night. 
• Include kids in family chores and work side-by-side each other in conversation. 
• If you watch TV, mute the TV during commercials to talk about life or the show as a family. 
• Go camping as a family.
• Plan more family activities outdoors. 
• Do some community service together while focusing on the ways God has blessed you and has called us to give back to the needy around us. 
• Plan and cook meals with your child(ren) at home. 
• Go to a museum and create a scavenger hunt for them to complete while they are there. 
• Have a picnic at the park.

My favorite new suggestion that for this summer is to hold a "Un-Birthday" celebration.  Have everyone draw a family member's name out of a hat and - with a $5 limit - buy, wrap and give an un-birthday present to that person.  Make a cake to celebrate the un-birthday with everyone.  

Do you have any tips of ways to connect with your family during the summer months?

Safeguarding Your Legacy

In the fifth lesson of The Legacy Journey, Dave Ramsey and his daughter team up to talk about the importance of safeguarding your legacy.  In order to protect your future legacy you have to safeguard your life today in four key relationships:

1. Personal
2. Marriage
3. Children
4. Others (Friends/Extended Family)

Dave and Rachel took each of these key relationship and focused on three areas of each one:

1. Ownership - remembering that God owns everything
2. Magnification - whatever you are will be magnified as you build wealth
3. Community - the importance of Godly counsel 

In this post I will summarize each of the three areas using the four key relationships. 

Personal:

1. Ownership - Everything we own belongs to God, we are just his managers. 
2. Magnification - We need to have fanatical integrity in all areas of our lives.  The more money we make the more of what we are in our core will show up. 
3. Community - Each of us should have a mentor, a student and Godly friends. 

Marriage:

1. Ownership - Marriage is a team sport.  As a couple work together to manage God's resources as a team. Anna and I work together in all areas of finances as a team.
2. Magnification - Whatever is wrong in your marriage will be magnified as your wealth increases.  Take care of your marriage and work on areas of weakness. 
3. Community - You will become more like the people who you hangout with.  Make sure to be nurturing healthy relationships with other Godly couples.  Anna and I are happy that we have found a small group in our church of strong Christian couples.

Children:

1. Ownership - It is very important to teach the next generation how to use their financial blessings and your legacy to further the Kingdom of God.  They must know they are God's managers as well.  Parents are the primary mentors for their children and we must take this responsibility seriously by modeling the behaviors we want our kids to learn.  More is caught by our children than is directly taught. Another thing Rachel focused on was making sure to include kids in family giving.  We used FPU, Jr. with William and he loved it.  William already understands way more than I did and will have a bright future. 
2. Magnification - Parents - know your kids.  Know how your kids are wired because as they grow their strengths and struggles will be magnified as well. 
3. Community - It is important for parents to know who their children's friends are.  They will become more like the people they hangout with.  Help them get connected in environments that have good influences like church youth groups.  Don't forget to make sure that your friends are the kind of influences you want for your children.  Also, remember to use teachable moments in life to help your children grow in their knowledge and understandings of life.  I know that we want William to have the best influences we can around him and at times that means that we have to make some hard decisions.

Others:

1. Ownership - Knowing that God owns everything in your life, we should think about how God would want his money to be used in situations that involve family and friends.  You may have to deal with issues of entitlement.  Make sure not to enable the bad behavior of your family or friends with God's money. 
2. Magnification - Your success can reveal the true character of your friends and family.  Their character will be magnified as well. 
3. Community - Make sure to be seeking Godly counsel.  Quality relationships with others will help you make good decisions. 

This was a great lesson that dealt with how building a legacy will impact the relationships in your life.  It is important to realize how money can impact these areas so you can safeguard your relationships and legacy against these threats.

What key relationships do you need to work on safeguarding? My focus will be Anna, William and then other friends and family!

My Goal Update as Summer Begins

Summer break is approaching for students and staff and it is a great time to reflect on your goals for the year and make some adjustments to finish the final 7 months strong.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances  find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  Anna and I are still on pace to surpass this goal in 2013.  We updated our financial records and made some progressions and are on pace to be able to be complete debt free by July 2016.  l  I believe we will continue to work with gazelle intensity to get out of debt even earlier. 

Occupational Wellness 

One of my goals this year is to have portfolios prepared for every one of my students showing their specific progress based on the Humanities IB-MYP Objectives for 6th grade.  In order to do this, I will continue to stay organized and make sure to be given specific and meaningful feedback on all major assessments throughout the year. 

UPDATE: I have completed this goal.  Students will get to take their artifacts home next week.  It has been a great school year.  I am looking forward to a summer full of activities to rejuvenate and prepare for another challenge next year. 

Physical Wellness 

I have many physical wellness goals this year.  One of my goals is to complete the entire week of RAGBRAI in July.  By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE: I am cleared for physical activity that doesn't involve kickboxing or constant jumping.  I am adding many physical activities back into my schedule and will work on getting back into shape.  I will be participating in RAGBRAI in July, but due to a training/conference for the NEA position I was recently elected to I will have to leave 2 days early.  I have updated my 2013 goal to get back to my pre-broken foot weight.  This will mean I need to loose another 29+ pounds between now and December 31st.  One of the ways I am doing this in June is  being part of an fitness challenge accountability group.  Come join me!

Environmental Wellness 

One of my goals in 2013 is for William to complete the "Leave No Trace" requirements for cub scouts to learn the importance of taking care of our environment. We will work with William to learn to be intentional with doing things outdoors and indoors to help protect our planet. 

UPDATE:   William only has to do a presentation with a poster to his pack to complete the requirements.  The pack did not have a pack meeting in May, so I am trying to organize a time that with his den/pack leaders when he can complete this component of his achievement.  Hopefully William will be able to do this in June. 

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 39 books in 2013 and am working on several other ones.  May was a very busy month with not much time to pick up a book and read, due to this for the first time all year I am behind the pace I need to maintain to reach 100 books.  

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  Summer is going to be busy and I will be focusing on being thankful and writing those comments both in our jar, through social media and here on my blog when the time allows. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week using Bruce Wilkinson's Family Walk.

UPDATE:  Anna and I are doing a couple new devotionals as a couple.  We will be completing our small group series on marriage on June 16th with our small group as well. 

Keeping Myself Accountable

It is already the end of another month, so I will again keep myself accountable by updating you on my goals.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this we will need to continue to work together with our finances  find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  We are still on pace to do this and more.  We updated our financial records and made some progressions and are on pace to be able to be complete debt free by January 2017.l  I believe we will continue to work with gazelle intensity to get out of debt early and continue building a legacy. 

Occupational Wellness 

One of my goals this year is to have portfolios prepared for every one of my students showing their specific progress based on the Humanities IB-MYP Objectives for 6th grade.  In order to do this, I will need to continue to stay organized and make sure to be given specific and meaningful feedback on all major assessments throughout the year. 

UPDATE: I have continued to do this. 

Physical Wellness 

I have many physical wellness goals this year.  One of my goals is to participate in an organized run/race every month of 2013.  Another one of my goals is to complete the entire week of RAGBRAI in July. 

UPDATE: I have not had to have surgery yet.  I hopefully have another appointment tomorrow or at least get some good news to be able to bike even though running and jumping may not be cleared for awhile.

Environmental Wellness 

One of my goals in 2013 is for William to complete the "Leave No Trace" requirements for cub scouts to learn the importance of taking care of our environment. We will work with William to learn to be intentional with doing things outdoors and indoors to help protect our planet. 

UPDATE:   William only has to do a presentation with a poster to his pack to complete the requirements.  He will likely do this at the pack meeting in May.

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 34 books in 2013 and am working on several other ones.  I am ahead of the pace needed to meet my goal right now by 2 books. 

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  I have written more notes in the Good News Jar as well as started to create a journal of 1000 Gifts.  You can read more about this on a previous post.

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week using Bruce Wilkinson's Family Walk.

UPDATE:  We have started a new marriage small group study called "Staying in Love".  It is a four week study that we are spreading out until mid-June.  So far it looks like a great study. 

Speeding Along

I cannot believe we are already 1/4 of the way through 2013.  It is the beginning of another month and time to update the progress on my goals for the year.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this we will need to continue to work together with our finances  find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  We are still on pace to do this and more.  We updated our financial records and made some progressions and are on pace to be able to be complete debt free by April 2017.   I will also begin teaching my 3rd FPU class through my church on Sunday, April 8th.

Occupational Wellness 

One of my goals this year is to have portfolios prepared for every one of my students showing their specific progress based on the Humanities IB-MYP Objectives for 6th grade.  In order to do this, I will need to continue to stay organized and make sure to be given specific and meaningful feedback on all major assessments throughout the year. 

UPDATE:  We have not had a major assessment since my last post, so this is still on tract to be completed.

Physical Wellness 

I have many physical wellness goals this year.  One of my goals is to participate in an organized run/race every month of 2013.  Another one of my goals is to complete the entire week of RAGBRAI in July. 

UPDATE:  I have an appointment to likely schedule surgery tomorrow.  This I hope will be step in the right direction for my broken foot to heal so I will be able to be ready to participate in RAGBRAI in July.

Environmental Wellness 

One of my goals in 2013 is for William to complete the "Leave No Trace" requirements for cub scouts to learn the importance of taking care of our environment. We will work with William to learn to be intentional with doing things outdoors and indoors to help protect our planet. 

UPDATE:   William had almost completed all the requirements.  Our goal is to finish them by the April pack meeting.  We just need the weather to cooperate to be able to create a Leave No Trace service project and then he will create a poster to demonstrate his learning to display at the next pack meeting.

Intellectual Wellness 

IMy goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 29 books in 2013 and am working on several other ones.  I am ahead of the pace needed to meet my goal right now by 4 books.  I have slowed down my reading a little with other things going on, but am still on track to complete my goal by the end of 2013.

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  I have written more notes in the Good News Jar as well as started to create a journal of 1000 Gifts.  You can read more about this on a previous post.

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week using Bruce Wilkinson's Family Walk.

UPDATE:  I have continued using my two devotionals for personal time and feeling a stronger connection with God.  In March we decided to split the family devotionals into one that is for Marriage that Anna and I are completing together and one for William.  It is going well and hope that we can continue to put God as the first priority in our lives. 

Two Down, Ten to Go!

It is already the end of another month! I want again to thank everyone who has helped encourage me and kept me accountable to the goals I have shared with you.  Now that we are 1/6th of the way through the year, I thought I would reflect on the goals that were not completed by the end of January. 

Social Wellness 

I have already met my goal here.  I will try to work on creating a new goal during the month of March to help keep my goals balanced.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this we will need to continue to work together with our finances  find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  We are still on pace to do this thanks to Anna's parents saving for her when she was young.  We were a little concerned if we were going to be able to make this goal when we decided Anna would begin her journey toward earning her Master's degree this year.  Anna's parents reminded Anna that they had saved some money in saving bonds that she could use for paying for the tuition and books.  This truly has been a blessing for us to be able to continue toward making progress on our financial goals of becoming debt free while Anna works on her degree.

Occupational Wellness 

One of my goals this year is to have portfolios prepared for every one of my students showing their specific progress based on the Humanities IB-MYP Objectives for 6th grade.  In order to do this, I will need to continue to stay organized and make sure to be given specific and meaningful feedback on all major assessments throughout the year. 

UPDATE:  I have been able to continue to do this.  My students will be having parent-teacher conferences in March and I am looking forward to seeing the student/parent reaction to their hard work.

Physical Wellness 

I have many physical wellness goals this year.  One of my goals is to participate in an organized run/race every month of 2013.  Another one of my goals is to complete the entire week of RAGBRAI in July. 

UPDATE:  I completed my January run and had registered for races in February, March and April.  The week prior to the Red Flannel Run I broke my foot and was not able to participate and also had to realize that running a race in March was not going to be able to happen either.  This will be a goal that I will not meet in 2013 now, but am sure it will end up on a goal list in a future year.  My current short term fitness goal is to be able to heal and be ready for a come back race on April 20th.  I then want to concentrate on getting back to the gym and getting it shape and prepare for RAGBRAI.  I have registered for the week long event and signed up with team RAMBRAI (through Cornell College), the team that we hosted at our house in 2011.

Environmental Wellness 

One of my goals in 2013 is for William to complete the "Leave No Trace" requirements for cub scouts to learn the importance of taking care of our environment. We will work with William to learn to be intentional with doing things outdoors and indoors to help protect our planet. 

UPDATE:   William has completed all the requirements for the Tiger Scout badge and now has been starting some work on this achievement.  There is a lot that goes into it.  We need to practice the "Leave No Trace" principals on two more outings and then William will be organizing a "Leave No Trace" related community service project. 

Intellectual Wellness 

In 2012, I completed 82 books.  My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  Several of my friends were able to meet this goal.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 24 books in 2013 and am working on several other ones.  I am ahead of the pace needed to meet my goal right now by 8 books.  I am helpful to be able to stay on pace throughout the school year and really kick it in gear during the summer.  In addition, this month with spring break may help me.

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  I have continued to update my blog at least weekly, though disappointingly I have not kept up with my twice a week updating since my I broke my foot.  I hope to get back to updating even more regularly this month.  I also need to work on writing more notes for our "Good News Jar".

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week using Bruce Wilkinson's Family Walk.

UPDATE:  I have been doing a good job of getting my personal quiet devotional and Bible reading time in. One of the great resources I have added is a devotional called Ashes to Fire by Merritt J. Nielson.  It is a great devotional that has morning and evening pieces to bring me into a closer relationship between Ash Wednesday (Ashes) to Pentecost (Fire).  As a family we have decided that Family Walk is not an age-appropriate devotional for our family at this time so will be switching resources in March.  

Looking at My Goals for 2013

At the beginning of this month I shared several goals I had for myself in order for you to help keep me accountable.  I have appreciated those who have asked how I have been doing in different areas of my life.  Today I am going to reflect on my goals and update you on my progress.  

Social Wellness 

"In 2013 I plan on expanding my social networking community on facebook.  One of my goals is to reach at least 100 likes on the Brown's Balanced Life facebook page in order to gain a little viral traction and a platform to help others. "

UPDATE: I have already met this goal and am currently at 103 "likes".  I will continue to work on helping others throughout the rest of 2013 and hope to see this number continue to grow. 

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this we will need to continue to work together with our finances  find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  We are on pace to be able to do this with paying 2.2% of the principal of our mortgage in January. 

Occupational Wellness 

One of my goals this year is to have portfolios prepared for every one of my students showing their specific progress based on the Humanities IB-MYP Objectives for 6th grade.  In order to do this, I will need to continue to stay organized and make sure to be given specific and meaningful feedback on all major assessments throughout the year. 

UPDATE:  We completed another IB assessment this month and I was able to grade them, provide written feedback and get them organized in their portfolios in a timely manner.  We will have at least 3 or 4 more assessments this school year.  Looking back, this goal is more of a school year goal then a goal for all of 2013.  

Physical Wellness 

I have many physical wellness goals this year.  One of my goals is to participate in an organized run/race every month of 2013.  Another one of my goals is to complete the entire week of RAGBRAI in July. 

UPDATE:  I completed my January run.  I am also registered for my February (Red Flannel Run), March (Look the Lake 8K), and April (Springtime Hill Climb) runs.  I am waiting to look at my options during May, June and July because I know there will be multiple races to choose from every weekend.  Today I also finished the registration process to be an official rider for all of RAGBRAI this year. 

Environmental Wellness 

One of my goals in 2013 is for William to complete the "Leave No Trace" requirements for cub scouts to learn the importance of taking care of our environment. We will work with William to learn to be intentional with doing things outdoors and indoors to help protect our planet. 

UPDATE:  We have completed some of the requirements along with William working toward his Tiger Cub badge.  We will be getting more intentional on focusing on the rest of the requirements in February. 

Intellectual Wellness 

In 2012, I completed 82 books.  My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  Several of my friends were able to meet this goal.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 17 books in 2013 and am working on several other ones.  I am ahead of the pace needed to meet my goal right now by 7 books.  I  know there will be busier times coming up with conferences, meetings and other family commitments. 

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  I have continued to update my blog at least twice a week in 2013 (normally Sunday and Wednesday) so have kept with my goal of posting at least weekly.  Our family has also been using the "Good News Jar", but I have not been writing as many notes as I could.  I plan to increase my note writing in February. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week using Bruce Wilkinson's Family Walk.

UPDATE:  I have been doing a good job of getting my personal quiet devotional and Bible reading time in.  We started strong as a family doing our daily devotionals, but as Anna has started her Master's Degree we have not done as good of a job at being intentional on doing our family devotionals in during those opportunities that the three of us are together.  I will recommit to making this a priority the rest of 2013.