Showing posts with label About Tara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Tara. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

50 Things I Learned in 2008


My friend Pastor Deanna decided to blog on the fifty things she learned this year, and I decided to do the same. I know for a fact that just like me, PD has learned many more than 5o things this year, but these are some highlights.

1.) There's NO place like home.
2.) My girls are much wiser than I ever imagined.
3.) The grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side of the fence.
4.) I love my husband more than I would have ever imagined.
5.) It is okay for stand up for yourself.
6.) I don't always have to be right.
7.) Money isn't everything, but it does help.
8.) I REALLY love the south.
9.) The importance of covenant relationships in my life.
10.) God means it when He says He'll never leave nor forsake me! "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight" Is 59:19
11.) Writing is a passion that will never be squelched in me.
12.) People will disappoint and I will disappoint people.
13.) The importance and freedom of forgiveness.
14.) The importance and freedom in being forgiven.
15.) Perfection is something I will never achieve, but excellence is always within my grasp.
16.) Order and organization are necessities in my life.
17.) Cherry Coke Zero is my caffeine of choice.
18.) Some arguments just aren't worth the fight.
19.) It is okay to agree to disagree.
20.) Weight Watchers is really the best program for getting healthy.
21.) Prayer is a staple that I cannot live without.
22.) For some people "settling" is enough and they are happy, although I will never understand it.
23.) There ARE times when it is (and will be) necessary for me to pull off my high heels and earrings to throw down for family &/or a friend (spiritually and otherwise). :)
24.) Freedom is something to NEVER take lightly!
25.) My daughter Kaitlyn is becoming a very good cook!
26.) Listening is a learned and acquired skill that every person could benefit from.
27.) How much I LOVE a lazy Sunday afternoon with Craig and our girls watching a movie and snuggling.
28.) “Organizations that destroy the status quo win.” (Tribes, S. Godin)
29.)
"Inspiration is the momentary cessation of stupidity..."
30.)
"This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the earth!" -- Keith Green
31.)
"God provides the men and women needed for each generation." -Mildred Cable
32.) There is truth in the saying,
"Show me your friends and I'll show you your future."
33.)
"When you are in a lion's den, don't curse the lions or they will eat you! Find a way to co-exist until you are released." John Kilpatrick
34.) The truth in this scripture...
"What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward Him makes it."Ps:18:30msg
35.) Multi-tasking is a God given talent!
36.) Culture has the strong willed ability to trump vision.
37.) I am a make it happen kind of gal!
38.) Divine appointments are set ups by the Lord for unimaginable opportunity!
39.) A spa pedicure &/or massage can turn a bad day around!
40.) Never get your brows or upper lip waxed by an angry Asian woman. (Seriously, don't... even if she is not angry with you... trust me on this...)
41.) Snow is seriously over rated.
42.) It never hurts to ask.
43.) I have really missed my family and friends... A LOT!
44.) I have five of the BEST kids in the world!
45.) Freedom House is going to ROCK for the Kingdom of God!
46.) You can go back home.
47.) Be careful what you ask for... you just might get it!
48.) I will never stop learning, being taught or educated!
49.) Super Walmart is a blessing!
50.) I am ready for 2009!




Wednesday, September 17, 2008

No, I'm Not Mad at Anybody!


Okay... I am a nut and obviously up way too late last night! I accidentally blocked all incoming email to our comcast accounts last night while I was trying to do some configurations!

So, no, I am not made at anyone (LOL!)... I just made a mistake! So, if you emailed us anything from abut 8 pm CST last night, you might want to resend it... and I promise to try to pay attention better next time!

Thanks for giving me a little grace... Lord have mercy, I am such a nut!






Thursday, August 21, 2008

Today...


I have been knocking out so much work today that I looked up about an hour ago and saw it was almost 4 pm! Whoa! I am on a roll! I'll be able to go home and do the same tonight. Dinner is in the crock pot, Craig has a meeting and I'll have some time to focus. I smell opportunity!

One thing that must be done is getting the house ready for Haley's birthday party tomorrow. she is so excited! I am planning a very girlie "Spa Party" complete with ALL the trimmings... facials, manicures, pedicures, and makeovers. Of course we'll also have chocolate fondue, little snack trays and banana splits! We're also going to watch the new Cheetah Girls movie and then some of the little girls will be sleeping over! Saturday morning will find Daddy (Craig) making pancakes. Then he has to head to a church workday and I have to take the two older girls to Steve and Barry's in the suburbs for some school clothes. I have finished getting the school supplies and all of Lexi and Haley's clothes.

It has been such a chore this year! I suppose because we've had so much going on with our move, work, and Craig and I both have upcoming ministry appointments in September.

Before I sign off, be looking for a special announcement in the next few weeks. It is something I am SO excited about.. I can't wait to share!

Until then...


Wednesday, July 09, 2008

A Profitable Day!

I got SO much done today!!! Really, I accomplished so much and now, I am spent, done, ready to hit the sack!

This weekend... oh the JOYS of packing will begin... we turned in our paperwork for the house... PLEASE agree with us that we'll be selected. I really love this house! And we HAVE to move...

I'll be back tomorrow with something more inspirational... but it just ain't gonna happen today folks!


A Sloan Update

We've been back for a little over a week. Last week was crazy when we got back. On Monday Craig had to have emergency dental surgery which literally turned into a huge fiasco! Then we found out that our house which had been on the market 2 months was sold! They close August 1st so we've been house hunting. We think we found something, please pray with us that we get it!

Our two oldest girls will be heading to camp next week. Kaitlyn is going to the AG Youth Camp and Kelsea is headed to Discovery Camp where her Aunt Gigi and Uncle Lupe (and girlies) are. She'll be flying alone for the first time. They are both very excited.


Lexi started Day Camp at the church and she is exhausted when she arrives home! Lexi is at Titi Susan's. Haley has been busy with birthday parties and sleepovers. As a matter of fact she has another one this weekend!


I have been working, catching up on work. We just moved into a fabulous new facility. It is very nice but you know how moving goes! There are a fair share of glitches! All in all I love it! I am also working on my part of a new project that I am thrilled to take part in. It is called Christian Women Take Root. There are a couple widgets in my sidebar.. check them out. I have also been doing some article submissions.


Craig has been working on some new ideas for Assimilation that I think are brilliant! He'll be sharing more on his blog later.


Well, I think I gave a nice brief follow up. I'll check in again tomorrow. I am headed to bed!



Sunday, June 08, 2008

One Word Meme

This was forwarded to me by several people... so, here are my answers... play along if you like!

1. Where is your cell phone? PURSE
2. Your significant other? CRAIG
3. Your hair? EXPRESSO
4. Your Skin? FRECKLED
5. Your mother? FLORIDA
6. Your favorite thing? FAMILY
7. Your dream last night? POLITICAL
8. Your favorite drink? ZERO
9. Your dream/goal? DESTINED
10. The room you're in? FAMILY
11. Your ex? none
12. Your fear? NATURAL
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? FULFILLED
15. What you're not? SATISFIED
16. Muffins? ANY
17. One of your wish list items? FHCAA
18. Where you grew up? FLORIDA
19. The last thing you did? KISSED
20. What are you wearing? PAJAMAS
21. Your TV? LOUD
22. Your pet(s)? BAMABELLE
23. Your computer DELL
24 Your life? EVOLVING
25. Your mood? DRIVEN
26. Missing someone? MANY
27. Your car? WHITE
28. Something you're not wearing? SOCKS
29. Favorite store? TARGET
30. Summer time? WINDY
31. like someone? YEP
32. Your favorite color? PINK
33. When is the last time you laughed? TODAY
34. Last time you cried? YESTERDAY
35. Who will reply to this? DEANNA
36. Whose Answers are you anxious to see? ALL

JOIN THE JOURNEY,




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Friday, May 30, 2008

My Honor and Privilege!

My sweet friend, Deborah, recently posted a short interview about me. I am actually quite honored and privileged to have this opportunity! She is a mighty woman of the Word herself and I do anticipate that one day soon we will meet face to face!!!!! Love to you Deb....

To read the interview... go here

Join the Journey!




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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Just Another Manic Meme


Favorite person (outside family)? Outside of my family, hmmm, a toss up because I consider a lot of people family! Let’s just say there are way too many to count!

Favorite food? Potatoes almost any way…

Quirks about me? I have a southern accent that generally surfaces when I am mad or really excited. I am not a big jewelry person. I am anything but average.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less? (Ask them.): Someone he couldn’t live without who he loves very much!

Any regrets in life? Maybe one or two, but for the most part, I accept without regrets!

Favorite Charity/Cause? I am in the very early stages of founding “Destiny’s Closet,” a ministry to exotic dancers, strippers and prostitutes.

Favorite Blog recently? TONS!!! A few are Evotional. Com (Mark Batterson), Perry Noble, and Positioned for Greatness (Craig Sloan, my dh)

Something you can't get enough of? Time…

Worst job you've ever had? Wendy’s… Sr. year of high school…

What job would you pay NOT to have? Plumber

If you could be a fly on the wall, where? Right now? WiBo in Washington DC…
Favorite Bible verse right now? Jeremiah 1:10 “See, I have this day appointed you to the oversight of the nations and of the kingdoms to root out and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Guilty pleasure? Dove Dark Chocolates hidden in my purse during church, reality TV, and sleeping in on stormy Saturdays!
Got any confessions? Something I can’t share right now.. soon!!!!

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it? Spa day, shopping and some new kitchen stuff!

Favorite thing about your house? My back yard

Least favorite thing about your house? No central AC…
One thing you are bad at? Dancing… ask my girls…

One thing you're good at? Project management and determining flow…

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? Closer to family and some personal stuff…

Who would you like to meet someday? Paula Deen and Fucshia Pickett
What makes you feel sexy? My mood determines it all really…

Who is your real life hero? Honestly? My husband really. He has overcome more adversity than most. His life story would shock and amaze you!

What is the hardest part of your job? You wouldn’t believe me if I told you!

When are you most relaxed? When I have a huge sense of accomplishment after successfully completing whatever I am working on! What stresses you out? Broken focus and lack of order!
What can you not live without? Jesus.. . without Him it will all fall apart anyway!

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists? Whatever!
Why do you blog? Several reasons… 1.) I love writing 2.) It is therapeutic 3.) Networking 4.) Archiving my life! 5.) Sharing what God has done in my life!


Join the Journey,





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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Just For Fun Meme


I found this meme over at The Girl With a Fro...

I AM: becoming more and more aware of who God desires me to be and what he desires to accomplish in and through me.

I WANT: to fulfill my God ordained destiny!

I WISH: I were closer to my family.

I HATE: religious mindsets.

I LOVE: being with my family, writing and ministering!

I MISS: my family!

I FEAR: missing out on God things by allowing myself or others to get in the way.

I HEAR: the Indiana Jones theme.

I WONDER: what this time next year will look like in my life!

I REGRET: stupid mistakes!

I AM NOT: as healthy as I would like to be. (I am working on it though!)

I DANCE: whenever possible!

I SING: wherever and whenever possible!

I CRY: not very often. I am not overly emotional.

I AM NOT ALWAYS: as together as I desire to be. (organized)

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: custom made candy wrappers.

I WRITE: daily!

I CONFUSE: driving directions!

I NEED: to stay focused on WW!

I SHOULD: go to bed earlier.

I START: at least 3 books at a time - don't know why, but that's just how I like to read.

I FINISH: well... that is my goal... to be a great finisher not just a great starter!

I TAG: all my blogging friends and anyone else who comes here and wants to do this.

Join the Journey...





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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sporting New Specs and a New Do...

So, I thought I'd share my new "do" fixed up and my new specs. I'm taking a break from contacts for a while...

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Stuff I Don't Have to Think About...

I found this at my friend Leanne Weber's blog....

How old will you be in 13 months?
37

What are you looking forward to in the next month?
*LOTS!

  • · Prepping for and ministering at the Spring Encounter Weekend (and my brother & company will be ministering there too!)
  • · Working on some special projects. J


Are you easily confused?
Not really… if I am focused!

Do you think you would make a good wife/husband?
I hope so… it has been 17 years!

If you could see ONE band / musician live who would it be (alive or dead)
Oooooo… I can’t pick just one!!!!


Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?
Nope

Whats one of your biggest pet peeves?!
Eeyore People

Has anyone ever borrowed something from you and never returned it?
Yes, but I've probably done the same to others - so I really have no foot to stand on there....

Do you fall for people easily?
No, I can be overly cautious… but still very gracious… most folks don’t even know it!

Everything happens for a reason?
Well, yes, everything does happen for SOME reason… what you sow you reap, if you pray things can change, etc…

Have you ever dated someone more than once?
Yes… my hubby!

What is the most trouble that you have ever been in?!
LOL! It is under the blood!


When is the last time you talked to number 1 on your top friends?
I don’t think I have a number one….

What are you listening to right now?
We Cry Out (Jesus Culture)


Do you live with both your parents?
I am married. I live with my husband.

Last person you said I love you too?
Craig (my husband)

What is it you truly want right now?
Hmm.. I can’t post that right now!

Are you wearing jeans right now?
Nope

How many 20 dollar bills do you have on you right now?
None, just a 5-er right now. I carry a Debit card not cash usually!


Do you dance in the car?
I do the head bop dance and sometimes throw a shoulder jerk in there when I am really into it!

Do you smile a lot?
Yes I do!


When was the last time you got flowers?
A few months ago from one of our vendors sucking up!


Do you wish at 11:11?
I didn’t know you were supposed to!

Can you play any instruments?
Viola… but not in a LONG time! I can pick stuff out on the piano when I focus!


Whats something that people are surprised to find out bout you?!
That I have five daughters.


Do you have a tattoo?
No… I leave that to my braver brothers!


Are you hiding something from someone?
Oh, wouldn’t you like to know!!!!

Are there things you can't live without?
My relationship with God! Without it everything else crumbles!


What was your first thought when you looked in the mirror this morning?
Where’s my hair brush…


Do you like to have long hair or short hair?
Kind of short

Have you memorized your social security number?
Mine and my husbands!

Do you think you'll be married in 10 years?
I’ll be doing on 27 years in 10 years!


Is your family just a bundle of fun?
Have mercy… barrels!

Do you laugh at all the wrong times?
It has happened on occasion…

When did you last smile?
2 seconds ago!


Join the Journey!




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Thursday, April 10, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Today is my 36th birthday. I’m officially closer to forty than thirty and I am okay with that. The day has been good, very good. Even coming into work this morning was extra special. My desk was decorated with streamers, balloons, confetti, cards and a couple of gifts. My email inbox was full of e-cards and birthday wishes from family and friends all over the US. My department catered in lunch and surprised me with a huge birthday cake that Craig and the girls will get to enjoy later as well. It was very sweet and touched my heart.

Craig has plans for celebrating tomorrow night and I am excited about spending the time with my family. The girls have International Night tonight at school so we’ll be attending that together. I’ll be sure to get some pictures.

As you know, on the Sloan front we have all been overcoming some nasty illnesses. Gratefully I am at the tail end of a terrible cough and cold and the rest of the strep unpleasantries have diminished. I can’t stand being sick and this one really kicked me in the rear! I was landing in bed between 7:30 and 9 pm every night… very unlike me.

Before bed last night I watched the Primetime Special on ABC about Randy Pausch. Randy’s story inspired me and I am reflecting on many things he said in his now infamous “The Last Lecture.” Quite a timely process on one’s birthday I think.

In closing, here is one of my favorite quotes from Randy’s “Last Lecture….”

“So my next piece of advice is, you just have to decide if you’re a Tigger or an Eeyore. I think I’m clear where I stand on the great Tigger/Eeyore debate. [laughter] Never lose the childlike wonder. It’s just too important. It’s what drives us.” (Randy Pausch)

Too many people waste a lot of time wallowing like Eeyore… I’ve decided to spend the rest of my life trying my dadgumdest (yea.. I made up that word) to be a “Tigger”.. sucking in life, helping others, seeing the glass always as half full… that was one of the promises I made myself today when I blew out my birthday candles!

Love & Blessings!

Monday, April 07, 2008

Melanie Tagged Me!!!!

I was tagged by Melanie over at The Fruits of the Spirit to share 7 more things about me... let's see...

1.) I still have my wisdom teeth (although we are bidding farewell next month!!!). Does that mean I am extra wise????

2.) I am not afraid of getting older.

3.) I permed my hair all through high school. (don't ask!)

4.) I have a birthmark in the shape of the continent of Africa.

5.) No, I will NOT show you the birthmark referenced in #4.

6.) I have known my husband since I was 12 years old.

7.) I can still do a cartwheel AND land on my feet!


Love & Blessings...

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

I'm It... 7 Things Meme



I was tagged by Tara over at Tara's View of the World to list seven things about me...


1.) I have always loved to have my feet rubbed and massaged! As a matter of fact my sweet husband gives me a foot massage a few times a week!

2.) My first piece of published writing was in a Kid's Church newsletter, I was nine and it was a poem about creation.

3.) I cannot roll my "R's..."

4.) I am often thought to be about 10 years younger than I really am.

5.) I once left home in my house slippers on accident. I was half way to my destination before I realized it.

6.) I lived in Florida for the first 30 years of my life.

7.) I have found that the older I have gotten the more "vocal" I have become. This can be a bittersweet characteristic that I am constantly putting in "check" with the Holy Spirit!
Now I tag....
Love & Blessings!


Friday, March 21, 2008

Denson Legacy and Going to the Rock

I visited Pastor Deanna’s blog yesterday and saw a post she did on being home sick for Maryland. It is funny because I have been homesick too for my family, the south, some very dear friends. Little things tend to pop up and feed that feeling too.
Last night Craig and I attended a funeral for one of our Pastor’s sister. A very talented woman shared a song, Dottie Rambo’s “I Go To the Rock.” As soon as she started singing I was taken back to my childhood.

I Go To the Rock (Dottie Rambo)

Where do I go when there's no one else to turn to
Who do I talk to when no one wants to listen
Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable
I go to the Rock I know that's able, I go to the Rock
I go to the Rock of my salvation
Go to the Stone that the builders rejected
Run to the Mountain and the Mountain stands by me
The earth all around me is sinking sand
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
When I need a shelter when I need a friend, I go to the Rock



I come from a very musically inclined family, on my dad’s side that is. Name an instrument, someone plays it and if they don’t, someone will pick it up within a week or two. The same goes with vocals. There were eight children in my dad’s family, six girls and two boys. My dad’s only brother is 19 years older than him though. Most of my siblings and cousins are musical as well myself included. I’m not the best soloist but I can blend pretty well and I played viola for several years.

Growing up in a Christian musical family resulted in the inevitable, my dad and his siblings formed a Christian music group, “The Happy Christians.” Our weekends were filled with rehearsals on my Granny and Paw Paw’s front porch or we’d be travelling in a caravan to minister. My favorite songs they did were Dottie Rambo songs.

My Aunt Gerri used to lead “I Go To the Rock” and I’m telling you she sang it with a lot of soul, beating it out on her acoustic guitar, the other sisters and my dad would join in awesome harmony on the chorus. Some of my other favorites were “Love Letters,” “March Around the Throne One Time for Me,” and “You and Me Jesus.” My brothers, sister, cousins and I used to sing as well, we’d do “Germs” or “Being Me” or some other song we’d learned together. It was a true family ministry that went on for quite a while.

Anytime the family has the opportunity to get together you can guarantee there will be instruments and singing involved. There is nothing like sitting with people you only see once or twice every five years or so and within seconds of someone strumming a guitar (usually it about five guitars!) about 50 voices ring out in perfect harmony. It creates a powerful connection.

There is a great ministry legacy in my family. Music is in all of us, but more than that there is ministry in every one of us. My grandparents imparted such an amazing deposit in each of us, even my children who never met my grandparents benefit from their legacy. It is in each of them. What Granny and Paw Paw poured into my Daddy, he poured into me, and now I am pouring into my own girls, four generations.

As I listened to that woman sing “I Go To the Rock” I was reminded of some terrific memories, but more than that, I was reminded of how it all began generations ago when my ancestors were taught to “go to the Rock.” What a privilege it is to be a part of such an awesome destiny!


Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Back in the Blog Saddle..

To answer everyone who has been emailing and calling… no I have not stopped blogging. To put it simply, my life has been in a “private” processing mode over the past month. Without a doubt I have missed you all but some things require a private dealing with the Lord. That is where I have been and boy oh boy, do I have lots to share!

Stay tuned in the coming days and weeks to catch up with me… I’ll be catching up with all of you too…. It is good to be back!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

2008 Goal Setting: Reach for the Stars!

Here are the goals I promised…. Well, the ones I want to share. They are some others that are not for public viewing right now… I am really excited about the 2008 chapter of my life… here is a sneak preview…

2007 in Review

In a word, rollercoaster! 2007 was a rollercoaster. It was full of ups and downs. Personally, it was painful at times and at other times made me so angry. I felt as if every fiber of my being was challenged at some point. Ever hear the saying, “It’s like trying to force a square peg in a round hole?” That was the theme of 2007 for me.

On the flipside I have to say that I have become stronger in spite of the pain and drama 2007 brought. I know more than ever who I am and who I am called to be. There is no doubt in my mind that I have an extraordinary destiny in Christ to fulfill.

With 2007 behind me I am now more determined than ever that 2008 will be the BEST year of my family’s life thus far! The number 8 represents resurrection and new beginnings… I am ready for both!

2007 brought…

Challenges

· Realizing the sacrifices made

· Reprioritizing

· Paying Off Past Debt

· Cultural differences

· Being Held Back

Upside

· Found new strength

· Creating abilities increased

· Building Family Relationship

· Meeting Great People

· Realization of What is Possible

2008 – Focus & Passion:

MAD Goals, Not Resolutions… MAD Goals? Goals that are measureable, achievable and have a deadline. Resolutions are not much more than “good intentions” in my book… but goals… they are things I MUST achieve in order to accomplish something greater. I will be listing a majority of my GOALS here, however, for every goal you see here there is also a plan attached that leads to the fulfillment of a bigger purpose.

That being said, allow me to borrow a quote from another blogger… “I am making a demarcation between 2007 and 2008 – and using it as a marker for instituting some significant changes.” Some of these “significant changes” I will share here, others will remain under the knowledge, prayer, advisement and guidance of me and Craig’s inner circle and those we are accountable to. Still, we will make strides to the accomplishment of each goal with the MAD process.

Artistically

· Enhance blog site.

· Complete “Confessions of a Destiny Driven Diva” book

· Write three booklets/manuals

· Write/submit at least 12 articles for publication

Attitude

· Refuse to allow small minded people affect present or future

· Pick and choose battles

· Do not take things too personally

· Criticize by creating

Ministry/Career

· Go back into area of expertise and calling.

· Speak at at least three major conferences

· Preach/speak at at least a dozen times for various churches/ministries

· **Personal goal** (cannot be shared right now)

· Planning and strategizing

· **Personal Goal (cannot be shared right now)

· Tag team preach/speak with Craig at three conferences

· Expand Encounters… brand and market

· Support and assist Kaitlyn/Kelsea in dance ministry ventures

· Support and assist Haley’s interest in a music ministry

Education

· Consider a few correspondence programs to further degree. (Gather information)

· Take a class for extracurricular knowledge (cooking; language, etc.)

· Plan and Contribute more to girls’ college educations

· Make arrangements for girls to participate in additional extracurricular educational activities (music, dance, gym, sports, etc.)

Home/Family

· Spend quality time as a family weekly (Family nights)

· Go on family outings once a month

· Spend one on one time with each of the girls

· Devotional times at least three times per week

· Eat dinner together at the table at least four times per week

· Become more organized with schedules, chores and home

· Make a list of necessities for the home/family

· Communicate more regularly with extended family and friends

· Take a family photo at least twice, take photos more often

· Plan and finance Kaitlyn’s 16th b-day party

Financial

· Increase incoming finances

· Access ways to accumulate additional cash flow

· Decrease debt whenever possible (even if it is minimal)

· Pay off specific debt by end of year

· Purchase items on necessity list as possible

· New vehicle

· Save at least $3000 in a new account by end of year

Physical

· Continue on quest for health by attending and following Weight Watcher program

· Increase exercise routine

· Make life style changes

· Make adjustments to meals/grocery purchases

· Vitamins

· Physician Check Ups (Physical/Dental/Vision/Orthodontist) to start year out

Pleasure

· Read a new fiction series

· Take a class for fun (kick boxing; flower arranging, etc.)

· See a Broadway show

· Start a candy wrapper business

Spiritual

· Read whole Bible

· Memorize at least one scripture per month

· Increase devotional time

· Increase personal time with God

· Share Christ with at least 500 people individually

Marriage

· Spend more time talking every day

· **Personal Goal ** (cannot share right now)

· Date Nights at least twice a month

· Pray together more

· Dream together more

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

2008 Declaration!


Craig and I have been praying and seeking the Lord as we prepare to enter the new year. In spite of every attack that we (you) may have endured and because of every blessing (can one receive too many?) in 2007, we are declaring 2008 to be a year of new beginnings in all things! Below is a declaration that the Sloan household will be speaking forth all year. It is packed with the Word and our prayer is that this declaration be fulfilled in your lives as well!

Here is what Craig and I are declaring over 2008…

We are declaring 2008 to be the Year of New Beginnings.

· New Grace

· New Wisdom

· New Blessings

· New Opportunities

· New Peace

· New Provision

· New Territory

· New Strategies

· New Vision

· New Revelation

· New Anointing

· New Levels

· New Manifestations

· New Harvest

· New Church

· New Influence

· New Beginnings!

· New chapters in our Journal of Faith!

God is faithful. He called us, He will also do it. He who started a good work in us will complete it! The end of a thing is greater than the beginning. He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. He is a sun and a shield; He will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from us because we are walking uprightly!

Problems are not too hard! Challenges are not too hard! Money is not too hard! Changes are not too hard! Relationships are not too hard! Healing is not too hard! Ministry is not too hard! The promises He made to us are not too hard! "There is nothing too hard for the Lord!" "Nothing is impossible with God"

His grace is greater than our weakness! His healing is greater than our sickness! His purpose is more powerful than persecution. His power is greater than Satan's devices.

His promises are greater than our problems. His love is greater than all the things of this life that try to separate us from it.

God will turn our mourning into dancing. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning! His wrath is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. All things will work together for our good because we love Him and we are called according to His purpose. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God! Even if we walk through the valley of the shadow He will be with us and comfort us! Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life! Nothing is impossible for us.

Our God will fight for us. The battle is not ours but God's. We are more than conquerors! He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. The God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath our feet. He will arise and scatter our enemies! They will come against us one way, but they will flee seven different directions! No weapon formed against us will prosper! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. After we have suffered awhile, the God of all grace will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. His grace is sufficient for us. Even when we are weak we are strong, for then the power of Christ rests upon us.

"Our latter will be greater!" "We haven't seen anything yet" "Our best days and our blessed days are ahead!" "Our problems don't equal our promises" "The devil's 'no' cannot compete with God's 'yes'!" "The best is yet to come!"

We see many wonderful things for the Church in 2008.

We see a fresh and new anointing of authority and revelation on the preaching of the Word. Prodigal children will be coming back to the Lord. A spirit of conviction and the fear of the Lord will come upon people. New converts will flood our altars. Leaders will step up to bear burdens- mentoring and coaching with new levels of grace for leadership.

Prophecies will come to pass and promises will be fulfilled. New intimacy and unity will thrive in marriages. Peace and harmony will come to homes and families. Our children will rise to their full potential in everything they put their hands to, their walk with God, education, gifts, talents, character and influence. Prayers will be answered. Businesses will prosper in the midst of economic downturn. Creative revelation will come to those who wait upon the Lord. Promotion and favor will come to those who seek Him.

God will open supernatural doors for the Gospel. Our times of intercession will be accompanied by surprising demonstrations of the glory of God. New wineskins will be filled with new wine. There will be outbreaks of healing in our church. And we will see amazing manifestations of the presence of the Lord in our worship.

We see the Lord restoring many things that were stolen. We declare seven fold restoration! We declare a year of great reaping. We might have gone out weeping, but we will return with joy bringing our sheaves with us!

As we approach this year — this new season, this new beginning — we will not let the pessimistic, doubt-filled, hell-spawned, negative perspective of the world, the media or the unbelieving critic get to us.

We won't listen to it. We will not embrace it. We do not believe it! Faith comes from whatever you are hearing and we will declare and meditate in His law day and night (every morning and every evening) and everything we do will prosper and succeed.

We will not believe the evil reports or discouraging statements that may come from many sources this year of those around us. We believe and declare the report of the Lord!