Tabula Rasa. Clean Slate.

While I absolutely love the idea of a fresh start that we are blessed to have every January, I am not sure that I want one for 2015. I grew so much in my faith and character in 2014.

I moved across the country. 

I encountered God through a wonderful community in Florida that jump started my ever growing relationship with Christ.

I took the reigns on my our finances.

I feel empowered and fulfilled by the goals M&I achieved and even those that we didn't quite make. While many of them were terribly daunting, I knew that God had my back through every single endeavor. So that being said, I don't think I want a fresh start. I want to continue on this awesome path that is in front of M&I. Instead of focusing on what we didn't accomplish in the last year, I will congratulate what we DID succeed at; I will experience the growth of yesterday's weakness into today's achievement through God's perfect strength.

II Corinthians 12:9 says, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Rachel Cruze, Dave Ramsey's daughter, does a wonderful vlog several times a week. She suggested breaking down her goals into seven buckets. So, with purpose, plan, and intention, I present to you: M&I's Goals for 2015.

Financial:
1. Be debt-free by EOY 2015, with the exception of M's student loan.
2. Save enough cash to afford WFDF Team USA WORLDS in London, England and 2015 SCCA National Run-offs. (These are huge faith goals. In order to achieve this, we need to save over $10,000. I firmly believe that if we tithe first and give first, God will come through. Please pray for us!)

Intellectual:
1. E: Take the ABM DSLR photography lesson to learn the basics on my new camera. (eek!)
2. E: Read 5 books this year. I know that isn't a lot, but it is a lot for me!

Physical:
1. E: Be able to do a shoulder stand against the wall.
2. Complete 12 weeks to game time beginning in February to be ready for Worlds and Try-outs.
3. Compete at the National Level of Club Ultimate Frisbee.
4. M: Complete 50 sit-ups and push ups every evening.

Spiritual:
1. Read the Bible everyday. I've said this 1000x but She Reads Truth studies are my Rock. M is currently studying a John MacArthur study of Matthew.
2. Pray for specific things to better see God's work in our lives.
3. Join a small group at our new church.
4. M: Continue to seek the truth.

Career:
1. M: Become indispensable.
2. M: Solve my company's water issue through study and testing.
3. E: Be more creative with my work to stand out to potential clients.
4. E: Outperform my set goal by 125%

Social:
1. Attend occasional Young Professional Society meet-ups to be better connected in our community. Also, this will help spread His kingdom in San Antonio.
2. Volunteer in our community at least once every three months. I feel that God is calling me to soften my heart toward the needs of my local community. I was fortunate to grow up in a very blessed family and have been fortunate to never experience "really tough times of need." That being said, I honestly struggle with thinking of those in need. I know, that is terrible and selfish. I want that to change and I think volunteering in my community will help soften my heart to serve others.

Family:
1. We both want to walk the River walk and back together.
2. E: Face Time one friend or family member each week. This feels ambitious as time seems to slip away each week, but it is important to spend time with my closest loved ones.
3. Prepare for our future together as a couple.

So there you have it. I'd like to keep track of these through monthly goals, in addition to those that pop up on a month-to-month basis. I wanted to share these personal goals with you because your community to me is so important. It helps to keep us accountable. By sharing these with you, you can now ask us how this is going.  I hope that you do!

With love,
Eryn and M