Celebration, Resolution, Moderation...a Recipe for a Happy New Year

Happy New Year friends!  We're packing for a two and a half week trip to Washington to visit our kids and grandkids so our vacation will be longer than most.  We'll be taking school 'on the road' too. I'm not sure how the posting will go with grandchildren nearby. (I'm so excited!)

I'm also looking forward to visiting Maria Killam of Color Me Happy. She lives in Vancouver, BC which is just a short bus ride from Seattle. (Well--four hours isn't too bad. :-)  Who would have ever thought I'd actually make it to her house!  Yippee!

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas and have an even more wonderful New Year!  Thoughts of New Year's Resolutions were floating around in my head and I couldn't help but mention the topic.  

The fact is that I'm not too big on 'resolutions'.  For me, this year has been one long resolution. LOL!

Still, it's wonderful to reflect on all that we've been able to accomplish this year...

• de-cluttered home
•  a small weight loss and  better eating habits
• exercising more consistently
• 90% of our debt paid off
• new school program for our youngest child (the last one still in homeschool)

Tim and I have purposely slowed down to spend more quality time with family and friends. We've talked on the phone with our adult children more and mended some bridges too. I would say that was the most important thing that happened this year.  Loving each other. It's what we care about most.

Really, the things that have already happened are the things that most of us would want on our list: more spiritual, physical, relational, and financial peace and wholeness.

A new year is a great time to reflect on our progress towards a life lived purposely and to renew our commitment to those goals.

If there is any one thing I would encourage you to do this month, it would be to make a list of all that you HAVE done already.  Celebrate those things first...Then..make a list of things you would like to see work on for this coming year.

Source: google.com via Pao on Pinterest

If I WAS to make a list it would be to 

• pray more
• love more
• write more
• eat less
• move more
• and sew a LOT more!! (Who-hoo!)

My hope for this year, is to continue doing what I was last year...but more faithfully.  Sadly, I'm a pretty naturally undisciplined person, and I've decided that I will always be striving to improve.

Procrastination is still my most decided weakness..though that seems to be on the decline too--hence the most awesome Christmas ever! Next year--I'm starting in July! (Just kidding.:o)

It's called growing up...  but I have a sneaky suspicion I will be 'at it' till I'm 80.  (Ah well..)

Source: radmegan.blogspot.com via Kate on Pinterest

Just remember...the Tortoise got a lot further down the road than the hare!  Don't beat yourself over the head for what you haven't done this last year...

Just keep movin' along the right track and a year from now, you'll be celebrating too!

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:4-7 May you be blessed in every way this coming year... Happy Homemaking... Donna