New Year's Resolutions

I’ve heard a lot of people say, “I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions.” Well, that’s fine. But I do. Not that I’m a believer in trying to make ourselves perfect or better somehow in our own strength, but I think that Christian walk is a series of new beginnings, and what better time for a new beginning than at the beginning of a new year? So, I usually do make New Year’s goals, things that I pray through and ask God to work in me as I partner with Him by obedience and submission to Him. Today I read through my 2007 New Year’s Resolutions and was tremendously encouraged to see that God HAD done awesome work in those areas. My 2007 New Year’s Resolutions were:

1. Maintain weekly date night with Jeff
2. Maintain weekly Me-time
3. Play with Dutch everyday & teach him something everyday
4. Read 25 books, half of which nourish my spirit, all of which stimulate my mind
5. Exercise at least 3 days/week
6. Read Word, pray, and journal daily
7. Make Dutch’s scrapbook
8. Send pics of Dutch to grandparents every other week

Yes, sometimes Jeff and my date nights are no more than a scrabble game and a cup of tea once Dutch is in bed, but hey, we’re still in love and communicating and spending time together, so to me that’s success. I can’t say I journal daily, but I’ve been writing in this blog a lot and that counts for something. Dutch’s scrapbook isn’t finished, but it’s almost 1/2 way done and that’s a miracle to me, so all in all, I’m thrilled and thankful to God for this wonderful past year. This year’s goals have more to do with my character and my heart than before. My goal this year is to love more. So 2008 New Year Resolutions are:

1. Be less critical/sarcastic/judgmental (Luke 6:37)
2. Be more gracious toward Jeff/Mom/Dad (Col 3:13)
3. Do not worry about money (Matt 6:33)
4. Pray more (at least 15 minutes of my morning quiet times)

And, I have two New Year’s Hopes. These things aren’t entirely in my control, but I hope to see them happen.

1. Move into a home of our own
2. Finish writing Eva, my first attempt at a novel.

That’s it. Yes, I want to continue to exercise and read books and eat healthy and finish Dutch’s scrapbook, but those things are likely going to happen naturally. My heart is what needs the work, and so this year I’m praying that God will make me quicker to listen and slower to speak, quicker to accept, slower to judge, quicker to pray, slower to act. To love more: That is my prayer for 2008.