Happy New Year!

I know this is a little late for a "New Year's post", but we've been super busy over the last several weeks, with a trip to Alberta, all of us getting sick at various times, and really, with just "normal, everyday life!"


I thought it would be fun to share with you all some of my New Year's resolutions goals.  I don't really get into the whole "resolution" thing, because I like the idea of setting goals better.  I like the idea of improving your life and lifestyle by learning new things and changing old habits, as oppose to the idea that your life is a mess and you have to write down these  "resolutions" to change everything, otherwise, you'll continue to be a failure.  Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh. :)  It's not that bad.  I just like the word goal better. :P
I think I've said before on here how I hate the idea of growing stagnant.  The thought of just "existing" every day, without actually living, makes me shudder!  
One of my ideals would be to always have a "big" project/subject that I'm working on improving in my life, as well as smaller ones (i.e. thing I can accomplish in a day or two).  There are sooooooo many avenues of interest that I have, this is the only way I can hope to cover them all without getting totally burned out!


Specific areas I want to improve on this year:


- Sports: Volleyball (I just joined a ladies' volleyball night, and I'm so excited about getting better!)
- Health - this is such a huge area, and so important!  It can be overwhelming sometimes with all the resources available, and all the "better" ways of doing things!  I want to *gradually* change over things so we're doing them in a better way, without getting totally burned out by trying to do it all at once!
- Sewing - I have this amazing sewing machine, which I haven't even used a tiny bit to it's full potential.  I love the idea of not having to rely solely on other sources for clothes, so this is kind of an exciting goal for me to have!
- Scrapbooking - the best way to improve something is to just do it!  I love displaying photos and memories beautifully, and preserving them, so this is 
- Fitness - work out/walk at least four times a week
- Organizing: Work on each area of my home over the next year, making it beautiful and efficient (definitely one of my favorite things to do!)
- Spiritually: Read my Bible everyday, start memorizing Scripture consistently, have one 'spiritually challenging' book on the go on a regular basis.
-Practically: Build skills that can bring income into our home, and get better at finding deals/shopping second hand, etc. (this one is a little general, I know, but there are specifics that I'm beginning to work on soon, more on them later. :)




So there you have it, a little glimpse into some of my goals. :)  I'm such a "list-maker" and a goal setter, it helps me like nothing to be focused, have direction, and purpose on a regular basis!

Significance

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
(Phil. 4:6-7)


I was thinking this morning about purpose and direction, and significance.  There's a craving inside me that longs to be significant in what I do.  And that craving is sometimes disappointed when I feel like all I've accomplished in a day is tidy the house and do laundry.  Not every day is like that, but there are plenty of them.  I desperately want to do something that matters with my life, to do something that other people can look at and think "wow, she's really gotten something accomplished."
I'm realizing more and more that what the world sees as significant and praiseworthy is definitely different than what God sees as praiseworthy.  My challenge is to differentiate between the two, and pour myself into what God wants.
The above verses came to my mind this morning as I sat on our front steps, contemplating these things.  We are told to be thankful a lot.  It's so easy for me to ignore a "simple" command like this, in my search for something "deep" and "important".  I think this is probably the best start I could have on my way to finding significance and purpose in what I do every day.
I don't think there's anything in Scripture that even resembles a "ten-step plan to happiness" but there are so many things we're told to do on a daily basis that are so easy to ignore (at least for me!) in our search for purpose.
I want to just go back to the "simple" commands I see in Scripture, and start with those in my everyday life.  I am convinced that when we get to Heaven, we will be come to a true realization of what God truly desires from us, and we will see how much of our life we wasted trying to accomplish things that meant nothing to Him.  I already have things I regret, ways I spent my time, things I did, or didn't do, and I do not want to live the second half of my life regretting the first.
I think the only way to avoid this is by seeking God every day through His word.  It's difficult to obey, but it's not a mystery, it's right there for us to read anytime!