A New Year Begins

2016 is over and, as usual, I ask myself where did it go?

As I get older, I ask myself that question more and more.

For many years, I neglected to make any resolutions, excepting the resolution to make no resolutions. But I think I'll be different this year.

I resolve to read the Bible every day, even it's only a devotional reading.

I resolve to pray every day, and try for several times a day.  After all, I don't live my life through my strength, but through the Lord's strength.  My strength, my wisdom, my will, is as nothing without the Lord Jesus Christ.  May I always remember that.

I resolve to help others when I can, and to avoid judging anyone.  By judging someone, I can justify - in my mind, that is - that I can look down on them.  No more of that evil.

I resolve to remember that when I meet someone who annoys or angers me that I don't know what their life or situation is like.  Pray for anyone.  Pray for everyone.

I resolve to write - daily - even if it's just a paragraph or two.  After all, the late Franz Kafka once said that a writer who doesn't write is someone who courts insanity.

I resolve to think once - twice - thrice - about a purchase before I actually buy something.  A lot of what people buy really isn't necessary - or good - to buy.

I resolve to do better on my slow eating experiment.  I want to see success from this and enjoy the side benefits of it, as well.

I resolve to clean up my clutter this year.  When you are overwhelmed with stuff, it's difficult to enjoy what you have.

More resolutions as I think of them.

Peace be unto you.