I have a love/hate relationship with January 1st. I love the New Year because it represents a time of fresh starts, new commitments, and second chances. I hate the New Year because it usually reminds me I need to be more disciplined, give up something in which I’ve overindulged (chocolate and ice cream for instance), and generally get back on track in several areas.
I’m going to make a few of confessions as a way to confirm my “fresh starts.” Please feel free to hold me accountable. Are you ready? Here we go:
- I have not been eating well the last few months. It started during our move from Midland to Houston in July. I’ve been pretty much eating what I want, when I want it. It’s not healthy and my jeans definitely know what I’ve been doing.
- I slacked off in memorizing Scripture during the latter half of the year. I started 2011 off pretty well, but I allowed our move and a big deadline to push it to the back burner.
- I sometimes allow email to distract me from the most important communication of the day. A couple of years ago God showed me that I should make my time with Him first priority. Email, Facebook, and household chores can often become black holes for my time. What I think is a “quick minute” turns into much longer.
Now, that I’ve opened up and made myself a little vulnerable I will also share with you my commitments to fresh starts.
- I commit to healthy eating in 2012. I will not be legalistic; I will occasionally enjoy treats. But I will regularly feed my body with the good foods God gave us to eat – fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Oh yeah, and not to excess!
- I renew my commitment to Scripture memory. This month I will begin memorizing new passages from the book of Ephesians. I will also get back on track with regular review of previously memorized passages. (If you are interested in Scripture memory, check out the resources available on the free resources page.)
- I also renew my commitment to make time with God my very first priority each day.
I am so thankful that God gives us chances to begin again. When we fall down, He picks us up and sets our feet back on the right path! And He also gives us each other for encouragement and accountability. That’s exactly why I shared all this with you – encouragement and accountability.
Have you made any commitments to fresh starts for 2012? Feel free to share!
Oh, I’m right there with you Kathy! I’m so thankful that His mercies are new each morning!
Blessings, Joan