Thursday, December 30, 2010

Out with the Old, In With The New

December 30, 2010
      It’s funny how the end of a year brings on the desire to journal and make changes (or resolutions).  Stores and magazines have all kinds of products and suggestions for how to “organize” your life. 
      There’s also something about the end of one year and the beginning of another that gives us the breathing room to take a look at our lives and see what we have to be thankful for and what we need to change.
      I’m very leery of New Years Resolutions because it almost seems as if I’m setting myself up for failure.  How many resolutions have I made and then broken.  I think that may cause more damage than anything. 
      Instead, I think I will try to start fresh every day.  Who says you have to wait until January 1st, or the beginning of a new day, week, or month to begin again after “falling off the wagon” so to speak.  Each day has many opportunities for new beginnings. 
      Therefore, if I eat something fattening for lunch, it does not give me the license to “blow it” the rest of the day.  I can restart my healthy eating plan (no diets here)immediately after.  If I don’t get to exercise one day, I can begin again the next (or even later that evening)!
      I also tend to dwell on my regrets instead of taking the steps to actually minimize damage done or change the future.  Why is that?  Do we all do this to some degree?  Events of the past cannot be changed, but attitudes and actions for the future can.
      So, here’s to a new year of fresh beginnings, fresh attitudes, and fresh hope!   
      Happy New Year!

      Shellie

My Favorite Scriptures

  • "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 - This is such a comforting verse when you feel anxious and uncertain about situations in your life that are difficult. God is for us!

Books I Have Read

  • Crazy Love (Overwhelmed By A Relentless God) - Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski
  • Decision Points - George W. Bush
  • Your Jesus is Too Safe - Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel-Good Savior - Jared C. Wilson