Long live new...

I like blogs that make me think...recently I read this...that had me struggling a bit. While I understand, and fully believe, the verse above...I worry that "long live new, death to better" isn't quite right. True, we become new...we can't jump back into our old fleshly sin...but being like Christ means "working out our faith in fear and trembling"...and that means...working to be better! Indeed, long live the new...but keep striving...by HIS DAILY SUFFICIENT GRACE...to improve and become more like Christ, our Savior.

That being said, I adapted the questions from this meme...and worked on some goals for 2010. As I mentioned before...it's good to define things...resolution-a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner; "he always wrote down his New Year's resolutions". I want to behave more like Christ. That is the overall goal.

I struggled with whether or not to post these resolution thoughts...because while it does provide accountability of sorts, it also opens the door for criticism of the most intimate areas of the heart. I love HATE it when you share a personal goal with someone only to have them turn on you and say, "Weren't you going to do better at X?" Now, not everyone...some people in my life are entitled, by marriage or friendship, to keep me accountable. I'm talking about the few who maybe overhear you, and set no personal goals of their own (but should) and yet feel free to snap it to ya! Ugh...so *big breath* all that aside...I'm going to stick it all out there for your viewing enjoyment.

1. What skill do you most want to learn this year?
I'd like to become a better listener...by learning to talk less. I want to learn how to focus my attention on the person speaking...without interrupting or thinking in my head of what I'd like to say next.

2. What is one skill you already have that you’d like to improve this year?
I'm very friendly and outgoing but would like to improve my friendships and friendliness by (see #1) being a better listener and thinking before I speak or give advice.

3. Name your reading goals for 2010. (adapted from original meme)
Entire Bible in full year...with schedule guide.

All missionary/christian biographies in the church library.

All Agatha Christie mysteries in library.

4. In what specific area do you most want to encourage your spouse? What are some ways you can do this?
I want him to feel respected and appreciated as the leader of our home. I need to be respectful...by doing things for him without expecting a reward (verbal or otherwise), by not scripting for him amid decisions, by not treating him in any way as I would our children, by building him up in our children's eyes, by making home a haven to return to after work...

5. Think of one of your major life goals. What will you do this year to make you one step closer to reaching that goal?
To become debt free. I will refocus my thinking and discover new ways to be frugal and be contented with what I already have.

6-7. Adapted...What are some ways to encourage your children as they grow this year?

My children are young and coming up with their strengths and weaknesses seemed a bit over the top. At two and four they need to be learning to respect and obey authority...not just mine but GOD'S. I want to encourage them to be loving and kind to each other too. I want to teach them to love God with all their little hearts...and lead them to understand their need of a Savior.

8. What is one of your strengths? Think of some specific ways you can exercise it this year.
I'm very organized but I'd like to do better at keeping lists (checklists) and keeping schedules throughout the year...so that things don't sneak up on me. I'd also like to figure out a way to be flexible at the same time...and not let a strength become a weakness.

9. What is one of your weaknesses? Brainstorm some ideas on how you can overcome this deficiency.
I'm very quick to anger. I'm going to try counting to 20 and humming. I don't want to make excuses...but repent quickly and ask forgiveness sooner.

10. Think of an important relationship aside from your spouse and children. How will you nurture that relationship this year?
Send notes of encouragement. Faithfully pray for them.

11. Name a few ways your physical health could be improved.
Take vitamins everyday. Drink more water. Run, do crunches...get rid of the baby paunch. All physical goals aimed at gaining more energy and a stronger immune system.

12. Name a few ways your family’s financial health could be improved.
See #5

13. In what way do you want to draw closer to God?
I want to become content with His plan...with Him being in control. I want to become His kind of beautiful, doing the good works He's laid out for me to do. I want to listen to His voice...and be a woman who prays for the eternal, not the physical.

14. What is one area of home management that frustrates you? Think of some specific ways you could improve your attitude about it.
The things I can't complete easily alone. I need to become more independent and learn to schedule actual dates for completion.

15. Have you ever created a family mission statement with your spouse? If so, why not do one for this year?
Hmmm ? Good idea...

16. Name one specific thing you could do with your spouse this year that will deepen your intimacy.
Be a real stickler on date nights EVERY MONTH. Schedule sex...I always thought that was ridiculous...but people with toddlers and busy jobs get tired and busy ya'll.

17. What is something that is continually undone in your life? What will you do to fully complete it this year?
Keeping personal goals such as those above. I'm hoping accountability and a sense of my own unworthiness will help. Remembering that only God can make changes in me...and refine me to make me more like His Son.

18. In what ways will you be involved with your local community?
Er, a better question is Will you learn to say no this year?...because I'm a great one for getting too much on my plate. I think I'll work on focusing on my family...thanks.

19. What is one thing you’d like to accomplish by your birthday this year?
All Christmas presents completed and ready to go.

20. Think of three words you’d like to describe your 2010.
Peaceful, Contented, Respectful