I have always been a resolution kind of person. Even though I've always thought the whole NYE party thing was a bit silly, the idea of setting goals and working hard has always appealed to me. I am not a naturally organised person, so having a few little goals to spur me on works really well.
2011 has been a tough year, and I am very, very happy to see the back of it. My resolution for last year: Survive. And I did it. Just.
I really, really want 2012 to be a better year. But, as God would ordain it- I am looking at a year full of uncertainty. Church planting. Sorting out a job. New-but-old city. Everything is familiar but different. And so many people around me are going through changes that mean that relationships are changing as well.
My temptation is just to set the same low bar on next year, to just get through it.
But I don't want to! I don't want to survive, I want to thrive! I want to make the most out of this year, I want to make the most out of me that I can, no matter how much uncertainty rests ahead. I want God to change me and grow me into the likeness of his son.
So, in honour of that wish- here are my NY resolutions- under the three themes of my blog
LIFE: I will learn how to cook pastry and I will overcome my fear of cooking sugar and learn to make things with toffee! I will get to the end of each day with a tidy lounge room and kitchen.
WRITING: I will finish my novel, I will get some short stories published, I will get some manuscript advice, I will begin the process of getting my novel published.
FAITH: I will devote this year to Loving God will all my heart and soul and I will memorise the book of Mark.
I feel like the last two need a way of explanation. Loving God will all my heart and soul is a commandment from God, and something that of course is on my to do list every year. But one of my reflections as I end this year is that I don't enjoy God as I should. God is so great and good, and I just don't appreciate him. There is so much joy to be found in that relationship that I don't bother to access. One of my favourite Psalms- number 73 says "Whom have I in heaven but you. And the earth has nothing I desire besides you". That is my dream for this year. That my love and appreciation for God will grow to the extent that my joy in that relationship will rise above the tough things that will no doubt come next year.
Memorising Mark? I wasn't sure if I should write that here, because it sounds a bit proud and show-offy. But let me explain.
The last three years i have worked for a church and under my 'portfolio' so to speak has been encouraging Scripture memorising for Adults and kids. Lots of people have commented to me through this process that they "find memorising verses from the Bible hard". And I, with my natural talent for memorisation, didn't understand. I could do it, why couldn't they. Overtime I realised this wasn't fair.
About three months ago I decided to memorise part of Jonah as preparation for a Bible study. I was absolutely amazed about how helpful it was for getting to know the passage really well. It was by far the most helpful Bible study prep I had ever done. But, to my amazement, it was also easy. I probably spent 1 hour learning one chapter over the space of three days. It was alot more work than learning a verse, but it was manageable.
And I couldn't help thinking God has made me good at memorising his word. And here I am showing off about the one verse I learn once a month. I felt rebuked but also inspired. How great would it be for my Christian walk if I knew a Gospel off my heart. How helpful would it be for my ministry!
I'm really nervous! It is a big ask.
But if my aim is to love God more- I think having such a big chunk of his Word in my head is a great place to start.
You might have noticed there are no specific mentions of Tim. Of course I will aim to be a better wife and friend to him! But it's my experience that loving God more will be the best thing for my marriage. And the clean house won't do any harm either ;)
love BG
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