New Year's Resolutions

I know it may be incredibly cringy, but what's something you've decided to strive for in this upcoming year? I, personally, would like to get better and better with art. And perhaps learn how to draw males more accurately. For right now, I stick with women.

Here's a picture of one of my latest pieces:

Am praying for, and resolving to be more organized, by the grace of God.

Hello to both of you -

I think it isn't cringy to have a goal or a resolution. You can't get ahead in life if you don't.
I relate to you - I can't draw males hardly - I always draw females - always have. That is a pretty pic.

And Mar - I hope you have a plan to help you get organized - I love being organized - it helps with time management - unless i get to caught up in the unimportant details.

I think for me the years theme is going to be "Trust the Process". So like trust that God is working even if I don't see it or feel it. Trust that He is working on me and in my life and the world.

My resolution is to spend the first portion of my day with God - and to finally read through the bible - cover to cover. So I journal, pray and read scripture first thing in the morning and I've been pretty consistent - except a few days I've missed. And it's made such a difference already - I can't wait to see what else will happen this year!

Why thank, heart... I tend to draw plants, tho ive also tried to do people=).

In some ways I see I can be systematic (like when writing a paper=) hehe, but after I stopped outside work, my husband said I wasn't that now=(. Maybe that's because thru the yrs, ive had to be extra flexible, always needing to align my day to what they, hubby and kids, need. Thankfully, ive also developed the daily morning Bible reading..

A few yrs now, my mom would ask if I could accompany her travel abroad, for example, and I would always say the family needs their mom just now, it is not timely, etc, but I think if I insisted, I could. But that is not what I want to do, but what the Lord wants.

If I learned to drive sooner, it would have been simpler maybe. As we live slightly remote, I lose time walking out when I cannot join husband leave the house. But theres lots to finish at home also, so I have to accept some things as they are for now. Being more organized includes delegating more also, I pray, but I have weaknesses in that area too. If u remember to pray for ur sister here, theres pretty much more i'd like to do. The other day I had to visit this sick friend of my sister, and she resides way too out of the way also. But I did not want to postpone going another week, so I told my husband to pass me by just on his way home from work, so I had to sked the visit such that time was precise and no waste going to the place, we can talk just enough.. and I could play violin for her even just 2 pcs, one of her favorite piece!!

Ah, and I shd learn to drive now, with God's help. I have postponed it when I was not well a few yrs ago.

Thank you.

Dear Sissy!
I just learned to drive this year myself! So I can TOTALLY relate to that struggle. And I love living in the country and just moved to a very rural area may of last year. driving has made such a huge impact on my life. I am so free to choose what to do with my time. But I also notice it makes me have to curb my desire to just drive all over doing things on a whim. (That way I spend too much money on stuff I shouldn't) I am constantly fighting the instant gratification urge.

I will pray for you - and I want to encourage you. God in his infinite wisdom made a day 24 hours - 6 to 8 hours of that time supposed to be dedicated to rest. Because that is the time our body needs to restore itself and heal from lots of things we endure during the day. So: You have about 16-18 hours a day to do stuff. So be wise with that allotted time. Ask for God's grace when it comes to a narrow pass - and when it comes to helping friends you know God's heart. You are storing up treasures in heaven when you serve and minister in such loving, simple ways to those who are lonely. I've tried to ask in the morning for God to speak clearly to me - to direct my path and direct my foot steps - to be my time manager and for him to equip me specifically with all I will need - a word of encouragement, the stamina to be extra fast at work or sharp and insightful when needed etc. etc. He loves to be of such assistance.

Today I invited him into my time of preparing lunch. I made a simple chili - but I prayed that he would help and inspire me and help me manage the time perfectly so I could relax before work and have all my chores done. I had 3 hours to sit and read while the food simmered - and I made desert to boot! (just two color jello but still xD)

Yes, I will give the Lord another (actually an old job) but new title for me this year: Time Manager=). I'm reminded of the song "I will play before the Lord.. I will play to Him my melody.." Many times I am tempted to get the violin early in the day while the boys still sleep, after hubby has left. Maybe it's not so bad after all, Lord?