I love projects. Even if I don’t finish them, even if the list itself reproaches me and makes me feel guilty for my broken promises to myself, I still love projects. So, here are my projects for 2014. May this be the year of finishing, or at least starting, all of my projects to the glory of God.
1. West Africa Reading Project. I intended to read a great many books last year that were set in West Africa (Benin, Biafra, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo). I did read some. The stand-outs were Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and I Do Not Come to You by Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. I’m feeling as if I only scratched the surface of the literature set in this part of Africa, however. So I’m planing to devote another year to the books of West Africa. Any suggestions for can’t-miss books set in the countries of this region?
2. I have a Restore the House Project that has been forced upon me by the fire we had at our house. I’m choosing to think that it will be fun to see my forty year old house made new again and to participate in the planning and the restoring and the remodeling. In particular, we will be remodeling the kitchen. Any advice?
3. Homeschool Library Project. My plans for a private lending library for homeschoolers in my area have been put on hold by the fire, but I’m hoping to resume work on that project as soon as #2 is completed.
4. Bible Study Project. I am hoping to do some intensive Bible study this year, first on the Bible study I’m writing for my churches’ women’s retreat in April, a study of Jesus’s I AM statements in the book of John (I AM The Light of the World, I AM The Bread of Life, etc.). Then, I’m not sure what will be next, but I am open to suggestions.
5. Prayer Project. I’d like to deepen and enrich my prayer life, maybe spend a set amount of time each day in prayer. I’m curious: do you pray at a set time(s) every day, or just “on the fly”? How do you organize your prayer life? How do you stay motivated to pray consistently?
6. Picture Book Around-the-World Project. I’ve been working on a follow-up to my Picture Book Preschool curriculum (for several years I’ve been working, ruefully), called Picture Book Around the World. I’d like to really bear down and finish this year. If I do get to work on this project, expect to see lots of picture book reviews for books set in countries all over the globe. Again, recommendations?
7. Cybils Challenge. I’ve decided I’m going to at least TRY to read all of the Cybils nominees, although there are a few (mostly YA) that I’m fairly sure I won’t like well enough to finish.
8. Homeschool Co-op Project. I am one of two head coordinators for a homeschool co-op that ministers to over 100 families in this area. We offer parent-taught classes one morning a week, and we provide fellowship opportunities for homeschooling moms. It’s a time-consuming project, but I love serving there where God has called me to help parents follow their calling to homeschool.
9. U.S. Presidents Reading Project. I may only read one or two books for this project, but slowly, surely, I should manage to read a book about each president before my reading days are over.
10. Century of Books Project. I read about A Century of Books here at the blog Stuck in a Book (and here is Stuck in a Book’s 2012 Century of Books completed project). I couldn’t resist. The idea is to read one book from each year of a century, whatever century you choose, to total 100 books. Simon at Stuck in a Book chose the century from 1914-2013. I’m going to choose the century from 1851-1950. I’m using my subscription to Forgotten Books digital library to get copies of many of the books on my list.
11. Poetry Friday Project. I’d like to participate in Poetry Friday this year, at least most Fridays.
12. Bible Note-Taking Project. I continue to take notes in my Bible during Bible study, sermons, and other Biblical endeavors. I’m planning to transfer many of the notes in my current Bible to a new one that I got last year and start using the new one for future note-taking. I just jot down whatever the Holy Spirit brings to mind with the intention of giving each of my Bibles to one of my children someday.
Too many projects, especially reading projects? Probably, but I go to this list whenever I tire of what I’m working on at the time, and I can always find something else worthwhile to replace the project (or housework) from which I need a break. So in that way my project list is a blessing. I just don’t get too stressed about finishing the reading projects in particular.
Hi Sherry,
As an Australian now living in Canada I have few suggestions for your consideration “Paddle to the Sea” by Holling C. Holling is a wonderful Canadian story which would be lost without the detail pictures. There is another one I really like about a family tradition of a Christmas hockey game but I can’t remember the name. When I think of it I will add it. From Australia ‘Possum Magic’ features delightful illustrations, quintessial Australian foods and a variety of locations.
I do try to pray at regular times during the day. I try to do some meditative prayer in the morning (I use the Jesus prayer often, or the Lord’s prayer, just saying them slowly, sometimes with a rosary to keep track). My husband and I pray with the kids at their bedtime, and then together at our own. We’re hoping to get in the habit of using one of the BCP’s Evening Prayer services by the end of the year.
And then I just try to pray regularly throughout the day. St. Paul’s command to “pray constantly” is a goal I want to hit by the end of my life!