Not Gone With The Wind!

I'm going to share a few of my resolutions for the new year. They are: not quantifiable, possibly unrealistic, and definitely revealing. Oh well.

I do want to set this up a little by making a confession.

I wrote these down months ago. Not to tackle in 2011, but right then. I pushed back the big day (you know, the day that you begin) a day, a week, a month, and now here I am. With my list. I feel like Scarlett O'Hara -- "I'll think about that tomorrow." I am not typically a procrastinator, but we all put off some things, right? I kept thinking about the day I die, which could be tomorrow. Wouldn't I rather die amidst the process rather than not having even started yet? I guess that thought still wasn't enough of a motivation because I still put the big day off. I was and am scared. I think because I know how bad I am going to stink at keeping any of them. But, the timing is too perfect, I need accountability, and I am tired of seeing the list every day!

Without further ado...

1. When I get frustrated, I must pause and verbally give thanks for one thing (pertaining to that situation)
2. If I ever resort to name-calling (not really the mature, loving, respectful way to fight!), I must speak a positive remark
3. Since Ricky and I tend to air some of our grievances during bathtime, I must begin and end each shower with a smile and a kiss
4. Although we are exhausted by the time we reach the bed, I would really like to pray together for just a few minutes before crashing
5. When Ricky returns from work, I want to give him the first 10 minutes upon arriving home to relax before bombarding him with the honey-do list

Impossible goals for this frail and broken soul, but I get to plunge the depths of grace for healing, covering, and help. Thank You, Jesus!

Resolving to Read the Bible in a Year?

With the New Year approaching and resolutions formulating, I have a little tip for those who want to "read the Bible in a year."

Yeah, how unusual is that goal? I think it ranks #1 as the most common resolution for Christians.

I know it's on my list every. single. year.
While most people give up in the midst of Leviticus (the third book of the Bible), I usually make it until Summer. Then, it hits. I realize that the year is halfway over, and I am NOT halfway through the Bible. I lose hope of finishing the entire Word that year and switch to an alternate plan -- read what I want at my own pace. Until the next year. Repeat.
So, I've read the Pentateuch and Gospels probably ten times and the other books half that many times.
But, a light bulb went off recently.
If you read just ONE chapter of the Bible a day, you can finish it in about five years. How many times has a 60-year old read the whole Bible? Twice... Once... None? But, if they had followed the one-chapter-a-day plan since they were 20-years-old -- EIGHT times!
If you want to read the entire Bible:
While people may want to set unrealistic, high and lofty goals, i.e. read the Bible in a year, instead chose the snail's pace. Read one chapter a day. In five years, others will still be wandering in the desert, but you will have done it.