In my last post, I talked about the intentions I’ve set for my year. One of them was to listen to my intuition and follow my gut. There are a few aspects of personal development that I’ve felt pulled to over the last few months. I can’t get these things out of my mind, I keep coming back to them. So, to honor my own intuition, I’m making a plan of action to include more of certain things in my life.

Music. I used to play the violin. For a while now, whenever I hear violin music, I’ve felt an almost physical longing and ache to play again. So I’m looking for a teacher, figuring out how I can fit lessons and practicing into our lives.

Nature study, for myself. I’ve mentioned before that I’m just not very outdoorsy, so lack on consistency in our homeschool nature study has left me feeling like a failure. But I can’t let it go. I believe in the importance of connecting with nature, even though this is difficult for me. So its something I’m making time for. Not for my kids benefit, but for myself.

Taking better care of my body, for different reasons. I’ve come across the idea of consecration a few time lately in my personal gospel study. Taking good care of my body- eating well, getting enough sleep, being active- is a form on consecration. The process of doing these things will sanctify me as I become more disciplined and therefore a better disciple.

• Romans 12:1-2: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
• “Glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• D. Todd Christofferson says “As the body is the instrument of our spirit, it is vital that we care for it as best we can. We should consecrate its powers to serve and further the work of Christ.”
• Russel M. Nelson says, “Our highest sense of sacrifice is achieved as we make ourselves more sacred and holy. This we do by our obedience to the commandments of God. This, the laws of obedience and sacrifice are indelibly intertwined… as we comply with these commandments something wonderful happens to us. We become discipled! We become disciples! We become more sacred and holy- like our Lord.” And what is eating healthy and being active, if not an exercise of obedience and sacrifice?

Simplicity in our homeschool. I know I’ve made quite a few changes to the way we do things since we began homeschooling, but this is what my gut is telling me is right for our family right now. I need to keep things as simple as possible, and leave lots of margin for strengthening our relationships with each other, exploring outdoors and nature walks, for play, friends, and interest-led studies. Keeping things simple is a constant exercise in re-evaluation.