2012 Goals & Promises

It is that time of year -- time to make the annual list of Resolutions most of which we never keep. Have you considered yours? I've spent some time the last few weeks thinking about 2012 very seriously. I am tired of making resolutions that aren't backed with enough passion to actually survive. Yesterday, on the organic list, the question was phrased "what are your promises to yourself". That made me think. Perhaps the problem was that it is much easier to give up on a resolution that nobody ever keeps than it is to give up on a promise one has made for oneself? 

But, some things really don't rise to the level of "promise". Many homesteading goals are just that: what we hope to accomplish Lord willing and the creek don't rise (or drought come, or hurricane destroy). So, I made a bit of a different list this year -- half "goals" and half "promises". The full list follows but I will expound on most of the promises in my other blog.

2012 Goals:

Homestead:

1. Pantry=work the plan, build the emergency pantry

2. Rabbits=build cages & shelter, obtain Silver Fox Rabbits from breeder in Florida

3. Poultry=build chicken tractor, obtain layers, obtain Muscovy ducks

4. Built berm/swale

5. Plant more fruit trees, muscadine arbor, etc.

6. Create & plant mixed beds of vegetables/herbs/flowers

2012 Promises:

1. More time each day in spiritual pursuits: Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, worship, silence/listening, etc.

2. Ministry opportunities: Reaching Our Community Ministry, Teen Sunday School class, Music, Intercessory Prayer Group (WIN)

3. Eat healthier & Work on mobility

4. Clear out “excess” à voluntary simplicity & frugality

5. manage time so as to have time for crafts and reading

6. Blogs: blog more often, improve blogs appearance and performance

As you can see, 2012 is a year of building up here on the homestead. Between drought and neighbors much of the physical efforts put forth in 2011 have little or nothing to show for all the sweat and tears. We aren't nearly as far along as I'd hoped we'd be at this point. But, no sense in bemoaning things that can't be helped. 

I have made a shopping plan for the year to build a basic pantry. Each week, we will set aside $15 and purchase a staple item (i.e., flour, sugar, rice, etc.). By the end of the year, we should have a good foundation for a pantry. The long term goal is to have a one year pantry. The point of the pantry is to be assured that when IT hits the fan, we have food and other necessities. 

The purpose of the rabbits, chickens, ducks, and gardens are to improve our self-sufficiency both short term and long term. They can also serve as "cash crops" when cash is needed. And, it is a ministry opportunity -- a chance to share with those who are hungry. 

Then, there are the promises. I promise to take better care of myself this year. To eat healthy, exercise, and relax so that I am healthier and happier. I am learning to nurture myself and not allow the busyness of life take precedence over my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Not on the list but something our family has promised each other this coming year is to play games and enjoy each other's company more. We had a wonderful time on Christmas day playing card games and Yahtzee. That will become a more common occurrence.  Laughter is good for the soul. Family bonds are critical in a world so full of strife.