Resolutions

Usually when we think of setting resolutions, we think of New Year's Eve.   However, as we approach a new school year it seems a perfect time for resolutions.  So here we go...

1. Time for God.  Every day.  Every day that God breathes life into my body.  Every day that God gives me on this Earth.  Every day is a gift that I want to use to dive into God's word, grow stronger in my relationship with Him, & live my life for Him.  Each year I've grown better about being in God's word, but it is still a challenge, not a habit.  I want it to be a habit.  He wants it to be a habit.  My life has offered me way too many examples of how knowing God's word can help you make it through the day, so how can I...why do I...ignore that desire in my heart?  An extra 10 minutes.  A starting point.  So my first resolution is to put my time for God first every day!
   
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

2. Speak in Kindness.  Early mornings, schedules, deadlines, activities, work...we are bombarded with so many things when the school year starts that it is easy to fall into a bad habit of being quick to speak & slow to think!  One of the biggest issues I have is being quick to speak & react to my girls when they are whining, crying, arguing, & going SUPER slow & we are late!  I have to remind myself all day, every day, that they are children.  Children that are still learning, growing, understanding.  Children who don't always see consequences of their actions (they're never been late to school, but it's a daily struggle to get there).  Children who repeat every word I say with the tone as well.  Children who I was blessed with to raise to be loving Christians who love & live for the Lord.  So my second resolution is to speak in kindness to my girls.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

3. Be Healthy.  Notice I didn't say "lose x amount" or "work out x many days" or "eat only x type food" or "get x hours of sleep".  Yes I want to lose a bit of weight.  Yes I want to work out 5 times a week.  Yes I want to eat more natural food & less junk food.  Yes I want to get more sleep.  But for me it's about being healthy.  I don't have the best genetic history, but I can do something about it.  I can get back to the basics: before I forgot that there are portion sizes that work for me.  Before I forgot that exercise is good for my body, not just for weight loss.  Before I decided that quick, easy, & fast were words that should be used to describe the food I eat.  Before I had such easy access to technology that it kept me up hours past normal.  So my third resolution is to be healthy for myself, for Chris, for my girls, for God!
   
"I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food." Job 23:12

4. Say "No".  When my girls were little, first learning, exploring, moving around, one of the first things I told them is "No".  Why as parents do we tell our children "No," because we're trying to protect them from a hot stove, sharp nail, slippery floor, dangerous street.  Well as they've grown and become involved with activities and school, I have become involved with activities and school, too!  I love helping others, volunteering at their school or our church, etc...but somewhere in constantly telling my girls "No" I forgot that it was also OK for me to tell other people "No!"  I don't like to.  It's my Achilles heal...saying "Yes" to everyone.  But I am learning slowly, surely, that I need to stop, think, & pray about what I take on in my life.  Does is still allow for my priorities to be in order (God, Chris, girls, etc)?  Even if I have time, is it something that I feel I'm called to do or is it going to add too much to my life?  Is it a need or a want for the person asking?  I need to consider my family and other resolutions before saying "Yes" to others.  So my fourth resolution is to say "No!"
   
"For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" 1 Timothy 3:5

Four.  Four Resolutions for now.  Four ways to dramatically change my life by challenging myself to live for God first.  It's going to be hard, but without a doubt I know it will be worth it.  My girls are worth it.  Chris is worth it.  God is worth it.  And through it all, I will listen to Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11