A New Year !

I don't have many new years resolutions. I basically never make them but I do love new, fresh starts to things! I don't want to focus on the pesky 8 lbs I've wanted to lose or increasing the savings account, altho both of those things would be nice ; ) I want to keep my focus on the things of eternal value and really who cares what I weigh or how much money I have? Those are not lasting. I read a Max Lucado devotional each day and at the beginning of the book he has a really great message and it is something I read and reread often because it is meaningful and something I strive for daily. If we only 'start over' on NYD, then we only get 1 day out of 365 for that fresh start. But God says His mercies are new EVERY morning. Great is His faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:23) I am so thankful for that. I try my best daily but the truth is I need a fresh start daily. So, here is the forward I read so often based on the fruit of the spirit that is the gift of God! Galations 5:22

I CHOOSE LOVE.....
No occasions justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. today I will love God and what He loves.

I CHOOSE JOY.....
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical....the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE.....
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS.....
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS.....
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS....
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My husband will not question my love for him. My children will never fear their mom will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS.....
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL.....
I am a spiritual being....
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal!
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control!

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.