Resolutions

We’re 27 days into 2020. How are you doing on your resolutions? I’m not trying to call you out if you’ve already thrown in the towel. I stopped making New Year’s resolutions because I rarely made it out of January before falling back into my old patterns, shamefully admitting defeat. That feeling you get when you’ve failed yet again is what motivated my final resolution to never make another resolution.

Last year I did a vision board and enjoyed the simplicity and fun. This year in early January I had some of my family over, and we had a vision board pizza party. What fun seeing everyone choose images and words that will give them focus and motivate them through the year ahead.

I looked over my vision board from last year and could easily connect the images and words to the change(s) that had taken place in various areas of my life. It gave me encouragement and a feeling of growth and accomplishment—a feeling far better than in the previous years of having an all-or-nothing attitude about my goals.

New Year’s resolutions are yet another reminder of how difficult it is to make permanent change. We’re already familiar with the struggle in our day-to-day commitments and demands placed on us. Since we’re our own worst enemies, I imagine that everyone has something about themselves they would like to improve or completely change. There will never be a bigger critic of us than we are.

I’m the first to admit that sometimes it’s simply easier to fall back into old habits out of convenience, because I’ve already ingrained them into my daily flow. I’ll whole heartedly ignore what they’re really robbing me of, because I’m going to make the change when I’m … (fill in the blank).

The struggle is real, but I want to remind you of something. No one is perfect, and the desire to obtain perfection is unrealistic. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to discourage you but rather the opposite. I want you to embrace where you are and find joy in the process of growth, however small the steps may be.

Perfectionism, harsh demands, and rigid criticism are all thieves of joy. And without joy, what hope do we have for a satisfying life? Besides, can you recall situations, if any, when harsh demands or rigid criticism resulted in you experiencing effective, long-term change?

To enjoy the journey is the most important thing. To gain wisdom is one of the top three most beautiful gifts we can receive. Mistakes, disappointments, and failures teach us. Victories, accomplishments, and accolades give us encouragement. Because we have purpose and a destiny to fulfill, our hearts need to journey ahead.

This is what I’d love to see as your main focus in life. To discover the heart of your beloved God and to pursue Him every day. As one who pursues the heart of God, you can rest in the fact that He has begun a good work in you, and He is faithful to see it to completion. Our failures, as well as our victories, do not define us or limit Him.

What is unfinished in your life? Don’t let it define you or hinder your freedom in Christ. Thank God (literally!), because choosing Jesus Christ as your personal savior offers the assurance that the weight of life is not on your shoulders. It was the burden that Christ took to the cross for you and me. Enjoy life through the heart of Jesus Christ.

Sweet friend, there’s no need to struggle with life. God offers you a quiet resting place in Him. Take the time to enjoy His presence, and never forget that the victory has already been won for you. It’s not a fight you’re here for. You’re here for the beautiful adventure of discovering the heart of God and how much He loves you.

NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!

Self-Reflection

These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.

This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.

• What is your biggest failure?
• What did it teach you?
• What is your biggest victory?
• What did you learn?
• What do you have that’s unfinished in your life?
• What is your biggest hurdle in completing the task? 
• With regard to the unfinished task, what would you be willing to lay down and give to God?
• Once you decide what you want to give to God, offer it to Him and then ask Him what He wants to give you in place of it.

Talk to God about your answers. Give Him praise, ask Him questions and then listen for His gentle response.

Take Action

Use God’s word to take control over the traumas in your life.  Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His word.

Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire but my ears you have opened, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come, it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:6-8)

When you read God’s word say to yourself: Our dull sacrifices and vain attempts at offerings are as valuable to God as a candle when the sun is at full day. But rather, our obedience is the way God chooses to fulfill all that is written upon the scrolls—scrolls that were created before the foundations of the earth were laid. Obedience opens the scrolls, and the purpose for which you were created unfolds.