WHAT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION HAVE YOU MADE?

What is a resolution?  A resolution is a firm decision or vow that we make to ourselves to do or not to do something.

Have you decided to eat better, lose weight, exercise, get in a relationship, get out of an unhealthy relationship, get married, study more, get closer to the Lord?  Whatever it may be, make sure that your resolution isn't a illusion.  Don't just cross your fingers and hope that it will happen!  Life is what you make it, so make it happen!  Be sure that you make it something believable, attainable, and realistic so that you have a chance in achieving your goal.  Here are some hints on achieving a successful resolution.

1.  Pray about your resolution to be sure that it is a vow to yourself that should be made.  It isn't good when we make useless and damaging vows... either damaging to self or to others.

2.  Make a baby steps priority list to help you to know where to begin and to stay on track.

2.  Check it off as you do it.  This will allow you to see where you've come from, how far you've gotten, and reminds you where you're going.

3.  Every morning upon waking up, re-commit yourself to fulfill this resolution.  Speak positive affirmations about what your plans are and how you are going to go about accomplishing it that day.  Speak it into existence.

4.  Believe it, believe in it so that your actions reflect that belief.  If you don't think you are going to succeed... YOU WON'T!  If you believe you will succeed, you will put all your efforts to do it and therefore the likelihood of you succeeding is exponentially greater... YOU WILL!

5.  Revise your priority list as needed and review it daily as a reminder of the promise that you've made to yourself.

So, what resolution are you going to make?  Make it and then don't give up.  I listened to a sermon today that said "Stay On Board".  It was about not giving up on God and on your faith when things get crazy hard.  Things will definitely, at some point this year, get crazy difficult that will cause you to want to give in and give up.  You may think that the entire world has caved in upon you and that everyone has abandoned you.  DON'T GIVE UP!  Don't let the cares of this world knock you off of your resolution.  So often we don't succeed, not because we planned to fail but because we failed to plan.  So, make yourself a plan and keep going.  Stay on board with your decision and believe that you can make it through.  You will be surprised, when you come to the end of the year, at how much you achieved.

I HAVE 3 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS:

1.  LOSE AN ADDITIONAL 20 POUNDS AND KEEP IT OFF.

2.  DRAW CLOSER TO THE LORD.  I ALREADY HAVE MY PRIORITY LIST IN MIND.

3.  KEEP BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. 

I shared these with you because that will cause me to be more alert at being accountable to myself to follow through.  If I remember, I'll keep you updated on how I'm doing on them.

SHARE WITH US WHAT YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION IS BY COMMENTING ON THIS PAGE!  IF YOU NEED A PRAYER PARTNER OR ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER TO HELP YOU, LET ME KNOW.

HOW'D YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Too often we want to do things our way, do it on our own, without help, without care, without consideration of how it will effect of others.  I am here in Utah visiting my daughter who has just had my 2nd grandchild.  It has refreshed my longing to be near my kids.  Sometimes we can get so busy in our own little world of work, missions, and play that we forget about the more important things in life and how we got to where we are.

None of us are an island unto himself... as a matter-of-fact, we are not even a peninsula unto ourselves.  When I was in church this week I heard a comment that stuck with me.  This sister-in-Christ commented that, at times, we forget where we came from.  When we are successful at reaching our goals whether they be physical, mental, spiritual, psychological, economical, societal, or familial, we may forget, or fail to acknowledge that we didn't make it there on our own.

For Example:

*  I am a retired nurse, a Christian vocalist, a Christian, a piano teacher, a director over piano teachers, a neighbor, a mentor, a financial advisor and more.  

*  In order to become a nurse, I needed someone to watch my kids, help me to pay for school, provide finances needed, give me a job, accept me into the nursing program, train me, advise me on what I needed and more.  

*  In order to become a Christian, other Christians witnessed to me and gave me bible study, mentored me, helped me through the hard times, counseled me, prayed for me, and more.  

*  In order to become a Christian vocalist, someone had to be willing to take a chance on hearing me sing, scheduling me for performances, pay me, teach me voice techniques, and more. 

I THINK YOU GET MY POINT!

None of us have gotten where we are without family, friends, mentors, counselors, advisers, babysitters, prayer warriors, pastors, fellowshippers, speakers, influencers, etc.  We did not get where we are on our own.  Although all through the year we should remember those who helped us to get this far, at this time of year when family togetherness is stressed, I would like you to take the time to not just think of family and friends, but all of the peoples, choices, and situations that has caused you to be where you are now.  You may not be in a good place right now or you may be in the best place that you ever thought you would be, or you may just not be exactly where you wanted to be at this point.  

Regardless of where you are, take the time to thank God first for your life in whatever state it is.  Then, thank the people who have helped you to accomplish the things that you have been victorious in and those people who have encouraged you along the way.  Then take the time to think about the choices made and the situations and/or opportunities that have gotten you where you are.  Remember, what you've been successful in wasn't all your own doing.  Even if it means remembering what mama taught you about idleness.  That may have helped you to be a hard worker.  So, remember it and gain the important message in it.

We have a new year coming upon us in 1.5 weeks.  Take the time to plan a new goal for yourself of what you want to accomplish this year as a short term goal and then a 5-year plan of victories you want to have.  Take the time to think about the people that you will need help from to reach those goals, the opportunities that will need to come your way, the finances that will need to be provided for, etc.  Then, thank God, right now, for putting all those things into alignment for you to be victorious this year.  Thank Him ahead of time and believe that He will give you the victory and success that you so deserve.  

In God's word it says in 3rd John 1:2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers..."

That is my prayer for you for this upcoming year.  I pray that you will live VICTORIOUSLY and PROSPER but remember all those who helped you to get there.

Happy New Year!