New Year's Resolutions

Hello stampin' sisters!!  If you don't mind me popping in here a minute... I just want to share some thoughts with you about some New Year's Resolutions for 2012.  Have you made your resolution list yet?  There's an ol' saying that goes something like this,

"I'll make no resolutions, I find no need for such.

I have a set from least year that hasn't yet been touched."

Among the national "top ten" list includes things like losing weight... get more fit... stop _____ (fill in the blank; ie. smoking, drinking, etc)... get out of debt... get more organized... learn something new... sell the house/move... spend more time with family... enjoy life more... .  I'm sure you can come up with a plethora of new ones to add to your own list!  And there's nothing wrong with making those goals for yourself.  As I stated on my blog, one of my resolutions is to finish turning our garage into a nice bedroom for our girls.  But let me offer this advice... don't limit yourself to just these physical or immediate goals... reach farther and do those things that will nurture your spiritual side and (in the "Big picture") grow God's Kingdom!!

One biggy that I would suggest is to get in the habit of thinking positive. Philippians 4:8 says, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  When we become obsessed with our problems at hand or worry about things that we cannot control... we lose sight of "the big picture" and become untrusting, selfish, and unable to see or tend to the needs of others.  I think the best way to get on track is by starting each day with God.  Making time for personal devotions is being proactive in changing the way you think and react to daily events that are out of our control.  God didn't say that things would be easy in the Christian's life.  But with our minds set on Him and our hearts opens to God's guidance we're on the right path towards victory!

Doctors often tell patients that their attitude is what can make them better... or make them worse.  A few years ago my brother had been in a bad motorbike accident and was on a ventilator, and was in pretty bad shape.  I went to visit him in the hospital and the doctor told me not to let him see me cry or show that I'm worried.... stay positive and give him hope!   What if we apply that to our own lives... keeping a positive attitude and offering hope (that is Jesus) to those hurting around us,  just think what a difference we can make!


I'd like to share with you the Prayer of St. Francis, which is very well known--you've probably heard many times... and as you read it and/or listen to it, maybe it'd serve us well to add some of these to our list of "resolutions" this year!

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

I really love this rendition from Susan Boyle... enjoy *Ü*

JUST A REMINDER:  We have our first Scripture/card challenge of the year coming up this Sunday, Jan. 8th with a very special sponsor (can't let the CAT out of the bag!)    I hope you'll drop by for a visit and join in the fun!!  

Love, Kris