Happy New Year!

2011.  Twenty-Eleven. Wow.  I'm speechless (which, we all know, means someone has LOTS to say).

I remember when I was in about sixth grade or so and a teacher had us figure out how old we would be at the turn of the century.  31.  I remember wondering if I'd even live that long, LoL.  It took forever to reach it and it's been barely a breath since then.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to 2011.  Just like everyone else, I have a (cue echoing voice effect) RESOLUTION.  Actually, I have several, but they all hinge on one, new frame of mind.  Yes, I want to lose weight, eat healthier, control my tongue, be kinder and more generous, stamp out hunger and disease and usher in world peace.  I think that shows the reason why resolutions fail...we're trying to change the effects of what we need to change, not what we need to change.  I mean, WHY am I fat?  Until I change my attitude, I will fail at weight loss.  Why don't I exercise? Why can't I seem to shut my mouth? Why don't I share more?  It's all in my attitude which affects the actions I take. And my attitude is built out of the whirling mess my life has become.  I feel like I'm standing in one of those money booths...you know where the air flow comes on and dollars fly all around and the person is trying to grab as many as they can before the time is up....and I keep trying to grab what I need as it flies past my face, but I can't see it coming so I'm always guessing.

SO, this year, I am changing my attitude.  I am spending the next couple weeks really considering what I want in the next year.  What do I want to be like on January 1, 2012?  What do I want to have accomplished? What is most important?  So far, I'm seeing that I want to be more in control of my life, more intentional.  I want to be the author of my story, instead of just a character.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I recognize the sovereignty of God.  I know he sits on the throne and holds my life in his hand.  I know that every breath I take is by his willing it to be so.  I find great comfort in knowing that no matter how I run around like a busy little bee, God has things well in hand and he never runs around.  That being said, I also recognize that he expects me to use what he gives me, including my time, effort, and good sense, to build something worthwhile out of my life.

I am tired.  I am tired of being unprepared.  I am tired of procrastinating.  I am tired of not being able to take advantage of moments because my schedule is too tight or because I haven't done what I should. This year I want to take control of my life.  I want to decide what is my vision. What is my mission.  Where is God moving me? Then I'm going to clear out my life.  Does this activity, or board, or whatever fit in the direction of my life?  I want to only do, say and be what moves me that direction.  No more guessing.  There are so many worthwhile things to do...but I can't do them all because I end up dried up and I gain nothing and I don't do justice to any of them.  I have only so many resources, physical, mental and spiritual, to go around.  And the open slots are very few, I'm telling you!

God help me, because he did not make me to naturally be a person of clarity.  My brain is a cloud and I get caught up in many details and often miss the big picture until it smacks me in the face and I'm thinking I should have noticed that!  Fortunately, the Hub is a lot more clear about stuff like that.  He's a visionary.  He can go right around all the details and focus on the real issues.  Hmmmm...this could be the reason we drive each other nuts sometimes, huh?

So, I'm spending the first couple weeks on my knees.  My first step in this search is to declare my Bible as my best friend.  The first place I need to clean is my heart and the first and best support God has given me for this journey is my husband.  So we begin together.

In that spirit, here is a word art for you.  Carpe Diem.  I know it's cliche, but it's exactly right.  Seize the day.  THIS day, this moment.  Make it count.  Use it well.  Don't regret it when it's gone.

On December 31, 2011, may we all find 2011 to be the best, not easiest, year we've ever had and may we be the best we've ever been.

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