L.I.F.E. by Ashley Pichea: December 2010

My 3 in 30 Goals for January

All week I've been talking about how to set realistic and reachable goals.

Today, it's time for me to share my goals for the January 2011 3 in 30 Challenge.

---

{1} Faith

I will be in the Word daily, taking time to identify at least

one verse to reflect on and apply to my life.

In the past few weeks, I've been slacking in my daily time in the Word. It shows in many areas of my life, including my blogging. In order to keep accountable in this goal, I will be blogging my daily reflections here at AP Freewriting.

{2} Fitness

I will do at least 20 minutes of cardio at least five days a week.

This summer, I started running regularly, and I actually enjoyed it. But when it started getting darker earlier in the mornings, it became unsafe to be running in our neighborhood. When we moved, I was really looking forward to running again, but life got busy and it got pushed to the back burner. I want to start at least walking each morning (even if I have to take the kids with me), eventually building back up to my summer running mileage and time.

{3} Food

I will eat at least one serving each of fruit and vegetables each day.

I'm horrible about eating a balanced diet, especially where fruits and vegetables are involved. I actually like eating both - I just forgot to fix them as sides with my meals. I want to start eating more of each, not only for myself, but also as a reminder to serve them to my family.

---

>>> What about you? <<<

>>> Are you joining the 3 in 30 Challenge starting on Saturday? <<<

>>> What are YOUR goals for the new year? <<<

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: 3in30, ashleypichea, goals

How to Set SMART {GOALS}

Did you miss the first two posts in this series? Be sure to read {GOALS} Getting Started and 10 Tips for Setting Reasonable {GOALS}.

---

One of the biggest downfalls when setting goals is setting goals that are too big and/or cannot be measured. In order to set attainable goals, you need to set SMART goals.

{S} Set SPECIFIC Goals: A specific goal is more attainable than a generic goal.

Bad: "I will lose weight."
Good: "I will lose five pounds in four weeks."

{M} Set MEASURABLE Goals: Goals need to have a way of being objectively measured.

Bad: "I will gain followers/subscribers on my blog."
Good: "I will gain fifteen followers/subscribers on my blog this month."

{A} Set ACHIEVABLE Goals: Goals that are achievable help you to build future success on previous success.

Bad: "I will lose fifteen pounds by Friday."
Good: "I will lose five pounds this month."

{R} Set REALISTIC Goals: A realistic goal is a goal that you are both willing and able to accomplish.

Bad: "I will train from couch-potato to marathon-ready in one month."
Good: "I will train from couch-potato to 5K-ready in one month."

{T} Set TIMELY Goals: If a goal does not have a time frame set on it, it is much less likely to be accomplished.

Bad: "I will run a marathon someday."
Good: "I will be in shape to run a 5K on February 1st."

---

What SMART goals are you working on this month?

Join the 3 in 30 Challenge for accountability and encouragement to make your goals reality!

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: 3in30, ashleypichea, goals, How To

Getting Dressed Works for Me {12.29.10}

Can I just say, if I didn't have the accountability that this weekly linkup brings, I probably wouldn't get dressed half as often!

I truly do appreciate the accountability and encouragement in getting dressed each day, setting the tone for productivity in my home, and seeking to make myself more attractive (inside and out) for my husband!

{Here are my caveats for this weekly What I Wore Wednesday series.}

---

This week, I decided to do a daily breakdown of my outfits.

(I apologize for the grainy-ness of the photos. Taking photos with an iPhone in low light tends not to lend itself to great quality.)

{Wednesday} Jesus' Birthday Party

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: AE (hand-me-downs from my sister)
Slippers: Walmart

{Thursday} Our family's "Christmas Day"

Sweatshirt: Camp Barakel
Jeans: Kohls
Slippers: Walmart

{Friday} Christmas Eve - Christmas with my mom's family

Sweater: JC Penney
Jeans: Kohls
Boots: Walmart

{Saturday} Christmas Day - Christmas with my in-laws

(This was taken at the end of a long day.)

Sweater: hand-me-down from my sister
Tank-top: Walmart
Brooch: Marie Madeline Studio
Jeans: Kohls

{Sunday} Church with my family and out to eat after

Dress (turned into a shirt): gift from my sister
Sweater: I honestly don't remember - I bought it five years ago on NYE to stay warm at a party we were headed to.
Pants: JC Penney

{Monday} Ran to the bank (drive-thru) and worked from home

Pullover: Peak 3
Jeans: Kohls

{Tuesday} Didn't leave the house - the kids and I all had a pajama day

Top: GAP (my husband found it in the lost and found when he was cleaning in the local college dorms four years ago)
Pants: Old Navy (borrowed from my husband's closet)

---

>>> How'd you do this week?

>>> Did you manage to get dressed, set the tone for productivity in your home, and look presentable?

---

Want to stay better connected?

I'm linked up to Works for Me Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, and iFellowship today.

Labels: ashleypichea, WFMW, What I Wore Wednesday

10 Tips for Setting Reasonable {GOALS}

Goals are more effective than resolutions, as they are specific and measurable. As the new year approaches, consider setting goals rather than resolutions.

Here is a list of ten tips for setting reasonable goals.

Express your goal positively: I will accomplish "x" by "this date."
Be precise - set SMART goals.
Set priorities - tackle goals in order of importance.
Write your goals down.
Find someone to keep you accountable.
Keep your operational goals small - break bigger goals into smaller steps.
Set performance goals, not outcome goals - there are things beyond your control. Set goals that you can control: I will run in a 5K on March 10th versus I will come in first place at a 5K on March 10th.
Set realistic goals - making one goal reality will give you the success you need to work on the next goal on your list.
Keep the big picture in mind.
Be flexible - be willing to alter your intended goals if necessary.

>>> Do you have any tips for setting reasonable goals? <<<

---

This post is being linked to Top Ten Tuesday hosted by Oh Amanda.

---

Don't miss the 3 in 30 Challenge starting January 1st!

Thinking about setting goals? You might enjoy these posts about setting goals:

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: 3in30, ashleypichea, goals, How To, TopTenTues

{GOALS} Getting Started

Just a few days away from 3 in 30...

...and I haven't finalized my goals for January.

I only need to come up with three {3} SMART goals, and yet, I'm stuck.

Anybody with me?

This week, I want to take a look at how to develop goals and see those goals become reality.

"Setting goals is more than deciding what you want to do. It involves figuring out what you need to do to get where you want to go. And how long it will take you to get there." (Source)

The first task in developing goals is to determine what you want to do. Think of the "big picture" in this step.

Is there an area in your life that you'd like to see improvement in?
Do you have a skill you'd like to learn?
Is there a character quality you'd like to possess?
Are you looking to grow in an area of knowledge?

If you're like me, this list might be overwhelming - too many goals, no clue how to see any of them to fruition, too ambitious, etc. If this is the case, you need to categorize your goals and prioritize the order in which you would like to see them realized.

Others of you may be underwhelmed, staring at a blank sheet of paper. If this is you, I'd encourage you to find a friend to bounce around ideas. Maybe you can walk around your house with a pad of paper and pause in each room to reflect on the activities that take place there. If you are still looking for inspiration, take a few minutes to read through some of the other 3 in 30 participants lists and "borrow" their ideas!

Next, you need to break that goal into smaller pieces. Break the goal into stair steps - create a SMART goal for each of the steps. These SMART goals will build upon one another to help you reach the big picture goal.

{To be continued... }

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: 3in30, ashleypichea, goals, How To

Caffeinated Conversations {12.24.10}

Welcome to a special Christmas-y edition of Caffeinated Conversations.

Since I missed last week (due to traveling) and I'm traveling again today, I thought I'd leave you with a holiday wish from my family.

Merry Christmas! May you enjoy this celebration of our Savior's birth!

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Caffeinated Conversations, Christmas

Christmas Angels {a vlog review}

I am so excited to share this book from Tommy Nelson with you, especially with Christmas being only a few days away!

As you know {if you've read my blog at all this month}, I love Christmas, especially when it comes to the greatest gift ever given! Christmas Angels from Tommy Nelson is such a fun book to share with my kids this Christmas season - teaching them about the Christmas story and sharing God's greatest gift with them!

{If you're reading this post in an email or via RSS feed and don't see the video embedded, be sure to click over to the blog.}

Be sure to watch the whole video - Jenny "reads" the Christmas story at the end!

If you commented on ANY post during the month of December (through 12/21), you had a chance to win a copy of Christmas Angels from Tommy Nelson.

I went to Random.org yesterday to choose a winner, and Jen won!

Thanks to Tommy Nelson for providing copies of Christmas Angels for review and giveaway. Be sure to grab your copy of Christmas Angels today!

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Book Review, Christmas, Giveaways

Top 10 Tuesday: {It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas}

If you've read any of my posts lately, you know that I'm a bit giddy about Christmas. And it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around my house as of late.

How so?

{1}

Christmas books on the side table, waiting to be read.

{2}

Christmas CDs on my playlists and in my CD players

{3}

Christmas linens out and about in the kitchen

{4}

Jesus' birthday present

{5}

Christmas cards from family and friends on the side table

{6}

The nativity scene on top of my piano

{7}

My Christmas tree decked and ready for presents

{8}

My favorite Christmas candy sitting near my desk

{9}

Christmas cookies waiting to be eaten

{10}

Watching my favorite Christmas movie {White Christmas}
while enjoying my early Christmas present {fireplace}

What triggers the mood for you? Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your house?

---

Want to stay better connected?

This post is being linked up at Top Ten Tuesday hosted by Oh Amanda.

Labels: ashleypichea, Christmas, TopTenTues

Lego Love {A Christmas-y Guest Post}

I'm thrilled to bring you a week of Christmas-y posts this week!!

---

Today's post comes from Lana, at ilovemy5kids.

My son begged me to take a picture of this it seemed for eons. Every time he would ask me – I was either preoccupied or just too tired.

Finally, he caught me when I was not doing a thing and asked with a sweet smile. How could I refuse? I got up off the couch and let him take a picture.

Some of those men were from Star War kits. Others from Indiana Jones (I think). Others were just regular Lego men.

All different tribes coming to serve the same Lord!

There is power in the blood of Jesus! Angels cannot be called redeemed!

Fanny Crosby is one of my favorite authors. Her hymns are powerful. Have you ever heard this popular old hymn?

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
(Lyrics: Fanny Crosby, 1882)

During this Christmas season, I tend to get all caught up in the hustle and bustle. All of sudden in a crowded store – I will hear a Christmas song about my Savior and tears will just start flowing. I can’t help it! What He has done for me and the whole world (who most - have not a clue) are singing about Him!

Yes, I love this time of year! Celebrating the One who gave His life for those who deserved death. I’m still in awe!

As a Christian, I’m redeemed! His love is the the theme of my song and His child and forever I am!

If you see me in the store and a Christmas song is playing – just hand me a tissue!

Merry Christmas! Blessings to you! You are loved!

---

Lana is the author of ilovemy5kids. She has 5 precious kids that she educates at home. Her husband and her are constantly remodeling their older home and enjoying life in Texas. She loves to read good books, writes Family Friendly Reviews and make easy recipes!

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Christmas, Guest Posts

Announcing: #3in30!!

EDIT: If you're looking for SMART goal suggestions,

check out this post full of great goal ideas!

---

{If you've been following me on Twitter, you've probably seen me mention how excited I am about #3in30... today's the BIG REVEAL!! Read on...}

2011 is almost upon us. Have you started thinking about New Years’ Resolutions?

3 in 30 is a joint-venture between Meghan Tucker {The Tuckers Take Tennessee} and Ashley Pichea {AP Freewriting}, overflowing from our own accountability relationship. We want to encourage and challenge you to accomplish your goals!

As lovers of lists, we’ve found that our lists can often be overwhelming to the point of not successfully attaining any of our goals. So we’ve decided to team up to keep each other accountable, and we want you to join us!

Let’s break down our lists into bite-sized chunks, and let’s check up on each other over the course of a month. Together we can accomplish our goals!

It takes 21 days to create new habits. Each month (approximately each 30 days) we’ll start fresh with no more than 3 goals we want to work on. Throughout the month we’ll provide weekly link-ups and opportunities for daily encouragement and accountability.

Here’s how we’ll do it:

Grab a button and put it somewhere on your blog. (Include this button in your weekly update posts, too!)
Add a twibbon to your Twitter profile picture.
Follow us on Twitter! {@3n30}
Brainstorm and make a list of three attainable goals for the month of January. {We will take it month by month, so only pick three for this month, and then we'll move on in February and come up with three more.}
Throughout the week, check in with us on Twitter using the hashtag #3in30 or on our Facebook page!
There will be a weekly link-up on each of our blogs for you to link up your posts about your progress. This will be used for the rest of us to come and visit, read how you're doing, encourage, and support you.

When will the link-up be? Every Friday at midnight CST.

Be as creative as you'd like with your posts. Ask yourself these questions: (1) What are my goals for this month? (2) What have I done this week to get closer to meeting my goal? (3) Have I taken some time to get to know the others involved in this challenge? If so, who have you enjoyed visiting their blog and getting to know? (4) Post pictures if you'd like!

So, start brainstorming - come January 1st it's on! We'll be encouraging each other, making new friends, and accomplishing our goals all at the same time.

We are so excited and cannot wait for you to join us!

Labels: 3in30, ashleypichea

It's a Week of Reader Interaction - Day Four {The "F" Words}

This week is going to be interactive! Each day, I'll post something to make you stop and think, and then I want you to respond in the comments...

---

I created this "F" Word picture at Wordle.net, using some words that are important to me. Take a look and then answer one or more of the questions below.

Answer these questions:

Pick three of these words that are important to you.
Out of those three, tell me why at least one of them is important to you.
Which of these words would you like read a series of posts on?
Can you think of any more "F" words that would fit in this picture?

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Reader Feedback

Getting Dressed Works for Me {12.15.10}

This week is going to be interactive! Each day, I'll post something to make you stop and think, and then I want you to respond in the comments...

---

Today's challenge is about building each of our characters and wardrobes.

I want to turn this weekly series into more than just a means of accountability for myself.

I want us all to benefit.

So, my goal for 2011 is to focus on a different character quality each week on Wednesday, and I'm hoping to start working with some different clothing/accessory companies to bring you free stuff!

{Here are my caveats for this weekly What I Wore Wednesday series.}

Let me know what you think:

What character qualities do you struggle with?
What qualities do you have "figured out" that you'd like to share with us about?
Do you have a favorite clothing line or source of accessories?
What pieces are missing in your wardrobe?

---

Want to stay better connected?

---

I'm linked up to Works for Me Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, and iFellowship today.

Labels: ashleypichea, Reader Feedback, WFMW, What I Wore Wednesday

It's a Week of Reader Interaction - Day Two

This week is going to be interactive! Each day, I'll post something to make you stop and think, and then I want you to respond in the comments...

---

I used Wordle.net to create this image of the possible blog post topics.

Take a look and then answer one or more of the questions below...

Answer one or more of the following:

Which words stand out to you?
Which words make you want to know more?
Which words surprise you?
How would you sum up all these words?

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Reader Feedback

It's a Week of Reader Interaction - Day One

This week is going to be interactive! Each day, I'll post something to make you stop and think, and then I want you to respond in the comments...

---

I used Wordle.net to create this image of the most used words on this blog in the past few weeks.

Take a look and then answer one or more of the questions below...

Answer one or more of the following:

Which words stand out to you?
Which words make you want to know more?
Which words surprise you?
Which words say "AP Freewriting" to you?

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Reader Feedback

Caffeinated Conversations {12.10.10}

Have you managed to find the calm in the midst of the chaos of this holiday season?

Today's caffeinated conversation is a light-hearted discussion, sharing our favorite Christmas memories with one another. I can't wait to hear your favorite Christmas memories in the comments below!

If you are viewing this post in a reader or email and do not see the embedded video, please visit the blog to watch Caffeinated Conversations {12.10.10}!

It's your turn! Share your favorite Christmas memory with us!!

Want to stay better connected?

This post is linked up to Company Girls Coffee Caffeinated Randomness, and Critty Joy Christmas.

Labels: ashleypichea, Caffeinated Conversations, CGC

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

In my study of the Gospel of John this fall, I've been reading Moody Gospel Commentary: John. In it, the author paints a brilliant picture of John the Baptist’s attitude towards his ministry:

“John the Baptist understood the subordinate and temporary character of his ministry. He found his joy in attracting others to Jesus even at the expense of losing his own following” (p. 85).

This example of John resonated with me. Too often, my pride gets in the way, trumping the focus on Christ in my ministry. The issue is where I’m focused.

When I start to build myself up within my ministry instead of lifting Christ up, I’m failing to understand and fulfill my ministry purpose.

---

How do you keep your focus on Christ?

What have you found to be helpful in keeping

your pride in check in the realm of your ministry?

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, Ministry

Announcing another winner!!

Congratulations to Holly (Chronicles of a Southern Scrapper) who said, "I love the entire line of products like your platter!" She won the $35 gift certificate to DaySpringOnline!!

Didn't win? DaySpringOnline is offering FREE SHIPPING on any purchase of $25 or more. Use the coupon code "FREESHIP25" through 01/10/2011 at checkout to save!!

Thanks to DaySpringOnline and (in)courage for sponsoring this giveaway!!

Labels: ashleypichea, Giveaways

#HelloMornings Works for Me!

I'm back on the #HelloMornings bandwagon. I haven't actually been over to the weekly linkups, but I'm using the Twitter stream to keep myself accountable.

The first week was a bit rough - I was trying to do it sans an alarm clock again {see my vlog recaps from the August challenge here}, but I haven't been getting a solid night's sleep very often the past week or so due to kids deciding to climb in my bed during the night.

So, this week, I decided to use an alarm clock to help me wake up. I strongly dislike {hate} using an alarm clock, so I'm happy that my body is starting to adjust to the new wake-up time on its own!

Why does #HelloMornings work for me?

I'm not a morning person by nature - I'd much rather lay under the covers for hours, especially when it's cold outside.
I'm a much better mommy and wife {and all around person} when I start my day in the Word before my kids get up.
I like HOT coffee, and if I don't get up within two hours of my husband (who leaves for work at 7:00am), the coffee pot shuts itself and the coffee gets cold.
I need accountability - I have awful self-discipline issues {I mean well, but rarely follow through}, so checking in each morning helps to keep me going.
I get more done during the day if I get going early - if I wait til my kids are up, they occupy the start of my day, and then I am less productive throughout the entire day.

---

What does your morning routine look like?

Have you found a quiet time routine that helps you
to keep your focus on Christ throughout the day?

---

Want to stay better connected?

Labels: ashleypichea, WFMW

<$BlogTitle$> <$BlogItemTitle$>

L.I.F.E. by Ashley Pichea

12.30.2010

My 3 in 30 Goals for January

12.29.2010

How to Set SMART {GOALS}

Getting Dressed Works for Me {12.29.10}

12.28.2010

10 Tips for Setting Reasonable {GOALS}

12.27.2010

{GOALS} Getting Started

12.24.2010

Caffeinated Conversations {12.24.10}

12.23.2010

Christmas Angels {a vlog review}

12.21.2010

Top 10 Tuesday: {It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas}

{1}

{2}

{3}

{4}

{5}

{6}

{7}

{8}

{9}

{10}

12.20.2010

Lego Love {A Christmas-y Guest Post}

12.17.2010

Announcing: #3in30!!

12.16.2010

It's a Week of Reader Interaction - Day Four {The "F" Words}

12.15.2010

Getting Dressed Works for Me {12.15.10}

12.14.2010

It's a Week of Reader Interaction - Day Two

12.13.2010

It's a Week of Reader Interaction - Day One

12.10.2010

Caffeinated Conversations {12.10.10}

12.09.2010

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

Announcing another winner!!

12.08.2010

#HelloMornings Works for Me!

About Me

Links

Previous Posts

Archives