New Years This and That

Last year I started a new tradition: instead of writing New Years resolutions, I began writing a New Years Thesis. Resolutions are way too breakable. They tend to be more a momentary satisfaction of feeling like you're making a change, then disappointment later when you don't follow through. I'm not saying they are always bad, but I prefer my alternative.  Thesis on the other hand lays out a statement of HOW you are going to live your life. It gives a standard to live up to, without the "rules." So here is my thesis: 

"This year I will devote my every day to Christ, even when I don't feel like it. In every struggle between God and Satan in my heart, I will pray for strength and choose the way that Jesus is leading me. 

I will remember that my life is not my own, that time is short, and that Jesus would be heartbroken if any of His precious children are lost. 

I will strive to do my personal best in academics and work. 

I will whole-heartedly seek for God's will in my life. 

By God's grace, this year I'll grow up to be a young woman of honesty, integrity, focus, and passion."

With that said, I actually did write out New Year's resolutions... about a whole page of them, actually! Some of them under the category Accomplishments are ~ Finish reading the Bible,  ~Vote in the 2012 Presidential election,  ~ Research and celebrate Shavout, Yom Kipper, and Rosh HaShannah, some Biblical Jewish holidays, and ~Get straight A's for an entire semester... my last semester of high school!!!! (I've never even aimed at getting straight A's before this last quarter, but I was SO close, which makes me think I can actually do it!) 

Another resolution under the category Day to Day is pushups, sit-ups, and flexibility stretches every night. That's been fun! It usually takes about 10 minutes, which lets my mind relax from homework so I can start my devotions without some of those mental distractions, still trying to figure out #37 in Pre-Calc. That kinda thing. And also I'm having my devotions at 9:00 every night, instead of like 11:00 after my brain is completely fried for the night. So that has been a real blessing. 

So far this year has been just dandy! I'm truly loving life. Every day is just a joy to live! 

Have a happy New Year! (A week after New Years, but still, its not too late to make your own New Years Thesis!)

Laressa