Resolution for 2020

The intro is from my post six years ago on resolutions (just because it still accurately expresses my thoughts!):

"Let me start by saying that just hearing the phrase New Year's resolutions rubs me wrong. I think that one reason is because weight loss is the first thing to come to mind because it is so common. Also, no one actually keeps them or remembers them after a few months. So they seem pointless and not very profitable.

But... it is hard for me to let such an opportunity to pass me by. I relish times of purpose to be still and reflect. [I sound like a Mary -- haha, but I really am a Martha-doer struggling to find (designate) time to be still and reflect.

If God does not forbid it, and it strengthens your love-relationship with Christ, then I want to take advantage! Not that I cannot make "resolutions" other times of the year, but I have to be somewhat forced to sit back and reflect or it just does not happen because life is constantly demanding! Since this new year's time is already designated for making resolutions, then I'm going to let it "force" me :)

I find that I frequently need to evaluate my life in all areas to keep it going in the direction I want it to (towards glorifying God, of course). I hate regret and don't want to be on my death-bed, looking back on my life, and thinking, "If only I had done something with that part of my life back when I had the chance before it spiraled out of control."

The best way to change anything is to alter my spiritual life and let God have more access to my heart so He can bring true and lasting change to myself..."

2020 is going to be quite the crazy, hectic year with a new house, new job and new baby! It appears daunting, but I know it is full of good gifts. So, I want to make sure that I focus rightly on Jesus, go slow and enjoy the moments, and maintain constant joy and gratitude. I am going to keep my resolution super simple and intentional:

Just read one chapter of the Bible a day, preferably in the morning. Not only is the Word of God my life, but if my kids don’t see that, then I’m wasting these days with them. I don’t want it to be for naught. What’s the point if I’m not getting to know God better?

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life."   John 6:68

Man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.   Matthew 4:4

Merry CHRISTmas!

2019

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NLT)
 

So thankful for Jesus, Abundant Life!

Ricky, Aidan, Aolani (almost 10), Micaiah (8) & Raphael (2)

• I am just not going to be able to get to write my annual Advent post this year. 

• I am now over 17 weeks pregnant with our fourth child, and I feel great! Just felt the baby move for the first time yesterday :) First trimester was rough — nausea, vomiting, sinus infection, unable to ride in a car, craved cold stuff like popsicles, couldn’t handle the smell of coffee... Due date: 6/1/20! 

• Buying our first house and getting a loan is way more work than I anticipated! My mom will help me pack during January, and we move in February only two hours south of here, near our work at JAARS :)

Grateful to be Thankful

• Other activities besides the normal during the month of November: We had some neighbor girls over for a little Bible study; Ricky’s dad and brother visited, and they all went mountain biking; a friend visited overnight; the big kids had some play dates with friends; and, we went to Dayspring for five days and celebrated Thanksgiving with my family :)
• Aolani told us that she was playing the persecution on her electric piano (percussion) :)
• Raphael’s romps: He began to put two words together or say long, unintelligible sentences to ask me for permission to do something;) ; completely weaned this month; got his first haircut from a friend; began to brush his teeth and pretends to spit; he loves to come into our bed in the morning and get me up with a kiss; and, freaked out one night because there was a hair spider in his bed that he thought was a bug!

• School verses for the new school year: Aolani and Micaiah -- Revelation 3:20, Joshua 24:15, Matthew 6:9-13
• Verses I memorized: I am working on memorizing Psalm 103 for this baby.