Being Resolute

In general I pretty much hate new years resolutions. I mean if you were resolved to change why wait until a new year to do it? And the fact that most people go to the gym for a week and the stop. Well, sounds like you were really resolute in that resolution! I'd hate to know how long you would have done it if it were only a vague inclination!
So for many years I have stayed away from the complete hypocrisy that I consider this practice is. However I was looking at my life the week of Christmas this last year and realized that there were definitely things in my life that I really wanted to work on. The changes in my life between last Christmas and this one are so very drastic! But I realize that a lot of those same things that I wanted to work on then, I still want to work on now. So I broke down and actually made out a list of things that I would genuinely like to see change in my life between this last Christmas '10 and Christmas '11. So without further ado, this is my list:

1. to study scripture: I think the best way to know how to live every day is to understand the heart of God. If I really understood that, I would not even have to stop and think in most situations.
2. to lose 40lbs: yeah, I know that is a lot, and you are not supposed to want to lose that much, but I would really like to. Actually I would like to lose more than that, but aside from getting jungle fever and having to live on coconut milk for 2 months, I don't really see that happening. Lets face it folks, I live in America presently!
3. to not spend in excess: and by excess, I mean pretty much anything. Now in all honesty, I kinda already slipped on this one. I bought some clothes the other day. But I kind of justify that by the fact that I have had to retire a couple of the shirts and pants that I currently wear for work, so its kinda ok.
4. to spend generously on one thing:others: this is coupled with the other resolution. As much as I love to shop, I am allowed to do it if it is for someone else.
5. to save money frugally: we'll see how that goes. I really don't have much hope of that because it seems that I am always giving it away. But then again when I really am motivated I've been able to save for plane tickets, and a car, and college tuition... so this should be easy right?
6. to write more: this I have already failed miserably at because (as I discussed with Kia) while I should have a million and one things to write about (I mean, I've been to Africa and back for goodness sakes!) I have just been lacking in motivation recently. Coupled with the fact that my computer has been having issues, and I have found it inconvenient to try and type on something that you are afraid may crash at any second. Anyway... I am going to change that at the sincere urging of my very dear friend and try and write something captivating for you all at least once a week. I LOVE the idea of doing it every day... but I'm not kidding anyone, it simply wouldn't happen. I think this goal is very much more practical.
7. to love unselfishly those around me: and I actually have a specific list of people. Chances are if you are reading this blog you know me well enough to be on it, so you needent go through life wondering if you made the list or not! ;)

I think 7 is enough right? Anyway that is the number I am going to go with for now. Maybe I'll add more later... there should probably be one about doing my housework and sewing, and being a good domestic person... and probably a big one about patience too... but hey, there's always next year!