Though resolutions seem sort of cliche and just meant to be broken, I did resolve to do a few things this year. The thing is that my resolutions are more like just those things that God happens to be working on or stirring up in me at this moment in time. He's always working. It's just a matter of whether we're looking for it, or whether we're attuned to what He's trying to drill into our human skulls. Sometimes I know mine can be pretty thick.
I think the #1 thing He is calling me to this year is to seek wisdom. I don't know why, or even exactly what He wants me to be wise about (though I have a few ideas), but it's like He's been dropping a neon sign in front of me lately that says "seek wisdom." So I think I'll do that! #2 is that I want to be authentic. In faith, in life, in love. I want to be real. Anxiety and insecurity are real battles for me at times. I know He wants me to be free from those chains, and just trust that He is enough. Always enough. The subject of breaking free leads me to #3, accepting Grace. We all fall short. Like I said, it didn't even take me a day to mess up this year! And just as I pray to have grace for others, I need to truly accept the Grace He's given me. I don't want to cheapen what He did on the cross. I want to live in the truth of that incredible sacrifice that has set me free. Amazing Grace. #4 is just that I want to lighten up...to relinquish control. When I feel those reigns start to tighten, I'm usually sweating the small stuff. Or at least it's small stuff in God's economy, in light of eternity. I feel that God is really trying to work on me in this, and I am so thankful. He is making me more aware of it, which is a good first step, and each time I resist the temptation to have a freak out moment I can feel the wave of peace stir in my soul. It's a beautiful thing, especially with these little ones at my feet. And finally, my last "resolve," #5 is that I would simply trust in Him, because He can be trusted. I don't know what this coming year may bring. I'm sure it will bring some pain along with the joys. I just want to trust. His perfect love casts out fear. All for our good, His glory.
So those are my resolutions. A different kind than going to the gym more or cleaning my toilets at least once a week (though maybe I should do those too). I believe God gave them to me for a reason. For this season of my life. He is so patient, so willing to work on me, year after year...for that I am truly thankful.
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 1:6~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Counting up 1000 blessings...from the multitude that He bestows.
#149-183
little boys singing Christmas carols while picking up toys
Peace that comes from a lullaby CD
sometimes I just have to stop & hold a baby boy
He loves me
a white Christmas
cozy in a chair watching the snow & reading a book on Christmas day
playing in the snow with our kids
he puts up with me
he apologized
He is victorious, despite the attempts to attack
little boys excited for a "sleepover campout"
cousins singing "Happy Birthday Jesus" in the batcave
seeing their oldest grow in wisdom & compassion
being with Grandma & Grandpa
my Dad sharing his birthday with my little boy
remembering the days leading up to his birth 3 years ago...
a birthday boy who continually says "Happy Birthday" back to everyone!
bouncing fun
3 very tired boys
a really good visit
we're home
family nap
Lukey's spontaneous "I love you"
audience of One
prayer against the enemy
taking down, organizing, putting away (it feels good!)
new beginnings
the fresh pages of my new planner (yes, i'm a dork)
Psalm 65:11
closing the lid to the laptop
the ways God tugs on my heart
a desire for him to be set free
he is so wise
don't cry over spoiled milk
The Christ candle...lit at last!
