Happy New Year

Ok, so I'm almost two weeks late at saying it, but Happy New Year! I think a post is long past due and just wanted to check in.

As a new year has turned the corner, many of us, I'm sure, have set New Year's resolutions. I've never really been fond of them, yet find myself either writing some down each year or else making mental notes to myself of what I'd like to change, accomplish or eliminate. The same is true of this year.

I'm not much of a reader, yet one of my goals for '09 is to read at least 5 books, cover to cover, one of them being the Bible. I am currently reading Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free. For all you ladies out there, it's a really good book. Definitely worth the read. So, there's 2 on my list. My third book is John Piper's new one that is coming out in March entitled Finally Alive. It's a book covering the topic of "Have I really been born again?" I think this is a much needed, much anticipated book as I truly believe there are thousands upon thousands of people who believe they are saved, but who really aren't. I've already pre-ordered it. As for the last two books, I'm not really sure. If you have any suggestions, please send them my way.

While I know that 5 books in a year isn't all that challenging of a task for some, for others it's quite the uphill battle. For me, it'll be a challenge. That's why I'm trying to set a realistic goal and I think 5 is doable.

Another goal of mine is to take better care of myself. Yes, that translates to losing weight. But for me, it's not just about losing weight. It's about being healthy. I want to be able to play with my kids, to chase them around, and have fun with them without feeling like I just ran a marathon. More importantly, I want to set a precedence for them, one that I never had. I want them to know what exercise is and not merely in head knowledge, but in action. I want them to eat right and know what is a better choice of food. It's about being a better me, to enable me to be a better mom and wife. It's about being here for my kids - now and later. I'm currently doing a 12 week challenge, where the winner wins $200. Right now it's not looking so good for me, yet I still persevere. Who else has this same goal for '09? Surely I'm not alone. :)

Part of being a better me also means working on attributes about myself that I don't like. And for this, I don't mean physical things. I mean things like being more patient, not being easily angered, being a better listener, etc. All of this, to me at least, translates not only to being a better me, it translates to being a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, daughter, sister, and most importantly, a better Christian. I want God to be displayed in my life. I want others to be able to see Him in me. My truest desire is that '09 will be a life changing experience for me - one in which I'm able to better display God's love through my life.

So, what are your goals for 2009?