2015 Goals

I've debated on whether to set new years resolutions. Every year I feel as if it's the same old, same old goals - get closer to God, exercise more, etc. Every year I forget the actual goals by late January and continue living my life. I remember the year Stephen and I started dating, he came up with a phrase at which he tried to live his life towards and I really admired that about him. Even though it was fall, he still remembered it from January. We decided to set a few specific goals for ourselves and our marriage in 2015. I'm thankful for this little spot on the internet where I can document those goals rather than worrying about losing a piece of paper or deleting an annoying file on my computer.

We decided on 3 categories for our goals: relationship goals, physical goals & spiritual goals.

Our Relationship Goals
1. Be Real - Stephen is very big on making sure you are real with him and not fake. We've been very real with each other since we've met but we want to make a conscious effort to continue this. We also want to make sure we have real discussions regularly - not just the usual, "How was your day?". Those conversations are great and necessary (I can't handle deep conversations everyday) but we want to make sure to have those deeper conversations more often, which usually brings us closer to each other and God.

2. Disconnect & Reconnect - We decided we need more time together when we disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other. Between my phone, tv or video games it's hard to spend some good, quality time together. Of course we spend time together all the time (sitting on the couch while on my phone and he plays video games) but it isn't "quality" time together. We have decided to make sure there are times where we put everything down and be intentional about the time we spend together.

Our Physical Goals
1. Exercise - We both decided we want to have an quantitative goal of exercising at least twice a week. I know I need to exercise more than that (and I will try to) but 2 times a week is more attainable and (hopefully) able to accomplish.

Our Spiritual Goals
1. Ashley - I need to crack down on myself and get better at keeping up with my daily devotions. Lately, I've not been very good with keeping up with this and reminding myself to do them. I've started a 365 daily devotional on my Bible app which is nice because it's quick and I have access to it anywhere. I also want to focus on becoming a better wife. I want to find some good books on bettering my relationship with God and serving Stephen better. Please let me know if you have any good recommendations!

2. Stephen - Stephen's trying to read the whole Bible. He started in Genesis and is very dedicated at reading a chapter a day. I've been trying to keep up with him, but with my slacking, I've fallen behind. I want to continue to read with him and finish the Bible, but I know I grow better with devotionals rather than just reading so my goal is to focus on devotionals. I'd like to continune reading with him, but we'll see what happens.

I'm really excited to have tangible goals to help us grow this year. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us and how He grows and teaches us along the way.

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