the new year

resolutions...i don't usually make them. the word itself makes me cringe. just a reminder of one more promise that i can't keep. so this year, i didn't make any resolutions. but i set a goal. it's a lofty one, but one that i must reach if i am to keep peace (or create) in my home. what is this goal, this all-encompassing goal, you ask?

DO NOT OPERATE IN EMERGENCY MODE ANY LONGER!

this means many things for me. first and foremost, it means that my priorities have to line up with my family values. prior to 2009, they haven't. i have shifted my mind (and my heart) to make time for what is important to me. mostly, that means i am saying no to my little people less and saying yes to opportunities to teach them, to play with them, to grow with them. that also means i am saying no to my husband less (we all know what that means ladies...sorry honey!) it means i am saying yes to Jesus more. saying yes to His purpose and plan for me. saying yes to time alone with Him. it's been less than two weeks, and i have found great reward in making time for the three most important things in my life. that reward shows in them and it shows in me.

second, this means that i will be prepared. i will not have a sky-high stack of papers on my desk that should have been addressed yesterday. i will keep up with my laundry and not let it pile up in the laundry room (even if I CAN shut the door and hide it!) i will keep my house tidy. no, this doesn't mean it will be spotlessly clean everyday, but i will avoid the clutter that keeps me operating in emergency mode day after day. i have been a prisoner to this way of life for far too long!

i read a series of books about leadership a while back, and creating habits was frequently discussed. do something for 30 days, and it is habit, the authors said. that is my plan...to create habits of the things that power the wheels of my family vision!

what are YOUR goals for this year?