\ˈmärk\
1. a boundary land
2. something (as a line, notch, or fixed object) designed to record position
3. target
4. the starting line or position in a track event
5. goal; object
6. a standard of performance, quality, or condition
7. sign, indication
8. an impression (as a scratch, scar, or stain) made on something
9. a distinguishing trait or quality
10. a symbol used for identification or indication of ownership
11. a written or printed symbol
12. a grade
13. a figure registering a point or level reached or achieved
14. attention, notice
15. an assessment of merits
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to mark something is so beneficial.
if you don't mark your calendar for a commitment, you may forget and regret your lack of doing so.
if you forget to get your hand marked when entering a venue, you may be kicked out.
if you get a low mark on an assignment, you know to try harder next time to improve your grade.
if a road is not marked, you won't know where you are or how to get to where you want to go.
if you don't know the mark which you're working towards, you may feel that your work is pointless.
you can miss marks.
you can make marks.
you can reach marks.
you can be marked.
you can mark.
you can acknowledge marks.
1 year ago, i acknowledged a mark. a mark in the future that i would just keep in the back of my mind.
i began my 24th year with the decision to live it well and intentional, praying and hoping it'd be one of transformation. physical transformation. spiritual transformation. life transformation.
3 days ago marked the last day of year 24.
2 days ago marked the first day of year 25.
1 day ago i consciously placed a mark, in the form of a motto, on these next 365 days.
"Live. Now."
i began my 25th year full of gratitude and excitement... i have met the mark i set out for myself. i had no real "goal weight" in mind... i had no real "level of spirituality" in mind. but i know that for each, i have made leaps in the right direction. it's been a journey, this past 24th year of transFORmation, yet it's only the beginning...
top - 4.13.13 bottom - 4.13.14
i am stronger, healthier, more knowledgeable, and down an overall total of 34" and 38 pounds! i am training for my first half marathon (happening in just a month!) and i have been discovering so many new bones and muscles i never knew i even had! most importantly though, i simply feel better.
although i believe that the best is STILL yet to come, there is so much beauty and goodness to be found and seen in THIS moment. THIS day. THIS season.
during year 24, i looked forward to april 12, 2014... the day that would mark 1 year, the day that i would determine if i met the mark. although i didn't want to miss out on any parts of 24, my eyes never strayed too far from focusing on a date... 365... 287... 194... 51... 3 days away.
during year 25, my mark of a year well lived will be in how i live in the present... how i put the Lord first... how i listen... how i embrace each challenge and joy... how i experience a full life because i'm grateful for it all. i want to trust wholeheartedly in the Lord's leading and i pray my faith not only grows more this year but BLOOMS. He is enough for me. He will provide what i need for each step i'm led to take.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
(1 Timothy 4:8)
(1 Timothy 4:8)
