If you come around to read this more than once, you’ll probably notice I like quotes.

The implication (of course) is that I have lots of time read and collect these, but many/most of them have been absorbed/collected over many years, and pop up at the moment b/c they are relevant to what’s on my mind.

What a blog seems good for is these random “thinking out-loud” (or with my fingertips, in this case) that might be interesting to more than me, but I wouldn’t want to inflict on my family/friends e-mail list. In a case such as this, as people have the time and inclination they can pop by and observe my random thoughts…

For example: Consistency.
One thing that Jay and I both find frustrating about ourselves is that we seem frequently to lack it. Like 85% of the rest of America (you do remember, don’t you, that 95% of statistics are made-up on the spot?), we have great plans about exercise, and managing our time to fulfill multiple priorities, but the amount of adherence to these plans definitely varies.

In his book Victory Over the Darkness, Neil Anderson points out something I think is very true: “No person can consistently live in a manner inconsistent with how he perceives himself.” His point was that “You must see yourself as a child of God in order to live as a child of God,” but I think there is application in other areas as well.

If I’m continually telling myself (as I was for a time) that I am an undisciplined, inconsistent someone who never finishes anything, I’ve already got a load of pessimism keeping me from getting much done.

This started to change when I noticed how many projects of my own are enriching my home–Quilts, Photographs, drapes, etc. And in defense (or praise?) of myself, here’s a list of what I’ve been able to make reasonably, if not perfectly, consistent in my life. (It may seem small to some, but It was exciting for me to compile, since I– 3 or 6 months ago– never noticed they existed.)

— I make fresh bread at least once a week. Sometimes more.
— Every Monday I sweep and mop my kitchen– even if it doesn’t happen any other time, I know it will at least once a week.
— I clean one bathroom each Tuesday.
— Each week I plan a week’s worth of meals, and create a shopping list.
— I usually have dinner ready when Jay comes in the door.
— I read to my girls every day.
— I write nearly every day.
— I sing to my kids every night, and practice poems and scriptures with them.

You’ll notice I don’t put exercise on there yet. But that’s okay, b/c I’m learning I can get there. And, frankly, being 30-weeks pregnant (today) I’m pretty pleased about my activity/energy level as it is