it's a new chapter

Each year is a chapter in the book of life.

As the final page of my 2010 has been written,
I stand in awe at all that has transpired.
Many exciting things have taken place.
Many changes. Many surprises. Many questions.
What a year!

For my resolutions of 2010. Some were successful. Some not so.
My relationship with God has strengthened as I have learned so much. In the 'busy-ness' and new crazy normal of our life, I tried to be a better friend/family to all those close to me, but I know I failed at times. In 2011, I want to commit to do even more in the community and world. Changes will come if only one step at a time. As for healthy choices, I had 'moments' in 2010 ... but for the most part I too often was in a hurry and chose the fast-food option. :) And caffeine was a necessity at times.

As I turn the page and ponder what will be in 2011.
My resolutions will somewhat remain the same.
Basically, for 2011 to be better than any other year.
To be a better person.
Most importantly, to be more of the woman God would have me be.
So just as each day is a clean start,
so is a brand spanking-new year.
Fresh. Bright. New. No mistakes.
And, thankfully this remains the same:
God is mine. I am His.
And another remains sure:
God knows the entire book of my life.
So, as I begin this new chapter, I'll walk with Him
and He'll be with me each step of the way come what may.

welcome 2010

with great friends
we ate pizza at a local spot
ate chocolate chip pie and cruellers
held a baby. watched a cute (almost) 2-year old.
boys played a game of football on PS2
girls surfed the internet. looked at blogs.
simply enjoyed being together
and sharing the company.
it was great fun!

it's a new year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

i don't know where time has gone.

the last few months are a blur in my memory.

but ready or not, 2010 is here.

i'm not usually one to make new year's resolutions,

though, with all the "going" in the latter part of this year,
i let some things get out of control

and lately i've been contemplating changes

i'd like to make in my life

so why not start at the new year?

it's a matter of setting routine, prioritizing,

ditching habits, and making new habits.

#1 - i want to strengthen and grow my relationship with God; knowing Him in His fullness. as with any relationship, keeping a strong one, requires communication. i must make it a daily priority to spend one-on-one time with Him.

#2 - i want to be a better wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend. i want to be thankful for all the family/friends in my life with great appreciation for all they've done for me. i owe them so much - i would've been totally lost without them this year. i've been consumed in my own life that i've sometimes forgotten others in difficult situations as well. i'll try to do better - in showing my love & appreciation and in praying for them.

#3 - i want to make a difference. in my neighborhood. in my church. in my community. in my local politics. in my state. in my nation. in my world. i want to reach out to those in need. do kind deeds. give of my time, money, and self. consider others. (it's not all about me and my circle)

#4 - i want to spend my time wisely. not wasting it foolishly. there's time for relaxing and fun. and there's time when things must be done - important things. managing my time wisely will allow more time to concentrate on #s 1-3. :)

#5 - i want to start some healthy habits. eating right. exercising. getting enough sleep. for my health. and losing a little weight will be great. also, i'd like to live a little more "green." there is only one earth and i'd like to do my part in taking better care of her.

so, how about you?
do you make resolutions?
how dedicated are you in keeping them?
i'm gonna try. these few things are important to me.