Pursuit of Excellence - February Edition

I chose to work on new goals in February, and found it a bit harder

this last month. Maybe because February always seems to get away from me.

I know going in that it's a shorter month than the rest, and yet I am 

always surprised by how quickly it passes me by.

I do hope to be more diligent in March.

Spiritual -  Strengthen my testimony through fasting, prayer, and study.

I decided to make my experiences on the fast Sundays in February,

 and March more meaningful. I pondered more on what

I should fast for, and spent time reflecting

on those things during the fast. I also had

some great conversations with Emilie about what 

testimonies are, and about how to bear your testimony. 

She is shy and won't bear hers on fast Sunday, so we are 

working on gearing her up for doing that.

Intellectual - Read uplifting literature.

I spent more time on my scripture reading this month, which is always uplifting, but other than

that I'm afraid I didn't do so well. Emilie has been begging me to read

the Percy Jackson books. She just finished the series, and has been dying for me

to read them too. I decided to do that. While very fun it is not exactly uplifting literature, but it did create a bond 

between Emilie and me that wasn't there before. 

This month I would like to read a classic I haven't read before. I haven't decided what 

that is ... yet.

Physical - Make progress toward my weight loss goals.

This challenge is coming along. I've lost 7lbs. since the beginning of January, but 

that leaves me with the last 7 to go. Which as we all know is the hardest to lose. I am fighting for every ounce.  I seem to have hit 

a plateau for the time being, but hopefully now that the weather is

turning warmer I can get out of the house more and that will help.

Service - Give service outside of my family.

 I enjoyed this challenge very much. I was able to take dinner to the family of a 

friend in my ward who had a really rough month. I also hosted a mommy lunch and play date for 

a few of my mommy friends. I know that sounds more like fun than service, 

but two of my friends have children with special needs, and aren't able to get out much in the

 winter months. My family has been unusually healthy this winter, so it was nice to be able to provide

a fun healthy environment for them to go for a few hours.

I also participated in our Relief Society's Enrichment Activity for the month of February.

Many of us made cookies, and frosting, and several of us went to a homeless shelter in Ft. Worth where

 the residents were able to decorate the cookies, and have a fun evening with us. I made several dozen sugar cookies (one of the last things my oven baked before dying on me) , and provided a batch of frosting. I also went to the shelter and took some fun photos of our wonderful sisters, and the sweet folks whom we served. I had such a wonderful time participating is such meaningful service; I am 

hoping to make it a more regular activity.

Character - Only speak kind words to and about others. 

I must admit I have turned into quite the complainer. I usually just gripe to Jason, but I have noticed in

recent months that I will vent frustrations about people and situations to friends. This month I made

an effort to zip my lips. It felt really good. I found myself feeling lighter, and easy going. Instead of being weighted down by my frustrations. I also made an effort to say kind words those around me.

I often keep good thoughts to myself instead of sharing them with others, but this month, if I liked your

 shoes I told you so. 

I also spent time writing letters to some really neat ladies who just got released from our Relief Society Presidency. I am so amazed by the amount of time that calling takes up in a person's life, and these ladies, esp. our former President did an amazing job, and I felt prompted to let them know that. I'm so glad I did.

Well, there it is. I have already chosen and begun working on my March goals. I am so glad I have chosen to participate in this program. I am seeing some great changes in me already.