Resolutions

Happy New Year!  I know that some people say that you shouldn't make resolutions because we don't keep them... yadda yadda... but I do make them, and I usually keep several.  I also fall flat on my face for several, too, but who doesn't want to try to be better?  I like recording my resolutions on my blog because telling people holds you accountable, right?  This year, I've decided to focus my resolutions around scripture to remind myself that it isn't about me, but it's about God's plan for me.

1 - "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."  1 Corinthians 3:16-17.

More water, less caffeine.  Exercise.   Get good rest.  Eat healthy.
Caffeine and I have an ongoing battle, but I have gotten so much better at winning it since college.  I use to drink Mountain Dew like it was going out of style, but then my doctor told me I should drink only water.  I am not going to drink only water (ridiculous), but I will continue drinking water while teaching (I currently drink 2-3 large cups a day) and limiting caffeine to when we eat out.  I also need to start exercising.  The other two, I already do pretty well.

2.  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."  Colossians 3:16.

Make it a habit to read and memorize scripture...and live by it.
Enough said.

3.  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward"  Colossians 3:23-24
Less work, more God, friends, and family
Anyone who has ever taught knows how easy it is to get caught up in the never-ending-to-do-list of lesson plans, handouts, review sheets, making tests/quizzes/homework, presentations, grading, grading, grading, grading.  I have worked my butt off through my first year and this past semester with a new curriculum  (pretty much first year all over again), but I don't want to lose sight of the importance of spending time with God, friends, and family.  God wants me to do my job for Him, but that is not the only job He wants me to do.

4. "Love your husband and children, be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to your husband, so that the word of God may not be reviled."  Titus 2:4-5
Make a comfy, loving home.  Be a wonderful wife.  Be self-controlled, but passionate.
I know some women will immediately take offense to "be submissive to your husband," but I know that Ephesians 5 also says that husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church and gave himself up for it and I know that my husband takes this verse to heart and lives by it.  I want to be a woman that exemplifies Titus 2 and Proverbs 31.  I want to make sure our home honors Christ.

5. "Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-9
Do not get stressed out.  Ask for guidance.  Listen to God.
There are a lot of things on our horizon - a new home, starting a family, expanding careers, etc. and I don't want to worry about things.  I do want to take comfort in knowing whatever happens is God's plan and we listened to Him.

That's all.

Do you have resolutions?