The best thing to come out of my 30 days was that I started back to church.  I realized that missing church and not being as involved as before was where I was going wrong.  It was what was missing and why I was feeling so negatively all the time.  So, that in and of itself was worth it.

I also started reading "The-Purpose-Driven-Life" -- and it has me thinking and hopeful. 

Here are a few of the questions that it poses:

"In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, and not myself?"

Wow.  VERY 30-days, simple living, huh?!? 

"What would my family and friends say is the driving force in my life?  What would I want it to be?"

"What area of my life and I holding back from God?"

That is all I am going to share, because without the rest of the chapter, the questions don't pose the same meaning. 

If you haven't read this book, I urge you to do so!  It's a life-changing book if you allow it to be. 

Another thing that happened due to my inflection during the 30 days is that I decided where I want the focus of my life to be.  NOT running around all the time from store to store and this class to that class and being unfocused and hiding in front of the computer screen so much every day.  AND, I also used to use t.v. as an excuse.  Sorry, can't go to church that night, "Lost" is on.  Nope, can't go to the homeschool meeting, I might miss part of "Grey's Anatomy".  Yep.  I love these shows.  I hate to miss them.  But what is more important?  Praising our Lord with a group of friends or finding out what "the others" are doing?  You can record your tv show, or even watch it on the computer later -- you can't ever get back that hour and a half of worshiping God at THAT MOMENT. 

So -- my focus?  Church.  Family.  Homeschool.  That is my simplistic list.  Of course there will be others -- like friends, Christmas shopping, etc.  but my FOCUS needs to be on those three.  Those are the three things that keep my family on the path where I want them to go. 

Last night I went to my first member meeting at my church.  I've been going for a year almost, but I am still not a "member".  Last night the pastor said there are people who show up to church when they feel like it, and there are people who are COMMITTED to the church.  I am the former; I want to be the latter. 

Same with our homeschooling group -- I LOVE those people!  Yet I miss meetings and don't sign up for outtings -- and if I do, I cancel because I have too much else going on.  Now I am making them a priority! Because they are important -- and being around them helps me do something I deem important -- homeschooling. 

Ok, speaking of not sitting in front of the computer screen.....LOL....

Have a very blessed week in the Lord -- keep a prayer on your lips at all times, and hug those homeschoolers!

Sherry

Posted by Tiany

Your 30 days seem to have been a great success, what a blessing! I am rejoicing with you on all the insights you have learned are are choosing to discipline yourself on. The hard part will be disciplining your self to stick to it and be consistent! I have the same problems and you have inspired me to reprioritize!

Keep us updated on your doing, great post! :-)

Tiany

Posted by horsefeathers

I am just starting "A Purpose Driven Life" and I am doing it with a friend. Of course, neither one of us has had time to get together to talk about it! But I am enjoying it. I have been searching for a Red Wings soap mould, but as far as I can tell, they only made a mould for the Canadian teams! I looked on Ebay and I couldn't find anything . I will keep looking! I am a Detroit fan too, much to the disgust of my Toronto Maple Leaf fan dh!!

Blessings,
Ellen

Posted by callmekate

You've learned a lot since you started on this journey. I'm proud of you for staying the course the whole way. God has really blessed you through this and I pray that He will continue to bless you. I'm so glad you are enjoying attending church again. Take care and have a great week!

Kate

Posted by LittleEblingsAcademy

It is wonderful that you are getting back in line with what the Lord is calling you to be. Your family will be blessed for it!

In Him, Beckie

Posted by proverbsmom

Oh I understand about the computer!!! I'm glad you're back in church. Sounds like you are on the right track. I always feel like I'm at loose ends when I miss church too much. Hope the rest of your week goes well.

Wish me luck - You have inspired me to get back in gear being organized about cooking. I'm going to plan meals for November today.

Posted by buffalorock

Sounds like the Purpose Driven Life has been very useful for you. I'm glad. It's been crazy keeping us all on our "purposes" lately, cuz that IS mom's purpose is it not...keep our family on theirs? Glad I checked to see that you are moving. I will try and check back again...