Starting 2010 on the Right Foot

Image courtesy of buffet gals on Flickr.

When I look back on the New Year's Resolutions that I made over a year ago here, I realize how miserably short I fell. However, it's not a good enough reason to keep me from dreaming, planning and setting new goals for 2010.

Here are my resolutions for 2010:

1. Spend less time on social networking media (Twitter, Facebook) and more time reading good books.
2. Cook more for my hubby.
3. Begin and follow through with the Discipleship Journal Plan.
4. Dedicate more time to my church. A lot of the things I do for my church are really behind the scenes but I would like to find what I was created to do within my church.
5. Be more punctual especially with regards to my job. My goal is to get to work by 8 am every day.
6. Memorize scripture and pray more. (Talk less, listen more)
7. Be others centered and less self-centered.

Dear Lord,

2009 has been an incredible year so far. It has been such a blessing for me to be a pastor's wife. You know how my heart yearned to see my husband serving you in that capacity. I still can't believe how incredibly gifted he is, Lord and how much he has grown. I thank you for His love for you and for the privilege that you have given me of doing Him good all the days of my life.

Father God, here are my resolutions for 2010. I ask that you give me the strength and will to carry on some of these challenges. I know some of these goals will require discipline on my part and as easy as it is for me to start something, it is following through with my word that I sometimes struggle with. Will you please work in me to give me the desire and the power to do your good purpose.

Even when I am tempted to get one step ahead of you, I am trusting you completely with 2010. I am waiting expectantly on You (Psalm 5:3). I am waiting for You alone to fulfill Your promises to us and grant us the desires of our hearts.

I love you, Lord and wouldn't trade the life I have today for anything in this world. Thank you for your continued faithfulness.

In Jesus' Name,
AMEN

Resolution Solution

Why is it that it's so hard to stick to those New Year's resolutions? In fact in a recent study by Franklin Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," he states that 35 % of people surveyed break their New Year's resolutions by the end of January while only 23 % of those surveyed follow through with them. I believe that sometimes we get so caught up in the emotion of the moment that we set what may be unrealistic goals for ourselves.

I think that it's important to find an accountability partner. Someone who will hold you responsible and encourage you to pursue your goal. It's also helpful to make a plan. Don't wait until New Year's Eve to start thinking about what you would like to improve. For instance if your resolution is to lose weight than it's a good idea to join a gym or find some sort of activity or sport that you can dedicate the necessary time. In addition adjusting eating habits may also be beneficial. In other words, don't stock the pantry with cookies and junk food that may be tempting.

Now I ask, "Have you started thinking about what you would like to do differently in 2009?" What are your New Year's resolutions?

Here are three of mine:

1. Have a consistent quiet time with God

2. Purchase our first home

3. Start a family (this one doesn't really depend on us, though...God's timing)