Happy New Year!

I love New Year and the expectancy that it brings. (There's that word again). I know that many don't like this time of year, but it has always brought me excitement and a sense of purpose. At New Year's I can believe that I will be able to keep up with my exercise routine, be purposeful in my relationships, clean and refresh my home, and on and on. I don't suffer the discouragement of goals not met and promises to myself not kept. Those disappear on January 1st. The slate is wiped clean. Realistically, I know that I could do this in October or June as well, but it just doesn't feel the same. And, realistically, I have God's new mercies every morning to start again, according to the Bible. There's just something about January 1st that makes it all seem possible. So what are your resolutions or goals for this new year? I will be turning 40 this year, so I would like to make this a year that counts! I want to finally get "buff," at least in some kind of aerobic shape. I'd like to go on a mission trip somewhere. I want to memorize some significant part of the Bible. I'd like to maybe go on a retreat with God. I'd like to read the Bible to my kids at least 5 days a week. I have found that if my goals aren't specific then it's too easy to fudge, so I need to refine these into measurable goals. But this is a good place to start. I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. You are keeping me accountable,which makes goals oh so much easier to keep.