(Re)solution

Resolutions! Do you make them, then break them…or are you among the select few who actually make and keep them? I have good intentions each year when I state my New Year’s resolution(s). However, I sit on my good intentions (literally and figuratively) most of the year! In the vain of intentions, I have (re)directed my focus this year to this year’s (re)solutions ~ that is, solutions to goals, rather than resolute in intentions (“resolute” meaning unyielding, definite, unwavering). The list below is not exhaustive; merely an initial sense of direction for my year. Perhaps my motto would sound something along the lines of “Let the solutions begin in 2010!”

The prefix re- usually means again; so the implication is that the “thing” has been done before. Most of my (re)solutions, then, are a (re)creation, a (re)igniting, a (re)forming or a
(re)claiming of past characteristics, desires, or goals. I covet your prayers that I will be able to attain these lofty goals, not to perfection…but that I will be persistent in my efforts.

My greatest desire is to (re)acquaint myself with God my Father, Jesus my Savior and the Holy Spirit my Comforter and to (re)capture the anticipatory joy that accompanies a bride in preparation for her wedding~ “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” (Is. 62:5)

I will make a concerted effort to (re)align myself with all the precepts of God by increasingly (re)calling, (re)claiming, and (re)citing Scripture. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. (Heb. 4:12); “You have commanded Your precepts to be kept diligently.”(Ps. 119:4) I will also (re)commit to
(re)ading God’s Word each day before I read anything else! (I need serious prayer on this one, as I often turn on my computer first thing in the morning!) The (re)ality is that starting my day in the Word of God (re)charges me and makes the day run more smoothly! The truth is, often that time gets (re)allotted to other things (as in the aforementioned computer, television, sleep or a combination thereof!) “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3: 22-23)


I will (re)cognize God’s mercies, blessings, and gifts; and to speak thanksgiving to Him for His abundant blessings before any prayers of intercession are voiced. Long ago I learned an acronym for effective praying: A.C.T.S. : First, Adoration of the Lord, simply acknowledging who He is; Confession of sins of commission and omission; Thanksgiving for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed for that day, and Supplication for personal needs and for the needs of our family, our friends, our country, our church. Note that supplication comes last (Jesus first; Others second, You last = JOY!), and more time is spent in adoring and thanking Him for who He is and all He does! May I be (re)lentless in acknowledging privately and publicly my loyalty to and love for Jesus!

I need to (re)allocate scheduled time to be creative! The Lord has gifted me with a penchant towards the fine arts. When the creative juices flow, I (re)alize that my propensity is to find other things that I deem more necessary to complete~ things like cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, paying bills, blah, blah, blah…so I tend to (re)consider priorities and move on. Heretofore I will (re)asses the “could’ve, should’ve, oughtas” and (re)channel the appropriate amount of time (re)gularly to play my newly tuned piano (thanks, honey!), do more watercolor painting and scrapbooking, and writing~ all to the honor and glory of the One who fashioned me in that way.

As I write, I (re)call these words by Karen and Richard Carpenter :

We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes, we've just begun.

Before the rising sun we fly,
So many roads to choose We start our walking and learn to run.
And yes, we've just begun.

Sharing horizons that are new to us, Watching the signs along the way,
Talking it over just the two of us, Working together day to day together.

And when the evening comes we smile,
So much of life ahead We'll find a place where there's room to grow,
And yes, we've just begun.

…to be continued…
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."