2017 ReSOULutions

Although the blog was pretty silent last year, the life we lived was full, fun, and everything in between. Literally.  Moving after being settled in a place for twenty years was nothing short of pure chaos.  While the word settled, bounced around in my brain as my one little word for the new year, it just never stuck. For the most part, we're five months into the new house and while there are things we want to change, we are comfortable.  Our roots have been planted.  The chaos has cleared.  Our hearts are already calling this new place home.

However, a different word kept coming back to me.  The word remember.  At first I thought maybe because I've been having these little lapses of where did I put this?  Or racking my brain to think of the right word for. . .but it just kept feeling like the right word.  So I brainstormed.  Remember what, God? And this is how He spoke to me. . .

Remember:

• His promises
• His words on my heart
• Only love today
• Listen more, talk less
• His perfect plans
• Treat my body like a temple
• Give them grace
• All I'm promised is today
• They are only little once
• Life is not an emergency
• Be patient, I don't know the battle someone else is fighting.
• God's got this.
• To shine his light
• to retreat
• to be still
• His love for me
• I am His beloved.

At church New Year's Day, God spoke through our pastor to remember these three things this year: affection, affirmation, attention.

My Mission Statement:  This year I will remember to be kinder to myself, to my spouse, to my kids, to everyone I meet.  Smile more.  Frown less.  Remember:  I set the tone for the house.

Value:  The time we have together.  Get off devices and pay attention.  Carve out family time and individual quality time.  Read aloud daily.  Remember:  All we have is today.

Verse:  "Remember His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations."  1 Chronicles 16:15 

When I get overwhelmed because let's face it, all of the above is A LOT TO REMEMBER. . .I simply need to remember Him.  He will supply whatever it is I need to remember in that moment. Here's to a new year in a new place with a new outlook on life.  Let's live it and love like never before!

Valentine"s Perfection

Valentine's weekend wasn't all it was cracked up to be initially.  We had a family emergency we needed to get out to Las Vegas for, which meant a long car ride.  Fortunately, thanks to grandma and grandpa we were able to go solo which made for great talk time and no pit stops to pee.  We had our fancy meal on the road, surrounded by desert for as far as the eye could see.

Late that evening we headed home.  We wanted the comfort of our own bed and had really been looking forward to a fellowship event that our new marriage ministry was hosting.  I'm so glad we did because it was all kinds of perfect.  The weather was perfect, the kids were entertained and well behaved the entire time, the food and fellowship were perfect, and the blessing by our pastor was just perfect.  The resolutions we read aloud, face to face were just beautiful reminders of what we should be working towards on a daily basis in our loving each other whole heartedly.  It was one of the most perfect Valentine's ever. . .even a day late!  (My diamond cross, Ernie bought me was pretty perfect too!)

"It's not the length of years. . .it's the depth of love."--Fr. Rich

THE

RESOLUTION

(men)

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibility.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. 

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

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SIGNATURE                                                DATE                              WITNESS                                                   DATE

THE

RESOLUTION

(women)

I DO SOLEMNLY RESOLVE to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it. I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment.

I WILL ACCEPT and celebrate my uniqueness, and will esteem and encourage the distinctions I admire in others.

I WILL LIVE as a woman answerable to God and faithfully committed to His Word.

I WILL SEEK to devote the best of myself, my time, and my talents to the primary roles the Lord has entrusted to me in this phase of my life.

I WILL BE a woman who is quick to listen and slow to speak. I will care about the concerns of others and esteem them more highly than myself.

I WILL FORGIVE those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. 

I WILL NOT TOLERATE evil influences even in the most justifiable form, in myself or my home, but will embrace and encourage a life of purity.

I WILL PURSUE justice, love mercy, and extend compassion toward others.

I WILL BE FAITHFULL to my husband and honor him in my conduct and conversation in order to bring glory to the name of the Lord. I will aspire to be a suitable partner for him to help him reach his God-given potential

I WILL DEMONSTRATE to my children how to love God with all their hearts, minds, and strength, and will train them to respect authority and live responsibly.

I WILL CULTIVATE a peaceful home where everyone can sense God’s presence not only through acts of love and service but also through the pleasant and grateful attitude with which I perform them.

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SIGNATURE                                                DATE                              WITNESS                                                   DATE

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

JOSHUA 24:15