Happy Chinese New Year!

Enjoy the Year of the Dragon!

2012 Goals

Before making any goals for this year, I sat down to read. I wanted to read Scripture, re-read my sermon notes from New Years Day, and to check out some of my favorite bloggers before getting started. Tsh from Simple Mom gave this encouragement: "Keep [your goals] focused on making yourself more available to God’s presence, not on becoming perfect." I read that and thought, "Yes. That's exactly what I want these goals to help me do!"

Here's what I came up with for 2012:

1. Read the Bible daily. This is a practice that I know from experience helps me be available to God. I've fallen away from making time for it daily, though, and really want to get back on track. Goal number two should help with this. 
2. Use a calendar to help me manage time better. I'm just beginning a very busy and stressful season at work. I hate it. But, as I've learned from past experience, this particular busyness cannot be ignored. So to help me reserve free space in my life I'm going to try sticking with using a calendar and schedule. 
3. Adopt healthier habits. I blame some of my problem on being too busy and too undisciplined in my life. But with some discipline regarding my time management, I should have more space in my life for healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and meal planning. 
4. Be mindful of listening more. I do truly value being with people and one of the ways I can demonstrate this is by quieting my own tongue to listen to them more. From James1:19 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..."

Happy Belated New Year!

It's been a relaxing week here at home.  I'm still working on getting caught up on sleep- 2011 was such a busy year!  We had new nieces, new work opportunities, and a wonderful new puppy!

Later this week, I'm hoping to find time to write some resolutions for the coming year.  Have you done that yet?  I know I'd definitely like to lose weight and be healthier.  Y'know, the usual.  But I'd also like to spend some time considering resolutions related to my character.  Last Sunday, our preacher spoke from Ephesians; he encouraged us to really consider what traits we need to put off and what traits we should be putting on in their place.  One example of this principal would be talking less (putting off) and listening more (putting on).  This is something I really want to examine as I make my resolutions for 2012.

I hope that this new year is off to a good start for all of you!

Blessings!