May is going to be my “take charge of my life” month.

Nope, I don’t have it all together and I definitely need a kick in the pants in a few areas!

So I’m taking on a few challenges to push me in the right direction…

#1 – 31 Days to Clean Homemaker’s Challenge

I have to get this house under control, but also do it for the right reasons. I’m currently finishing up “The Mission of Motherhood” by Sally Clarkson and this quote, referring to her husband, just jumped off the page at me…

The most important thing he taught me about home management is that it is essentially a stress-reduction system. My purpose in organizing my household is not to live up to some external value system but to make life easier and more peaceful for the whole family.

31 Days to Clean was written by Sarah Mae, and the Homemaker’s Challenge is being hosted by Christin at Joyful Mothering starting today!

*****

#2 – 65 Days to Reshaping It All

Reshaping It All is a new book out from Candace Cameron Bure {of Full House fame} that tackles the topics of healthy eating, lifestyle and body image from a God-focused perspective – just as it should be! Candace and her co-author, the encouraging and inspiring Darlene Schacht, are hosting a challenge to read the book over the next 65 days and apply the principles they share in the book.

I will take any accountability I can get in this area! Having already started into the book, I know it will be just what I need to up my desire and motivation to get healthy!

Want to sign up? Head over to the site and link-up, or just get the book and read along as they put up new posts every day!

*****

#3 – The Ministry of Motherhood with Good Morning Girls

As I mentioned earlier, I am almost done reading The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson and – no exaggeration – it has changed my life. That’s why I was so excited to hear the Good Morning Girls would be tackling The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally next!

Oh, maybe I should tell you what Good Morning Girls are first!

The “Good Morning Girls” is a title for a group of women who use electronic modes of communication – email, facebook, twitter or text messaging – to help keep each other accountable for their quiet times.

I went through the book of James with some friends during the last session and it was great – even though our communication fizzled out towards the end, we all finished the book of James!

This time around, it will almost be like an online book club – a great option for moms who don’t have a lot of time to get together every week for a book club but want to walk through a book with others!

All of the kickoff details for the summer session are right here – find some friends and sign up!

*****

It may sound like a lot to take on all of these challenges in one month, but I sense God’s leading, and I can’t wait until things get “less busy” to get moving – time to tackle them before they defeat me! Plus, these challenges all feel like blessings!

Bring it on May – I’m ready!

*****

The blessings continue…

401. Sunshine.

402. Creative juices flowing.

403. Last-minute date night!

404. Talking long after the meal is over.

405. 369 days until SOMEONE is a doctor!

406. The simple requests of a birthday boy.

407. Skyping with family.

408. Rachmaninoff Pandora station on all day – and the boys enjoyed it!

409. Grace.

410. Being on time – even early – to church TWO weeks in a row!

411. God opening new doors all over the place – and closing others.

412. Big J’s excitement over homeschool curriculum arriving in the mail.

413. Little J’s excitement over Cars 2 coming out on his birthday this year.

414. Holding hands.

415. The return of caffeine to my mornings.

416. First trip of the year to the zoo on a gorgeous morning.

417. Quotes in books that are worth sharing with everyone.

418. A successful Star Wars party for Big J – more tomorrow!

419. Sharing royal wedding moments with the boys.

420. My BEAUTIFUL sister who celebrates her birthday TODAY!!! Happy birthday Megan – we LOVE you!

*****

Are you taking on any new challenges this month?