End of September Game Plan

  September

… how did it get to be September already?! This year is flying by and if you are like me you had some great expectation for how 2017 was going to go down. However, life took over and those goals and plans got pushed aside for the daily grind.

How about we reclaim 2017? Yes, I realize that 8 months have already passed but we still have 3.5 months left in 2017 to make a difference, chase our dreams and reach our goals! I’m going to share with you some resources I’m using to end this year better than it started.

 

Faith

If you have been to my blog before then you should know my love for Bible Journaling! My faith has grown so much with the art of Bible Journaling and this month starts my 4th year of being in God’s Word thanks to the Bible Journaling movement.

This year I decided … scratch that… God decided I should host a chronological reading of the Bible on Social Media, Um what?! Yeah… and while silly me thought this was going to be an easy task, I have proved that theory WRONG! @asetofbibles is where this all started over on Instagram. If you don’t have a Bible reading plan I would love for you to join us, I suggest just picking up where we are in the plan (don’t worry about trying to make up any back reading.) We are about to move into the New Testament starting in October!

I, on the other hand, am way behind on my reading. I didn’t realize how hard reading the entire Bible would be. It’s a big book! So in October, I’m going to start reading the New Testament on plan and try to make up the past readings I’ve missed. I’m giving myself some grace here!

Family

Stumbled across a new book this past week from a blogger and author that gives me so much encouragement and ordered it off amazon. Becky Thompson’s books on Motherhood Hope Unfolding and then on Marriage in Motherhood with new book Love Unending will sure to speak some wisdom to your momma’s heart!

 

Friendship

We are starting small groups up at our church plant this fall and I’m hosting a Bible Journaling group. We will meet for 10 weeks before the Thanksgiving break and then 4 weeks of Advent. Many of the ladies are new to Bible Journaling so I thought using Shanna’s Noel’s “10 Ways To Fall In Love With Your Bible And Stay In Love” would be a great way to introduce this group of newbies to the wonderful gift of Bible Journaling.

But if Bible Journaling just isn’t your thing then gather up your friends for a mom’s night out over coffee, or better yet some dessert AND coffee, stroll the aisles of Target (try not to buy anything or your hubby might not let you go again!), or just have the girls over for back porch talks while the kids wreck the house. I’m kidding… no not really. Time with your friends is important, they NEED you … and more importantly, YOU need them.

* Note we had our first meeting this past Wednesday night and I feel like I’m going to be getting more out of the study than the newbies! This book isn’t just for newbie bible journalers! This three-year veteran is about to crack open a new journaling bible and wow… there is a lot of work that needs to be done!

 

Food

I’m not sure what it is about fall BUT I love cooking this time of year! The soups, casseroles, chili, comfort food, it all makes me happy! And despite all the eating I’ve been doing lately because of my season of home-cooked meals, I’ve actually lost some weight, well because we aren’t eating as much fast food these days. I have recently made 3 Million Dollar Spaghetti Pies (I’ll be posting later the recipe I used because it’s a little different than what I found out there) and 3 of The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pies to go in the freezer and cooking in my InstaPot on our busy days! I got this InstaPot for my birthday last year and this gadget can do so much! There are a ton of different kinds of pressure cookers out there, but we have enjoyed this one and love the price!

Also Hello Fresh boxes we have taken the guess work out of dinner planning. Everything we have got in our Hello Fresh boxes have been delicious! If you haven’t tried Hello Fresh, then Get Cooking Today & Get $40 Off Your First Two Boxes! https://share.hellofresh.com/x/c2B2D1
Use Code; HF40NOW. This offer is valid for new customers only and includes Classic, Veggie or Family Plan. Promotion expires on 9/1/2018.

 

Fashion

I think Fall Fashion is my favorite… at least once we get past being cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. The different layers and cozy knits and LEGGINGS and boots… oh my! I just snagged these cute Tall Duck Boots from https://www.instagram.com/pamalasboutique/ for when it’s a little colder and rainy!

and this blog post What to Wear with Leggings + 7 Style Tips from Brighton Keller at BrightonTheDay.com has me all excited to pull what I already have in my closet and recreate these looks.

Finances

I came across a fellow bloggers post “15 FINANCIAL LESSONS FROM THE MISSION FIELD” and being in the ministry I could relate was I wanted to see what wisdom she might have to share. Not only was this post words I needed to hear but y’all this is something everyone who has money or a bank account needs to hear! She also referenced this book below and it looks like a good read.

More Than Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated By Erin Odom When you’re trapped in a cycle of financial frustration, and you feel like you’ve tried everything only to end up with more month than money yet again, More Than Just Making It is your promise and pathway to thriving again.

More Than Just Making It tells the story of their breaking point, as well as the triumph of their comeback. It took hard work, creativity, and faith in God’s provision to reset their bank account as well as their hearts, but ultimately they found a new way to thrive and freedom from financial anxiety. You can do the same.

 

Fitness & Health

It’s the fall (almost official now) and stocking up on wellness products is a must. A few items I’m grabbing are Thieves Household cleaner (seriously this stuff cleans everything! Also a great house warming gift or hostess gift for friends and family), Breathe Again essential roll on blend and Thieves foaming hand soap! Also since candles haven’t been in our home since 2014 and fall and cozy go together so well, diffusing some fall scents is in my September gameplan and October, November, December etc.

 

 

Fun

STICKERS! Yes that’s right I said stickers (oh and die cuts too). Stickers make my life easy and FUN! I use them in my planner, faith planner and in my bible journaling! I also create my own stickers! EVEN BETTER haha! But if you didn’t know how fun stickers can be, I’m here to let you know they totally can be. I would love for you to check out my Etsy Shop full of goodies that can help you make your life planners & Bibles FUN, colorful and easy! I also love creating custom stickers for my customers too. SO if there is something you want but aren’t seeing in my shop, shoot me a message on Etsy and I would love to create something custom for you! SHOP MY ETSY 

 

Also something fun is the Facebook Group where I share about my stickers and bible journaling! Plus I’m giving away some goodies this month that you don’t want to miss out on! Go join us here –> https://www.facebook.com/groups/apileofashes/ 

 

So I know it’s a completely random list of resources but … well… that’s just me. I’m random in real life and that spills over into my blog. BUT I hope there is at least 1 resource you found to make your September and rest of 2017 a little better than it started!

This post includes “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”