Wednesday, January 4, 2012

RESOLUTIONS


 


It's a new year. A chance to begin again.

And new beginnings are what the Christian life is all about, isn't it? Glorious new beginnings. New hope (there is always hope!), new forgiveness and new mercies. 







RESOLUTIONS


I have to confess- I have never been good at making resolutions. I suppose it's in part because I am afraid of public failure. But I think a larger part is that- at times- I simply lack resolve. I don't always feel like changing.

But something happened about a year and a half ago that is making me feel like I can tackle a new mountain. A while back I became a Weight Watcher. As a mom who loves to sit and read aloud and make fun treats for her kids, I had gained weight over time. I didn't really see it going on, but all of a sudden I wasn't a size 8 or 10 anymore- I was a Large, then XLarge and a little confused as to how I had gotten there. I didn't feel like I should have been overweight but the charts- and the clothing sizes- said I was. And, more importantly, it had begun to rob me of peace. It was time to make a change.








So, I decided to sign up at my local Weight Watchers. I chose them because 1) I wasn't sure where to start and 2) because I knew they would teach me new habits and ways to eat real food. I wanted a new lifestyle, not a get thin fast and gain it back cycle.

And you know what I learned right off the bat? It wasn't really about how much I was eating, it was about what I eating. I began keeping a record of what I was eating and found there were 100 little choices I was making each week that were adding to my weight.

I was enjoying Frappachinos instead of coffee with cream; white pasta instead of whole wheat; a piece of candy instead of a BBQ'd peach. Yes, I could still be a fun read aloud mom and make treats for the kids, but now we all exercise first and sometimes decide that yummy yogurt and sliced fruit are treats. Not every time, but often.

And as I made little changes week by week, the weight came off. Over the year I had lost 28 lbs.

And- it really wasn't that bad.








Maybe that's why this year I feel a little braver. And why I am actually making a resolution!  This year, I am going to be a Money Watcher.

Just like a Weight Watcher, it doesn't mean perfection, but a plan (or budget) and a daily logging of what is being spent. Honestly, I do not like to focus on money. Usually, I log onto our bank account twice a month, pay the bills with one eye closed and log off as fast as I can. I'm busy I reason. And it doesn't seem spiritual somehow to be focused on money. But ignoring what I am doing with money doesn't mean I am doing my best for my family. It means that I am likely making 100 little choices each week that are adding up.

Yes, it is time for some new habits. I've spent some time with my old friend, a book by Larry Burkett, that helped us to go from two incomes to one once upon a time, a long time ago. I have made a budget, and a spending log. I have set goals.

And you know, I really don't think it will be that bad.





 



Question:  What are you inspired to resolve this year?


Blessings,



 






GREAT PLACES TO GO:



Print these wonderful Scripture Memory Cards (FREE) from our friend Margaret at The Frazzled Mama.

Read this fantastic post about New Year Contenment from Nancy Ann over at Femina.






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6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great goal to focus on! I like the idea of goals rather than resolutions anyway. I am hoping that after this upcoming weekend, I am able to make some time to set some new goals for our new year.

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  2. Happy New Year Rebecca! I love your goal! Perhaps I will embark on that journey as well. But I do like keeping my eyes shut while bill paying ;) I am on a weight loss journey now (down 24 lbs so far!). Slowly, but surely...

    I think my biggest goal for this year is to be more of a "fun" mom and to work on not being overly strict when I don't need to be. Sigh. This is going to be a challenge for me! But that's what goals are all about right? Keep us posted on how your tracking is going...

    Gabi

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  3. oh, and you look great! Congrats on your weight loss :)

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  4. Hello Mrs. Jones! Your blog is great! Quick question: do you have any pictures from my graduation party this last May? I am starting to think about scrapbooking it and don't have any from that night. Have a wonderful day!! ~ Ruth C.

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  5. Oh, you are such a dear. I find it interesting that I've been more comfortable tackling the "money mountain" (and the results SHOW), but I've been too-long-avoiding the self-discipline that will be required for me to lose the 30 lbs. that I've added to my frame over the course of four babies (and too many lattes!) I told a friend that one of the "problems" is that I don't "see myself" as a slightly-overweight person. My inner image is always me, twenties-thin. So, I'm always surprised to catch myself in the mirror and realize...wow!...I'm a bit plumper! I'm praying for you to face the money mountain...will you please pray for me as I begin to treat my body as a temple? Blessings.
    Amara

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  6. Yvonne- Well said. Praying the Lord will give clarity.


    Gabi- 24 lbs? Fantastic! How did you do it? Great goal my friend. Let's work at enjoying the journey. :)


    Ruth- Thank you! I will look at my external hard drive. I am not seeing them on my local drive for some reason.


    Amara- I hear you! Yep, praying now. Without the Lord's blessing we can accomplish nothing, amen?

    "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5


    My sister, Dale, reminded me recently that this is a good time to ask our kids what their character goals are for the new year as well. She teaches in public school and does this with each of her students.

    Blessings friends.

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