To A New Year

I love New Year's Resolutions. More like deciding, planning and making goals on the year ahead.

This year, my kids are a year older and I'd like to think of myself one more year experienced 'in life'. Not that makes me wiser and more grown up but I'm slowly understanding the consequences with choices I make and there is always another perspective out there.

This year, I desire to be stronger physically, emotionally/mentally and spiritually.

Physically...I am nearing my goal weight. I was there...but then Christmas snuck up on me. It is so nice to not have weight loss on my top list this year. Getting stronger, healthier and making better choices food/exercise wise will be my goal. Seeing that my kids are getting older and watching me, I want them to see them have an active, positive example of caring for the body God has given me.

Spiritually...I am wanting to pray more, dig more into my Bible and listen to what God wants for me. These past few weeks, I have sensed God's voice guiding me and leading me to the path I am walking on. I'm uncertain if this spiritual journey means reading my Bible in a year or doing topical studies to discover who God is, where He is calling me and what He wants me to do. I do know that God made me to crave Him...and my desire is to go to Him rather than meaningless desires the world offers.

Emotionally/Mentally...I want to stop listening and start praying against the negative self-talk that fills my head and seek fullness and love from my Creator instead. I realize that life isn't perfect...I don't want perfect. I have tried to seek perfection and each time, I have fallen flat on my face. I desire to show others around me love, despite how I've been treated or how my feelings have been left bruised.

Another goal I have is to instill Godly character in my children's lives. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. I have put in effort to shape their lives, but to pray and parent in such a way that teaches them about their Creator and the value they are in His eyes (and ours too).

I also see this year as a year to get back to the basics financially. I feel that I'm immature when it comes to my spending habits. I am working towards becoming more aware of my choices, keeping an accurate and completed budget/spending log. January is my trial month. If I cannot keep to my plan, I will beginning February using cash rather than credit and debit. I'm hoping that this will help me be accountable! Hey, if you have advice or tips how you manage, I'd love to hear them.

What are your hopes and goals for this new year?

Blessings to you and yours as you ring in the New Year!

Andrea