My Spiritual Health Plan for the New Year

Our First Picture of the New Year Taken Late Last Night While Hanging out with Friends

Trying to come up with Resolutions (I won't break) each year is always a little difficult for me. Do to my failure with many diets and exercise programs in the past, I usually opt for more deep inward goals. However, there is also a high level of failure in that category. I've decided to ask God this morning to show up and help me with writing some goals that He would have for my life this year. One thing I "know for sure" as Oprah often says, is that I see God showing up most in my life when I am reading his word daily. I do use a one-year bible, but I also must have some sort of personal bible study going on to to keep my mind emersed in Him. At age 39, I know what keeps me on track, and this is it.
1. Start each day in God's Word. I will give Him my "first" each morning. (Actually, I will get the kids off to school and then give Him my first moments.) I don't focus well without a little caffeine and a quiet house.

I am very afraid to take chances in life. I always think someone else can do "it" better so why even try to do what I desire. I know this is a lie, so this year I want to start putting my dreams and desires into reality. God has given each of us gifts to share, and I want to share mine for His sake.
2. Let go of my fears and past failures. Seek God's plan for my life and His purposes. Stop worrying about what others will say or think, and TRUST HIM FOR EVERYTHING!

I have personally witnessed so many miracles and blessings this year, but the thing that has stuck out the most is the blessings of new relationships. I don't ever want to limit myself to a new friendship God has in store for me because I am having too much fun with my current ones. I love my church friends, I love my blogging friends and I love my sweet"bestest" friends (you know who all of you are), but I want friends too that I share my Jesus with. There are many families right on my own street that are lost and need to hear the truth.

3. Invest in new relationships. Share my faith more boldly with those who are in need.

Skip and I know the importance of good health and nutrition because we have witnessed it firsthand with our son Seth(another post for another day). However, we have been living large, supersized, extra fried lives for about 8 years since we've moved to Corpus and are trying to figure out how to apply what we know is true in the health aspect of our lives. We know it's about choices and willpower, but we both have become very lazy. I also haven't been to any doctor besides my obgyn and my dentist(every six months-thank you very much) for over 20 years. Shocking, yes I know. I need to see a dermatologist about some things, and I need a good physical with blood work done.

4. Introduce my family to a healthier diet this year. Add more whole foods to their meals and over time incorporate a lifestyle change. Take care of my own personal health needs.

There are so many other things I could mention, but my fingers are already tired and I'm sure your about to close this page if it's not wrapped up soon. Lastly, I find this the hardest to write because it is where I have often failed the most. I need to be a more loving, supportive wife to my husband. I need him to find rest in my presence and praise on my lips as he comes home each day. We will celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary this year, but he has been my friend for 23 and a half years. He has put up with pms, big 80's hair, 3 pregnancies, my insecurities, fits with skinny jeans(80's and currently), my 3AM talks when I know God wants to tell me something and most of all "my mouth". Don't get me wrong, we have the most passionate relationship and I would climb Everest for him if he asked(or maybe a very large hill). What he needs the most, I often withhold.

5. Respect my husband and support him in his ministry. I will try to make a point to get more involved in what interests him. Yes, even if that means I need to learn each player on the Dallas Cowboys and know about the latest bigfoot sighting in Apache County, Arizona.

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!