Happy New Years!

what is it about the new year that brings such hope and determination? even though in the back of my mind I know that realistically I will not accomplish my long list of resolutions it doesn't waver my excitement at the prospect of new beginnings. I personally know many people who are looking at a bleak/scary start to their new year. For them, it will be a defining year in many matters; health, finances, relationships, etc. Some will lose parents, some will undergo surgeries and fight cancer, and some will not make the mortgage payment. For these people I pray for strength and the Lord's helping hand. For me of course the future is never certain, but assuming the year marches on as previous ones have this year will see several firsts for our family. Isaac will turn one in June, Blake will begin kindergarten, and Jeremy's company may even grow large enough to start a benefits package (what joy!). This year I resolve to read through the bible in one year for a second time. I resolve to love more and yell less. I resolve to practice contentment. I resolve to make new friends. You know, taking down the Christmas stuff is usually a very depressing day for me but once it is in boxes and the house has that neat, clean, new-start appearance I never fail to get excited about the new year. How will my little family grow this year? what will we learn together? do together? where will we go together? It's funny how the "what if's" of life swing me on an emotional pendulum from thankfulness to frustration. It really is amazing how blessed I am to have a healthy family and a happy home. That just isn't the status quo anymore. So occasionally I get upset that there is so much out there I haven't (and probably never will) experience. Then I remind myself I will someday see my Savior face to face. That will blow anything this world has to offer out of the water. and heaven? what will that be like? this year I resolve to keep eternity in mind. I resolve to not complain about my body. I resolve to work through the special journal my sister gave me. I resolve to continue to read and expand my mind. I resolve to try something new and step out in faith (volunteering at a crises pregnancy center??) I resolve to be an encourager to my husband and children. Woo! I'm stoked. Bring it on.