Resolutions...

I have never really been one to make New Year's Resolutions. I often find it an exercise in folly. I don't want to make resolutions because, I know I will inevitably end up breaking them. So, why give myself cause to be disappointed in myself? I can usually find something about myself to be disappointed in without setting myself up for failure. No, I am not trying to be a downer or act like I am so inferior and the most disappointing person I know. I am just being realistic.

I sometimes wonder why other people make resolutions. I have seen people make them knowing they are unrealistic. It seems some people will make a resolution for the simple purpose of breaking it. For some, a resolution is a reason to fail. I don't like feeling like a failure.

Having said all of that, I have decided to make some resolutions this year. It may once again be an exercise in folly, however, maybe by putting it out here in such a public forum, I will have more incentive to stick with it. There are just a few things I want to do and would like to be held accountable for these things.

1) I want to keep in even better touch with important people in my life. I need to get better about sending emails, cards, facebook messages, text messages, and making phone calls. I resolve to contact, personally, at least one different person per week to check up on that person or fill that person in on what is happening with us.

2) I want to keep up with my blog better. I have had a number of people tell me they enjoy it, but, I know I am not doing it often enough. I resolve to add at least one recipe, coupon tip, or entry per week.

3) I really do want to get in better shape. We bought a Wii Fit for the kids. I have enjoyed the few times I worked out on it, but, it is a BUTT kicker! However, nothing comes without sacrifice. I have never really been willing or dedicated enough to make that sacrifice. I resolve to do 30 minutes at least 5 times a week, cook healthier at home, and eat better at work.

4) I want to be a steward of what God has given me. I don't simply mean money, here. I really mean more along the lines of the talents He has given me. I have struggled with the whole "Preacher's Wife" persona. I am NOT musically gifted. I can't play an instrument and I can't sing. It always makes me feel bad when someone says something to Chris about preaching for them and immediately turns to me and asks if I sing. Sorry. God did not gift me in that way. However, I do have talents that I can hone and use better. I need to improve my Spanish speaking ability. I want to help Chris reach out to people in the community so we can start building a foundation for our ministry. I resolve to be intentional in enhancing the gifts I do have, such as studying Spanish and meeting new people.

I hope I can keep up with these four things. I really feel like I will be happier and healthier this year if I can stick with it and make it work for me. Pray for me!

A Journey

This Christmas has been a journey for me in more ways than one. We took the entire break and drove down to be with family. We had to carefully schedule our days to maximize time with each side of the family AND have time with friends. I have really struggled lately with trying to figure out where I belong.

I know I don't belong in the town I went to high school in. I still have loved ones and some wonderful friends there. I have some of my longest standing friends there, but, it doesn't feel like home. I truly just feel like a visitor, even though, I could tell you where everything is and where everyone still lives.

We then went to another side of Georgia. I know this isn't my home because I have never lived there. We have been lovingly invited several times, but, we don't belong there. It is always nice to visit and see the family we have there, however.

After that visit, we went back to the town we spent our entire married life in. We were welcomed back with open arms by some more recently made lifelong friends. However, there were so many changes in just six months, I was astounded. It kind of felt like home, but, it was more of a "this is where I came from" feeling. I am very excited to be here and get to see the friends and family we left in this town. I am happy for the love we have been shown since we have been here. It lets me know, we belonged when we were here.

The last leg of our journey begins in about a day and a half. I can honestly say, I am ready. I am no longer struggling with where I belong. I know where I belong. I belong with my family, wherever it is. I belong where God has placed us. I belong where I am. I am making a difference where I am. I am making new friends where I am. I am building new relationships where I am. Will they take the place of the old differences, friends, and relationships? NEVER! I have just been given a wonderful opportunity to replay things I have done before in a new setting. :)