New Year's Resolution

You know I don't know if I have ever really sat down and written out my new year's resolutions. I have for some reason had things popping in my head all day that I would really like to accomplish so I thought I would sit down and attempt to put them down on paper. (This is somewhat of an attempt to hold myself accountable to these things) Earlier today I was googling New Year's resolutions just to see what the experts say and I came across an article that was named "What sort of New Year's Resolution should a Christian make?" As I read this article I realized that I was going about these New Year's resolutions all wrong. Was I making this list for me or for God? Was I going to attempt to do these things by my own power and works or through God's power and works? I quickly realized that I could not accomplish any of these things without God's provision, wisdom, and strength.

"I can do everything through him that gives me strength" Philippians 4:13

1. Blog more. Well I haven't posted a blog in over three months. We have so many blessings and cool things in our lives that I would like to share with my friends and family through my blog. Landon is growing like a weed and I really want to have something that he can reminisce about when he gets older.

2. Read the bible more often to grow in my spiritual life. God is really working on me and my obedience. I know that God has plenty more in store for me through my quiet time with myself and God's Word.

3. Pay an additional 1000 on credit card debt so that I can be released from those burdens asap. I know that God will provide but sometimes don't you just want something to go away!!! Lord I lift that debt up to you now!!!

4. Save $ towards Bobby a hunting trip (Bobby's dream is to go on a hunting trip. I would love to be able to surprise him with a trip to another state to hunt a big buck.....a couple of years down the road)

5. Find Landon a school by Feb. (I have a burden on my heart to send Landon to a private Christian school. Although it does cost additional money I know that God will provide if it is the right decision)

6. Always have $10 in my God Pocket. I heard this on the radio and I thought it was a great idea. What if we all had $10 set aside to use in those times that God speaks to us and tells us to hand it to the homeless man, or to buy a few items for the needy person in front of you in the grocery line) What a great way to show God's love

7. Find an additional income????? Hmmm…… aren't we all looking for this? I have so many ideas on how to make additional money on the side but I never really act on them. One thing that I would like to do is list things that I no longer use on craigslist so that I can make an additional $500 this year. Hopefully I will think of more and I'll let you in on my secret when I do)

8. Take a photography class. One of my passions is taking pictures. I would love to have this as a career one day or at least a side business because I enjoy it so much. My first step is to take a class to completely understand my camera. Then I can take off!!!!

9. Action Plan to become store manager. God has had a tremendous hand in placing me in the business that I work for. I can't tell you how many people have prayed for me to get the position that I just got over the last two months. I know that he is not finished with me yet and when it is God's time hopefully I can move up to become a store manager. I need to create another whole set of goals to get there. (I'll save that for work)

10. Volunteer minimum 50 hours. Doesn't volunteering make you feel so good in your heart? Why don't I do it more often I ask myself all the time?? Maybe if I put it on my list and get my great friend Elizabeth to hold me accountable to this (she has the same goal but many more hours) I can mark this off my list and create another one with more hours. This is less than 5 hours a month so I hope to do more.

11. Get both bathrooms painted and completed. I have been in this house for over three years now and I still haven't finished the bathrooms yet. I think it is time!

12. Get baby's room done by end of Feb. God has blessed our family with another boy, Luke Allen. He will be here so soon and haven't even really started decorating his room yet.

13. Cut out and use coupons to save money (Ok I am not too lazy to cut the coupons out because I do that all the time but I am not organized enough to sort and remember what coupons that I even have. I need to start off with planning my meals and my grocery list ahead of time so that I know in advance what coupons I need.

14. Ok if I have to plan out meals for cutting coupons maybe just maybe it will help me with this New Year's goal to cook more often. I don't even want to put how many times a week because they are supposed to be achievable. I will definitely have to ask God with help on this one!!

15. Last is to continue to add to this list and find ways to make a difference in people's life.

Dear God,

I know that with a new year brings changes and new beginnings. These New Year's resolutions that I have laid before you are just the beginning of change for 2010 for me. Give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to carry out these resolutions so that they may bring glory and honor to you. I pray that you show me the way and open the door for those resolutions that have not yet been added to this list. Thank you in advance!!

In Jesus name I pray…..Amen

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!