Hello, Ladies! It is SO cold here in Middle Tennessee today, and the blanket of snow on the ground makes it feel even colder. I stand in the window watching my crazy dogs romp around in it and I just shiver. Are they serious? I'm so glad God made hot chocolate, and that my daughter knitted me fingerless mitts so I can basically type with gloves on.
No baby yet, by the way. Little Maeryn seems to like it right where she is for the time being. If it's warm in there, I don't blame her! (And ladies, thank you so, so much for your prayers for my family. I've shared them with Marijean)
In the midst of waiting to become a grandmother, I've been reading your posts about how we can co-ordinate helping each other with our various God-goals for this new year. One of the things that has become clear is that you really do depend on each other, in a way that you don't the friends you see face to face on a daily basis. One of our biggest LIFE goals is to be able to be as transparent with everyone as we can be here on the blog, but since the people you're associating with personally right now aren't as mature as they're going to be some day, that's probably not going to happen this year! So that makes it even MORE important that you have a way to truly support each other in specific, concrete ways.
Here's what you've suggested so far:
(1) create a different blog where each resolution has a post, and we continue to comment on our resolution's post about how we put our resolution into play.
(2) have Mrs. Rue put us into resolution groups and then connect us by email address so we could talk to and check up on how our resolutions are going.
(3) post one resolution group at the bottom of each regular post and we would use that time to post updates and such on how we're doing.
All great ideas -- as was the Facebook idea, though as you pointed out, not everybody has access to that. Since The Blessing Pool has worked pretty well (except for me not keeping up with changing the post often enough!), why don't we try this?
* I'll set up another blog and we'll call it -- what shall we call it?
* Any of you who want to can write a post about the resolution below that you're working on and send it to me ATTACHED TO AN EMAIL. (My email address, as you know, is nnrue@att.net) Indicate which number you're writing about in your subject line so I can immediately put it in the right file.
1 make better use of time (instead of internet, boys,
2 be a real, creative witness -- not a judgmental one, not just in big things but in small. etc.
3 let God be the center of absolutely everything (Includes falling in love with Jesus, having Jesus as best friend, realizing we're walking on water, balancing God as friend with God as all-powerful being, etc.)
4 getting totally into Scripture
It seems like everything you posted falls into one of those very broad categories. If not, let me know.
* I'll give you until Thursday night to do that (although you can continue to submit posts to me as the year goes on). Then I'll post four -- one for each resolution category -- and you can start responding with comments in your category. I'm thinking you should probably stick with your resolution group so it doesn't get overwhelming and confusing.
How does that sound so far? It'll be up to you to send me emails telling me it's time to change the post (maybe every week or so?) We'll let this grow organically and see what happens. It may peter out after a while, or it may take on a life of its own, but it's worth a try. As SARAH said, if we don't work at this and encourage each other, we're probably not going to stick with it. I'll check in now and then and leave comments, too, if that's okay with you. I think we'll all remember that this is about encouraging each other, having a place to say, "Yikes, I'm not keeping to my commitment -- anybody got a word for me?"
If you want to post today, let us know what you think and make any other suggestions that would make this even better. Meanwhile, you can continue to encourage each other here the way you always do. I'll use Thursday's post to get you started on THAT blog, and then next Monday I'll go back to posting additional stuff here about goals and epiphanies. I'm learning tons that I can't wait to share with you.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Nancy Rue (P.S. Today's picture shows Guinness, Geneveve, and my granddog Frost all supporting each other in their New Year's goal to kick back as much as possible . . .)
Yay a new post!!!
Can't wait for that new blog. I don't have any name ideas though....hmmm..
Annabelle
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/10/2011 at 05:11 PM
Paige:
You cross that line, I believe, when exercising starts becoming your absolute number 1 priority in life. Workout or prayer time?
Also, I believe in exercising because it makes you feel good. My exercise is ballet. But whatever the exercise you do, you should make sure that you don't do it so much that you waste time overworking yourself.
Sorry hope that helps!
Thanks for all the prayers girl! I do have faith in God...and your prayers ARE working. I feel SO much better today!
Its amazing how when I used to not be a Christian (well at least baptized/saved) I went to the world for answers. Like GOOGLE!
But now I go to the Bible for answers. Its so loud. So clear what God wants. :) I love God!
Random praise report...I get to start pointe in ballet this summer my teacher says if I work really hard! I'm so excited. Who knows how all this will work out with school/homework, but God will manage. How could I doubt the creator of the Universe?
<3Annabelle<3
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/10/2011 at 05:22 PM
I don't really have any name ideas for a new blog, but the blog is a great idea!
Posted by: ashley :) | 01/10/2011 at 05:33 PM
Did you mean grandcat, Mrs. Rue? That does't look anything like a dog to me...
Annabelle: Congrats! Pointe is a lot of hard work, but I love it! It's a big transition.
Paige: When you come out physically exhausted in a bad way, and when it stops being about staying in shape, and becomes about losing weight (when you're already the weight you should be). We love you, I'm praying for you.
Posted by: Tori Tj | 01/10/2011 at 05:55 PM
Haha, Tori, nice pickup:P It's a special dog;) ..and now that I've said that, I seriously hope it is a cat and not a dog!!
Sounds awesome! I never really kept up with the blessing pool, because...well, I don't know, really.
I'll be thinking of names!
Posted by: Emii | 01/10/2011 at 06:17 PM
We could call it something like,
WORKING TOWARDS HEAVEN IN 2011
SHORT-LIVED RESOLTUION SOLUTION-Where teen girls encourage each other's New Year's resolutions throughout the year.
FROM THE BIG CRYSTAL BALL, WITH LOVE-the crystal ball has dropped us into 2011. Now it's time to encourage each other to keep those resolutions it brings.
Those are just some of my ideas. I bet you girls have great ones, too! I want to hear them!
Thanks for being a part of my life, girls!
Mrs. Nancy, do you think you could post all the names of everyone who's in each group? That would help me figure out who's in my group and who all to pray for. I'll be in #2.
MLNX,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | 01/10/2011 at 06:32 PM
I'm so excited! I'd love to be in group #2 also, and I'm already working on a post to send you! :)
Posted by: Katie | 01/10/2011 at 09:05 PM
I'm confused with the groups? LOL
I LOVE the Working Towards Heaven in 2011! That is SO cool.
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/10/2011 at 10:08 PM
Great post! I'm so excited about the new blog! I think I'm all of those groups actually, but especially groups 3 and 4.
Paige: I think crossing the line to overexercising is being so sore the next day that you can hardly walk. Being so absolutely physically exhausted that you nearly pass out or throw-up. It becomes an obsession when it's all you think about, all you care about. Other things don't matter much, exercising is your number one priority. That's my definition of exercise becoming to much or an obsession.
Annabelle: Congratulations on starting pointe! That's great, I love pointe, but it's defintely hard sometimes.
Tori and Emii: It looks like a dog to me. The ears are just docked or that might just be how the breed is. It looks like a white german shepherd or maybe a malamute.
Sarah: I love "The Resolution Solution" it sound really cool and its fun to say :) lol
Posted by: Melody | 01/10/2011 at 10:11 PM
Oh man, sorry doggy!
Yeah, I love your names, Sarah! SHORT-LIVED RESOLTUION SOLUTION is cool as!
Posted by: Emii | 01/10/2011 at 10:47 PM
Hey guys, I have the flu. (What a bad way to start a comment!) :)Please pray for no pain, and the endurance to get through it.
As for the blog, I love Sarah's "Working towards heaven in 2011," and her "Short-lived Resolution Solution." Also, I'd love to be in group #3. Thanks, Lilly
Posted by: Lilly | 01/11/2011 at 12:27 AM
I think I'm in group #2 :)
Lily, sorry to hear you have the flu :(
Annabel, Great! It's awesome to hear that our prayers are helping, and keep going with your dancing!
Sarah, I agree, Resolution Solution sounds awesome! Your first title totally reminded of me of what my friend wrote on my desk. She calls 2011 the year from heaven :). I like the sound of yours so much that I've forgotten what my ideas were :S
Paige, I think I would say that if you're worried about obssessing about excercising, to take a step back. But I think that you're not obssessed, as in my experience, people who are obssessed wouldn't admit it...if that makes any sense haha
Anyway, I forgot to tell you guys what the poster I bought when I was out buying Mrs Rue's books says. I love it, and I know it applies to everyone here!
I'm not a perfect girl,
my hair doesn't always stay in place,
I spill things a lot,
I'm pretty clumsy,
sometimes I have a broken heart.
My friends and I sometimes fight,
maybe some days nothing goes right,
but when I think about it & take a step back,
I remember how amazing life truly is
and through all my imperfections...
GOD STILL LOVES ME
Posted by: Bethany | 01/11/2011 at 04:39 AM
Hey Bethany, one of the classrooms at my school has that poster hanging up!!! Actually, there's cool posters all over the room. I love it! I considered stealing it for myself;) Jus kidding.. but it's still awesome:P
Posted by: Emii | 01/11/2011 at 05:59 AM
Emii, Oh cool! I was so pleased when I found it! I got it at Koorong :)
Posted by: Bethany | 01/11/2011 at 06:50 AM
Hey girls! Can someone please clue me in on the groups?! I am a confusable person lol, sorry!
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/11/2011 at 01:57 PM
I think it looks like a dog in the picture. It's too big to be a cat! LOL
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/11/2011 at 04:26 PM
Sarah I like all your ideas for names for the blog! Can someone tell me what these groups are and how they work? Sorry, I am a little clueless! :D Thanks.
Posted by: Therese | 01/11/2011 at 05:11 PM
Hi! Frost is so pretty and so are your dogs! Brrr it's FREEZING and very snowy here too- like 7 inches :P
Anyway, I think the blog idea is very cool. I just have a question about the posts. What do you mean by 'about the resolution you're working on.' Should the post be about your progress, tips and ideas on getting there, 'Why I'm Choosing This Goal' type of thing or something else?
Ideas for names:
-New Year All Year
-Guided- Teen girls are guided by their Father in their New Year's resolutions as they work towards them to have a better relationship with Him. (or something like that! Maybe less run-on-y)
Posted by: Kate | 01/11/2011 at 05:33 PM
Annabelle, Therese, and any others clueless about the groups here's what Mrs. Rue said about them:
Any of you who want to can write a post about the resolution below that you're working on and send it to me ATTACHED TO AN EMAIL. (My email address, as you know, is nnrue@att.net) Indicate which number you're writing about in your subject line so I can immediately put it in the right file.
1 make better use of time (instead of internet, boys,
2 be a real, creative witness -- not a judgmental one, not just in big things but in small. etc.
3 let God be the center of absolutely everything (Includes falling in love with Jesus, having Jesus as best friend, realizing we're walking on water, balancing God as friend with God as all-powerful being, etc.)
4 getting totally into Scripture
It seems like everything you posted falls into one of those very broad categories. If not, let me know.
Hope that helps!
Posted by: ashley :) | 01/11/2011 at 05:34 PM
BTW (sorry I always forget to post something!)-there is a setting on most blogs that you can type out the post and set the posting time for a certain date. So for the Blessing Pool blog, you could save all the posts and they could be posted for you. just an idea! : )
Posted by: Kate | 01/11/2011 at 05:35 PM
OK, about the new blog, I think that Mrs. Rue is going to have four different sections of the blog for each group. Then, as we each email her what we wrote for a certain group, she will update them every week or so. I think. Does that make sense? Hope so...
Hmmm...names for the blog...oh, I gotta go to the store with my mom. I know, excuses, excuses. :) God bless!
Posted by: Nicole | 01/11/2011 at 05:56 PM
Wow! I wish I could work in all 4 of those groups! But, I think that it will help me alot if I just focus on 1 thing, and that would be group #3...I like all of the blog names, Sarah! Especially the 1st two! I also like 'New Year all year' Kate! I end up fogetting about my new years resolution by about Feb. so I want to say again that this is such a good idea! Thanks and I'll be praying for you!!
Posted by: Megan | 01/11/2011 at 06:50 PM
NYR: Together
Hahahaha. New Years Resolutions: Together. Like, we're all in this together, ...haha, I watched high school musical last night:P I can't believe that, when I was like, in grade 5 and 6 -- I didn't like Zac Efron or Vanessa Hudgens at all. Dude, what was wrong?:P
I like anagram things. Wait, is that what it's called when a bunch of letters stand for something? LOL.
Posted by: Emii | 01/11/2011 at 07:03 PM
Oh, and Annabele, I've been thinking about what you said about always going to the bible for answers and not google-and i totally agree! I've was baptized at birth, but I've been really digging deap into my relationship with God lately and that totally helped me at just the right moment...so thanks for that!
Posted by: Megan | 01/11/2011 at 07:30 PM
Hey Megan! I was baptized at birth too as a Catholic. I then changed to Christian and wanted to be baptized into my church family. You are welcome! I am so glad it helped. Its amazing how God works like that!
Okay, I am a little less confused now. A little. I like the group 1 idea a lot...making better use of time. I struggle DAILY with that!
I feel like I'm typing my life away sometimes, and I don't even have facebook! I want it...but I wont ever be allowed by my parents, and Im thinkin' thats a good thing!
<3 ya'll!
Posted by: Annabelle | 01/11/2011 at 07:37 PM
To those confused: As I understand it, there will be 4 main blog posts, one for each groups. Mrs. Rue said what the four groups will be based on in her post. You join whatever group you want based on what your New Years resolution is. For example: if your resolution was to spend less time on the computer, then you would be in group 1. That means you would mainly read and comment on the group 1 blog post.
Idea for the name of the new blog: Resolution Evolution. Kinda like resolution solution, but out resolution should evolve and grow throughout the year.
Posted by: Melody | 01/11/2011 at 09:27 PM
I want to be in group 3, and as for the naming thing, I have no ideas.
Just wanted to share something really cool
so I got an email from a friend yesterday, a friend I haven't heard from in a while. I always thought that, ok, maybe today will be the day I'll get an email, cause today's been a rough day, and i need one. finally, when I totally didn't stress over it and gave it to God, I got an email.
I just find it really cool that when I gave it to God, he gave me the desires of my heart
Posted by: Alisha | 01/11/2011 at 11:10 PM
Melody- I ADORE your group name!!
Hmm I'd be in group 1(:
Awesome :D I can't wait :)
Posted by: Paige | 01/12/2011 at 10:07 AM
I'm sort of confused about the group thing...I like Sara's second name suggestion though!
Posted by: gothgirl | 01/12/2011 at 05:52 PM
Thanks Melody! I think I want to be in group...2 or 3...I'm not totally sure...
Posted by: gothgirl | 01/12/2011 at 05:54 PM
I think I get it now thanks Melody! I think I want to be in group 3 or 4. I don't know yet....
Posted by: Therese | 01/12/2011 at 06:04 PM
I think Sarah's RESOLUTION SOLUTION name is winning!
~Ashley~
Posted by: ashley:) | 01/12/2011 at 07:00 PM
Okay, everyone who is confused with the group thing, here's the idea:
STEP 1. Pick your group # out of these I copied and pasted from above.
1 make better use of time (instead of internet, boys,
2 be a real, creative witness -- not a judgmental one, not just in big things but in small. etc.
3 let God be the center of absolutely everything (Includes falling in love with Jesus, having Jesus as best friend, realizing we're walking on water, balancing God as friend with God as all-powerful being, etc.)
4 getting totally into Scripture
(If your resolution is not included in one of these groups, let Mrs. Nancy know.)
NOTE. When picking your group, it is a good idea to remember that you're probably going to want to stick with that group through-out the year.
STEP 2. Each group will have a post (4 in all) on the new blog, and we will continually comment on our group's post through-out the year. In our comments, we will talk about how we were able to play out our resolution and encourage others to play theirs out too. We have not decided the new name yet, so you can suggest names as I have in my previous comment.
STEP 3. You can work on a post (that is what Mrs. Nancy puts up on the home page of the blog every Monday and Thursday) for your group and send it to Mrs. Nancy as a suggestion for your group's 2011 post!
STEP 4. If you want to comment between now and tomorrow, tell us what you think would make the new resolution blog even better.:)
Hope that cleared some stuff up! Love you all!
MLNX,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | 01/12/2011 at 07:10 PM
That is a real God-thing, Alisha. When you were ready to just hand it all over to God, he gave it to you. I think that's pretty wonderful.
Posted by: Emii | 01/13/2011 at 03:28 AM
im super excited about all of this Mrs Rue!
Posted by: Jessica | 01/13/2011 at 04:01 AM
I have name ideas
TheRezolutionRockers
Relishing your Resolutions
Nancy Rue And The Resolutinists!
The Rue's Resolution Recruits- Achieving our Goals!
send me your opinion please! love love love you all
Posted by: Jessica | 01/13/2011 at 04:02 AM
I love all of the names suggested, especially 'Resolution Evolution'. One name idea is 'Goals for Your Souls' and then we could have a passage like Romans 12:1-2 (Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.) on the web page below the title name, whichever Mrs. Rue decides on. :)
Love y'all!
Posted by: Nicole | 01/13/2011 at 08:52 AM
I just re-read the line "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." The 'peace from God our Father' kinda struck me. I've had that peace before, the peace from God that passes all understanding. I just realized that every time Paul greeted someone this way in a letter, he was blessing them with the wonderfully calming peace from God and a realization of His love and grace. Cool. :)
Posted by: Nicole | 01/13/2011 at 08:56 AM
Mrs Rue- just a quick note to let you know that my address (not email) has changed- we're moving into our new house very soon and are not living at the old one any more. : )
Posted by: Kate | 01/13/2011 at 09:43 AM
Hey hey girls! I think I fall under category 3 with the whole "better prayer" thing. I'm excited for the new blog to start! Sticking to resolutions will be so much easier when I know that so many other girls are going through the same challenges as me. Gotta run to soccer, so I'm gonna cut my post short today. Praying as always, and LYALAS! :)
Love and Blessings,
Rachel
Posted by: *Rachel* | 01/13/2011 at 03:30 PM