I'm not one to set a bunch of resolutions normally. Perhaps because I like to think of myself as always in a continuous improvement mode, I choose not to set resolutions. It seems like I would be waiting all year to start over or try something new or do something better. So, I've adopted kind of a rolling resolution process.
That being said, every year I look at things around this time as many people do, and I try to think about this...
On January 1, 2014, I don't want to be sitting here wishing I had done something differently. So what do I want to do, starting today that will make me proud and excited to face January 1, 2014.
Last year this became especially real to me on January 2, 2012. How's that for timing? I was sitting reading and journaling as I often do in the early mornings. It was in this time that it was put on my heart to memorize scripture weekly with the two oldest kids. So we set a schedule of 52 scriptures that we would memorize...one for every week. And we got started.
This was not without groaning and reservation. This was not without grumbling and complaining. But I loved it. I was soaking it in. The time with my kids - precious and priceless. The time in God's Word - also priceless.
We got through 37 weeks! 37. 37. Wow. That's huge! I was disappointed and thrilled all at the same time. I wrote each verse on a notecard each week and we just studied each and every verse every week in the car on the way to work. Then when we returned to homeschooling, we incorporated it into our Bible lesson most days.
So this year, we begin again with another list of 52 scripture verses so that we continue to hide God's Word in our hearts.
I've also noted recently three other things I need and want to work on in my own life.
1. Use it up.
2. Finish it now.
3. Simplify.
Use it up refers to products and food. There are haircare products I want to buy. I've read about them on various blogs and want to give them a try on my crazy curly hair. Curly hair is so different from straight hair. And my curly hair is likely very different from your curly hair. So, I wanted to give things a try. But I also realized that I have tons of product in my cabinet. And rather than give it away, I'm going to use it up. I'm applying this principle in other areas of my life as well...the kitchen and the laundry room and anywhere else I can think of. I don't want to be wasteful. AND I want to more carefully consider my purchases.
Finish it now refers to the fact that everywhere I look in my house and garage there are projects left unfinished. Things left undone. Messes that need to be cleaned up. Some of them are simple. And yet, for whatever reason I walk past them daily and think "Hmmm, not today." Yep, I actually say it just like that in my mind. And then sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the unfinished business around the house. And yet, I find at least 10 new ideas daily on Pinterest that I want to try. Husband asked me to put a lock on the gate last week since we got the new dog. Last week. Last week he asked me. And today. Today I did it. At least 5 days after he asked me.
Why is that a big deal? It's not. Really. But I'm tired of knowing things need to be done and then being frustrated when they aren't done. And only I can change that.
Simplify refers to getting rid of stuff. Stuff that doesn't matter. Stuff that is just stuff, clutter, materialism that doesn't add to the good in our home. Stuff that gets in the way of enjoying time with my kids because it has to be cleaned, moved, fixed, finished, whatever. Honestly in a year, I'd love to get rid of 30 percent of our junk...because in fact, it is...junk.
So there you have my resolutions for lack of a better term. Happy New Year!
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