New Year Ramblings

Each morning when I wake up I try to find music that will motivate my troops to get up and get moving.

In my early morning haste, I grabbed the first CD I could reach and put it in the player. Avalons New Day started with a burst.

Providence...how I love thee.

Yes, its a new day, its a new time.....


I love new beginnings.

Of course this is a time when most are wont to make resolutions and new commitments. I am no excpetion, except.....

I don't really make resolutions, because that supposes that that list of things will be resolved--meaning  settled, or that a specific solution will fix the problem.

Let me tell you, if there is one place where I remain consistent it's in this: I am a continual (and not always in a forward motion) work-in-progress.

With that said, I desire to always be learning, creating and striving to be who God has created me to be.....and let's be honest here, there is nothing I like more than a list at the beginning of a new year.

So I make goals. Goals feel more do-able than resolutions. Goals put more emphasis on the journey than the destination.  I like that.

Am I sounding like the adults on a Peanuts cartoon? - whaa whaa whaa whaaaa......


Then let's move on.

This year I made three goals: A spiritual goal, a creative/relational goal, and a personal goal.

Spiritual: To read through the bible in a year.

I've read through the bible in a year 18 months before, but I am looking forward to having some accountability and some dialogue with Tanya and the other gals.

Creative/Relational: Last year I joined a tap class, and that was fun, but it didn't open the relational doors that I hoped it would. I am fairly sure that was because we were too busy concentrating and feel self-conscious about getting the steps right to actually look each other in the eye and make a friend.

This year I am considering a knitting class at my local library, or something creative that lends to more interaction with others.

Personal: Finally, one of the things that I really want to focus on this year is not to allow culture to dictate and influence my perception of beauty.

God has created each of us uniquely, and He is happy with what he has perfectly created.

How sad it must be to Him when he sees how critical we are; when we compare ourselves with others; when we don't appreciate the gifts, and talents, and bodies, and lives he has given to us.

I saw this design of "beautiful" on a t-shirt at the True Campaign store. They didn't have any in stock when I wanted to order one, so I embroidered/knitted the one in the picture above. I plan to frame it in my office; a reminder that to "Be you" is the most beautiful (and God honoring) part of beauty.

Its my creative interpretation of the Psam 139:13-16 and Psalm 45:11--

Psalm 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you

       when I was made in the secret place.

       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
 All the days ordained for me

       were written in your book

       before one of them came to be.

Psalm 45:11 -

The King is enthralled with your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord.

I want you to know that this, above all things, is a daily battle for me. There are days the war is full scale combat, and on others the white flag is raised. I know I'm not alone. I also know that we fight the good fight knowing that in Christ, the battle is already won.

So those are my goals for 2010.

If you would like to join the Read with Me gang. Follow this link to Tanya's site and let her know! Its certainly is not to late to join and the bible schedule we are reading is NOT DIFFICULT or overwhelming....it even gives you five days a month to catch up if needed. You can do it!

Happy New Year!