What will 2013 look like?

I've been thinking a lot about what the next year will be like for our family. 2012 was action-packed, and so far there is not much planned for this year. It's like a blank slate, which is kind of nice. The twins will turn TWO in a few months! So I think that means we should be close to getting out of "survival mode," right?! I'm ready to move on from surviving to thriving!! I'm ready to start helping others, rather than always being the one who needs help. And there are so many other thoughts on my mind about who I want to be and what I want to do. So I decided that first and foremost, I need to get back into writing and journaling. It's been way too long since I've committed time to putting my thoughts down on paper and there's no time like a new year to get started on something new! I picked out a journal that I love, and I've got my favorite pen, so I'm all set.

Here are some of the first lines I wrote in my new journal. I hesitate to call then resolutions, because resolutions seem made to be broken. This list is nothing new for me... just on-going goals, plans, and ideas.

I want to run and race only when I really want to, not when I feel like I should.

I want to listen to God more, and stop resisting Him so much.

I want create a more permanent plan for what I will eat and what I won't eat.  (This has nothing to do with losing weight, just being healthy and feeling good!)

I want to clean, clean, clean this house.

I want to be BOLD for Noonday Collection and advocate for our artisans with all my heart.

I want to dream less and do more!  Sure it would be nice to travel internationally, but what can I do here and now to care for those in need?  Lord, open my eyes to the sick, the poor, the downcast and outcast.

I want to make a list of the top 10 books to read in 2013.  My current list overwhelms me a bit and I need to prioritize.

I want to catch up on my photo books and actively record memories for my kids.

I want to focus on Chase, Siena, Zoey, and Lyla, and less on me.  First priority, above all else, is for them to love God and love others.  I want to treat them with patience, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, pointing out the GOOD in people, and helping them to live in gratitude and with a desire to help others.