Resoluting to Build a Legacy

For me, the shininess of New Year's resolutions wears off about mid-February.  I've been praying and pondering how I can make one finally stick this year.  Or even pick one to focus on, for that matter.  For me, I just want be a better version of myself.  But not FOR myself.  For these two cuties...

Molly, age 3 and Sadie, 18 months

Because if 2013 slips by and I weigh less, exercise more, become more organized, save money, live on a budget, and keep up with this blog...  and not spend enough time and energy showing these girls how important they are to me and their Creator... this year will be completely wasted.  My motivation behind improving can not be simply making myself better.  Rather, my motivation is modeling good habits so THEY can be better.

The task of motherhood is daunting and exhausting.  Often times, I am trying to do it on my own strength, and the results are disastrous.  When I am not filled with incredible amounts of motivation, the ease of turning the television on happens more often than not.  Therefore, the goal for myself this year is: TO HAVE A PLAN.  Let's do this "Special Agent Oso" style, shall we?  Three special steps......

Step one:  Spend time in the Word.  

This year, thanks to the suggestion of my sister, Amy, I am going through this lovely devotional book:

 

Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence   *sigh* Does that sound like something you want too?  I know if there's anything I want more, its having more of God's presence in my life to give me peace in the midst of the craziness and chaos of child-rearing.   

The great thing about this book is that the even though the entries they take less than 3 minutes to read, they are packed with amazing Spiritual truths that refresh you throughout the day.  I'm sure I'll be gleaning a lot from this little gem of a book that I'll hopefully be sharing on the blog.  I also got this book as a gift for my mom and sisters for Christmas. If you would like to read along with us, we would love for you to join us!  I'm praying that the more I am filled with the fruits of the spirit, the more I will spill that truth out onto my littles!  

Step 2:  Keep the house clean

Keeping my house tidy is not just a matter of being organized and on top of the laundry.  For me, it is a spiritual battle.  When my house is messy, I am more likely to be dissatisfied with all the provisions God has made for me.  (Why isn't my house bigger for all this stuff I have?)  So the plan is to do a 15 minute pick-up after the kids go to bed.  Sometimes, this is all it takes to have a house filled with more peace the following day.  

Step 3:  Set daily goals

Whether its playing with play-doh, making cookies, doing a craft, this step is all about engaging...and less screen time (for my girls AND me.)  I'm going to try to make plans the night before or even a week before- just try to write down all the things I want to do on a master list.  I want to write down...

• Activities to do
• Things to make
• Places to go
• People to see

That way, I won't be scrounging for something to do before I've had my two cups of tea for the day.  I'm looking forward to sharing all the ways we're planning on keeping busy in the hibernation/too-cold-to-go-outside season.  Tomorrow, Amy will be sharing a super fun activity that can be first on your list to try!     

..I know that seems like three separate New Year's resolutions, but its really just one: To love God and those He has entrusted me with with more direction, purpose, and focus. I hope that no matter what resolution you have made for yourself this new year, it will be motivated by your love for God and love for others God has put into your life.  I pray that when we look back on this year together, we won't just have made fun memories, we will have built a foundation to our legacy to love like Christ has called us to.  

   

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  

John 13:34-35

In the comments....

We would love to hear your New Year's Resolution....  or maybe a Bible verse or quote to help spur us all on!  Remember to leave a comment on any post by January 13 to be entered into our giveaway!!!!