....In With The New....

A New Year begins....

Typically, we choose resolutions to begin the year, though I learned an important lesson last year. I had made several resolutions last year.... to lose weight, be a better mom, get more exercise, make healthy lifestyle changes..... You know... that kind of stuff.

What I realized is that all of them tied to one thing: Getting adequate rest. When I am more rested, I AM a better mom, I have the energy to exercise and the patience to make healthy choices.

I also learned that each DAY is new, and that living with my eyes and heart focused on HIM is really what I need each day. Everything else is secondary.... even the "being a better mom" part.

So, that is where I intend to set my focus in 2010. On Him.

May I stay focused and rested...

Happy New Year... may you realize how blessed you are!

Happy New Year!

I like the whole "New Year" concept, though, honestly, I need to remember: it's just another day. Somehow, it's been given this big glorious entry, this big celebration. Yes, it's a new calendar and birthday list for my fridge. And, yes, I do have an idea of how I would like to live differently - focus differently - in 2009. But, I don't have to wait until the New Year to do that.

Every day - every moment, actually - were are given the opportunity to begin again. To start anew. To choose differently. At any point, I can re-direct. It's interesting to me, that I choose THIS day - New Year's Day - to do that. How often I forget that I am able to reset my attitude, or shift my behavior at any moment.

I do appreciate the (not so subtle) reminder to evaluate and set goals. It does help me. But I wish for it to be a daily inventory, rather than a more prolonged one. Remind me, Lord.

I wish you all a happy and healthy 2009! May Peace, Joy, Hope and Love abound! May we continue to be "stalked" as we make our way into this New Year.

Gaining the Whole World

"I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul"

It's the line of a song that has resonated with me lately. As I think of the year to come, and wonder of it's possibilities, it reminds me to keep my focus.

There are so many things I COULD do - and many that the world perhaps says I SHOULD do. But I don't want the world.

I want "God-connect". That. That wonderful ASL sign whose meaning English words fail to fully capture. I'll have to show it to you sometime...it's awesome. Really, really awesome. And, it's what I want. And when I feel it, it's all I want.

Yes, there are tons of things I'd love to buy or have - but nothing that I need. "All I have needed Thy hands hath provided...." I have what I need. And for that I am grateful.

I want to continue to serve...Joyfully. I want to continue to be where God would have me.

May I hear clearly. May I follow.