Resolutions & New Beginnings

So, today is the start of the year 2007...an opportunity to reflect on what sort of new beginnings we want for this new year that is full of hope and opportunities. Some might like to start the new year by coming up with a list of resolutions, but I am always a little gun shy with resolutions. Even though I know resolutions are good, to me the term "resolution" always seems to be synonymous with "something I really intend on doing but never seem to accomplish." So it seems to me when I write resolutions that I am already defeated in my attempt to be successful at accomplishing the desired goal! Or perhaps it's just a reflection of my own inability to be disciplined enough to follow through on my good intentions. It reminds me a bit of a passage from Romans...you know, the one that goes a little something like this:

"For what I am doing, I do not understand.

For what I will to do, that I do not practice;

but what I hate, that I do....

For the good I will to do, I do not do;

but the evil I will not to do, that I practice."

Romans 7: 15,19

These verses say in words exactly what I see when I look in the mirror. I truly want to do the things the Lord desires for me to do and yet I find myself not only not doing the things I should be doing but it actually says the things I should NOT be doing I am practicing, I'm repeatedly doing them! "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death." (Romans 7:24) Aren't we glad it doesn't end there? We have a hope..."I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!" It is through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that we have victory over the power of the sinful nature in our lives!

How can I be successful at this year's resolutions?

So in the spirit of this first day of the year I was thinking of what I can do to help myself be successful at my resolutions. First, make goals that are truly obtainable or at least break bigger goals down into stepping stones to make the goal attainable and in bite size portions. Half the battle of keeping a resolution is not being defeated before I even get started! (And, I've found it helpful to make my goals specific so they can be measured objectively...you know, so I know that I really did accomplish my goal!) Second, keep the goals in a visible place for frequent reminders of what I hope to accomplish for the year. Third, sharing my goals with others helps with accountability in achieving them. Last, but certainly not least, commit these goals to prayer continually because I know that outside the Lord I can achieve nothing that is good or profitable.

My Resolutions for 2007--

1. Memorize the book of James-The kids in Sunday School are doing this and they are way ahead of me! I'm trying to teach them good memorization habits but am having a hard time being a good example to them.

2. Read the Bible in a year- I'm joining Eryn and Shawna in this endeavor! Got any suggestions for good reading schedules??!

3. Hospitality-The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful home and I want it to be used for Him. I have other activities going on in my home throughout the month and sometimes get distracted from having others in for fellowship. So, I want to make it a goal to have others in my home at least quarterly for fun and fellowship!

4. Take the GRE this spring/summer

So, those are my goals! I hope you all hold me accountable to these so I can finally say I accomplished my Resolutions for the year! How can I pray for you this year as you work towards your resolutions?