I don't really believe in Resolutions per se........I do, however, believe in periodically evaluating your life, dreams, goals and priorities. For a while now my priorities don't match my supposed belief system, and I am growing weary of the hypocrisy of it all.
Lately, I am feeling more and more like I am one gigantic liar! Not the kind that tells lies to others..........a worse kind, the kind that lies to ones self. I keep asking myself "how did I get here?" AND FOR THE LIFE OF ME I CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT!
When I was in my early 20's things seemed so easy and clear. I knew the mistakes I had made, I didn't want to pass them on to my Children, and I loved my Lord with all My heart, soul, and strength.
Through a variety of trials, disappointments, family problems, and health issues, I Lost my way.
Don't get me wrong...........I haven't renounced my faith or anything like that.........I would compare this to a person knowing that they have been starving themselves for a VERY long time, having food in front of them, and either forgetting how to or refusing to eat.
I KNOW I don't fully understand my problem in it's entirety, even as I am writing this I feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of figuring it out.......I do feel that God has been slowly awakening in me some of my passion again. I can't say I have been surrendering to all of his prompting...........but I can say that I AM trying. My list of things to work on in this next year in no particular order are............
1. Find a Church that is "thriving" not too big and not to small and attend again regularly.
2. Stop making excuses for myself, there are people who feel much worse than I, and are in Church every time the doors are open, so I can make it at least once a week.
3. Be in the word daily!
4. Make the time to take care of myself or I will be of no use to ANYONE.
5. Take time to be GRATEFUL each and every day.
6. Speak softly or don't speak at all!
7. Make sure my children have my time and attention..........BE PRESENT in my life.
8. Make time to do some of the things that make me happy.
9. Learn how to truly forgive the people who have hurt me, and continue to do so.
11. Pray daily for myself and my family!
10. Last but not least..........worry more about pleasing God and less about pleasing others.
I hope that I haven't been too much of a "downer" but this is a step toward personal honesty. Hopefully a HUGE step toward the God I love, and away from the Sin that is causing the great divide!
Many Blessings to all of you this NEW year!
Paula <3
I will keep you in my prayers Paula, you have been an inspiration to me all these years!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Nick, I can't begin to tell you how much that means to me! <3 xoxox
ReplyDeleteHello Paula
ReplyDeleteWanted to tell you I love the pohto you have posted. I don't think you have a downer list it looks great to me. Nothing wrong with improving yourself. I think it is important for Moms/wives to have time to do this, Since you are the one running things in the home and the home is your job. Hope this help you some.
Have a great day and a lovely week
These are wonderful goals to have!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to share my 2 cents about church size - don't count out a church because it is too big...we currently attend the largest methodist church in the US, and originally we were not planning to even try it out simply because of the huge size. But, I can honestly say that I have never, ever felt such a strong presence of the Holy Spirit and my husband and I have grown leaps and bounds in our faith because of what this "mega church" is able to offer, such as classes, groups, etc!
Thanks Ladies! I appreciate the positive feedback. @ Katie...I too attend a "mega" church, Willow Creek, and my family attends the other really large church in the area. While both of these churches are AWESOME in their own right, and worship is incredible, my soul is craving the smaller type "community church". But thank you so much for your encouraging words. I do appreciate them. Blessings! Paula <3
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