2012 New Year's Resolutions

I'm one of those people who likes to make lists and making resolutions each year goes right along with that.  Last year I had 11 resolutions for 2011.  I'll admit that I didn't go 11 for 11.  I failed to keep several, but like I said last year, the resolutions can only make me a better person so why not give it a try.

1.
Learn how to use my DSLR on a setting other than auto.

I've pinned numerous tutorials on Pinterest, but I've yet to read through any. I'd like to invest in a new lens for my camera, but I don't think it would be a good investment if I don't really learn to use the camera.


2.
Save money

It's not polite to talk about money, but I'm going to go there.  Mark and I have been a little too relaxed with our finances.  When we first got married, we saved money and were so frugal because it was a necessity.  Our salaries were much lower and we were paying off debt.  As we've gotten older, we have less debt and we make a little more money.  Well,  we have started to spend more money.  Most of our debts are paid off, but when we stop and think about what we have to show for it, some of it makes us feel good but some makes us feel bad.  We spend a lot more money on stuff like eating out, clothes and non-essential merchandise than we should.  When we were first married, we never ate out, never purchased new clothes and we didn't buy extravagant gifts.  Lately, we've found ourselves spending more and doing without less.  That's not the example we want Will and Ben to see as they grow up.  We work hard for our money and I think God expects us to be good stewards of what we have been blessed with.  Kathleen said it best when she said she had "stopped recklessly spending our money."  I immediately commented and told her that was exactly how I was feeling.  I have recklessly spent our money and justified all of my purchases one way or another.  Mark and I are both ready to change this bad habit, and we are committed to saving money this year.  Our future plans include traveling and building our forever home and those won't be a reality if we don't show more discipline in this area.

3.

Eat out less/Eat at home more

I like to cook.  I feel like I have a nice kitchen.  I have lots of cookbooks.  I don't really have an excuse not to cook healthy meals for my family.  It will take a little more preparation on my part, but I'm excited about the challenge of eating at home more.

4.

Lose weight

I think #2 and #3 will help with this resolution.  If we eat out less, we'll save money AND consume less calories.  Fast food is so convenient but it's really unhealthy.  Mark and I are committed to exercising more and eating healthier food to make this resolution a reality.  We're not going on a fad diet or taking a supplement.  Our plan is to drink more water eat smaller portions, less sugar and exercise.

5.
Read the Bible more

Really, does this need an explanation?
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.


6.
Be more creative with Will and Ben. 

Be willing to do craft projects.  It might be messy but encourage them to be creative.

7.
Be more patient/Be in the moment
I have a problem with losing my patience.  I have to constantly remind myself to relax, take it easy and not be so uptight.  It's okay if there are dirty dishes in the sink, piles of laundry or stains on the carpet.  Those things really don't matter.  Spending quality time with Will and Ben is what's important.  Don't let the stress of insignificant things ruin the moment.

8.
Be conscious of my actions and speech.
One of my favorite quotes is, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."  Francis of Assisi
Sometimes I feel an overwhelming amount of guilt about this.  I don't know if my actions and words always reflect a Christ-like attitude.  In fact, I know they don't. 
This verse comes to mind,
2 Corinthians 2:15 (ESV)
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

Best of luck with your new year's resolutions!


Here's to a great 2012!