Beech Tree News Network

I’ve heard a lot of talk about New Year’s resolutions in the past few days. As I’ve said before, I’ve quit making them. ‘Resolution’ has been defined as “the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/resolution). As many of you are, I am resolved to continue my struggle (life changes) on several fronts in my life, but none of my resolutions are new to the New Year.

My biggest struggle has been my health: I have been losing weight – slowly – for a little more than a year. Eating more healthy food, being aware of food portion sizes, and moving my body more have been my goals in this area. I am now monitoring my blood glucose level, too: another learning experience (Can I blame my DNA?).

A second area of resolution has been using my resources in a responsible manner. Most of us try to be responsible with our money: we pay our bills. But, we may not plan well or be conservative with our purchases. It’s hard not to purchase that coveted ‘something’ with our debit (or credit) card. And, it’s really hard to save money. Those who have developed the saving habit say that it gets easier as the nest egg grows. The January 2012 Kentucky Living magazine contains an article “Spend Less, Save More” (Robin Roenker, page 20) that provides some good advice. Roenker advised to “shop your pantry.” The author suggested that we use the supplies we have in the freezer, fridge and pantry before purchasing new. Additionally, most of us get those toll-free phone calls asking for donations. I’ve narrowed my ‘giving’ focus: I know the organizations to which I will donate, and I just say no to the others (even though those toll-free callers are well trained in making it difficult for me to say no).

My third area of resolution is to continue my personal and spiritual growth. I like starting my day quietly, reading something positive and uplifting. I don’t always get to do that because of appointments and life happening; but, it’s my preference. This week, I’ve been reading a book that my youngest daughter gave me for Christmas: Max Lucado’s Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference (Thomas Nelson, 2010). I’ve been reading one chapter a day. This book shows how common people can make a difference in our world by following Jesus.

If you made a New Year’s resolution, I hope it will become a life change. My resolutions, perhaps like many of yours, remain an uphill struggle. As Flora Whittemore said, “The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”