Ben and I thrive off making to-do lists and setting and accomplishing goals. So it's no surprise that we were chatty this weekend as we thought and dreamed about the start of a new year.

We talk personal goals

family goals

ministry goals.

I have several goals that began in 2010 that are carrying over and some I am really excited about putting into practice. The boys and I are gonna do a LEGO Creation book with pictures and descriptions of all their hard work on their LEGO creations. I'm memorizing the book of Ephesians and Ben and I are just 5 weeks away from finally completing P90X.

But one thing that is always on my mind (and it's not always in a good light) is how ever-changing our family life is. Our ministry has taken us to several states, thus we have lived in several homes. We are currently renting an apartment that could raise the monthly rent come May...which means another move. I don't like that I often focus on the possibilities of another move which keeps me from planting roots in our current home. When my constant thinking turns to worry, I am saying that I don't trust God enough.So I'm constantly giving this back to God.

With this being said, I believe this to be our Year of Traditions. Traditions take root. They repeat themselves. They are celebrations.

Since we have had children, I have anticipated traditions being a part of our family, but I have shied away from beginning any or keeping any as we have often been in transition.

Well,

forget that! Moves happen in ministry, especially when you rent.

Whether we are in our current home in one year or not, here are a few traditions the Pilgreens will joyfully observe in 2011!

Salvation Day

January 7.2007, March 23.1985, and April 25.1985 are the days that Elijah, myself, and Ben gave our lives to Jesus. We will tell our story that day and together thank God for saving us!

EPIC Church Birthday

This February 13, Epic has its grand opening. We have held preview services since October 10, 2010, but this day we begin weekly services. Happy Birthday, Epic!

Valentine's Day

We will continue the old practice of letter writing to our friends and family as we make valentines.

Baseball Opening Season Day

On an April day, we'll make a baseball pancake breakfast and play a family game in the park to celebrate the start of the 2011 baseball season. Let's Go Giants!

San Francisco Day

In May, we will celebrate God calling us to live and serve the city of San Francisco.

I'm sure this will involve Tony's Pizza and gelato!

Hero Boot Camp

I did this with the boys last summer and we had so much fun. I took some character traits and lessons that we want to be a part of our family and we did some fun games and activities for a few days.

This is my 'just getting started' list.

We have started our year off well with a week's worth of all new recipes that are healthy and delicious...so far. We've grabbed some items from the farmer's market that have quickly become 'keepers.'

We've also had fun with this new after-Christmas idea:

We packed every ornament away, but kept out all the Christmas cards that we received. During our family time at night, we let each of the boys draw a card out of the tin. We talk about that family and how we know them and then the boys pray for that family's 2011. It's easy and natural to make prayer time about ourselves. We want our prayers to be that of intercession as we challenge our boys to pray for others.