Resolutions are Hard Stuff

goals, plans, directions, projects, hopes, 
desires, resolutions, dreams, commitments

When you get down to it, it doesn't matter what I call them.  It doesn't matter whether I do or don't formally write them down.  It doesn't even seem to matter whether or not I think I'm going to resolve anything at all in a particular year!  The fact remains that every new year finds me yearning for change and improvement--progress and results of some sort.  2012 is no exception.  

What IS different is the incredible amount of well-stated resolutions that flood the posts of some amazing blogger friends this year.  I am overwhelmed and a bit intimidated by them all.  I want to adopt every one of them.  (In fact, I confess to copying some of them down only to move on to find yet another list to add to a growing volume of hopes and desires for my personal life, home, marriage and family.)

I'm intrigued by words.  I LOVE words.  I like stating things in simple but striking ways.  I like having words at my fingertips.  Lists to remind me.  Statements to keep me on track. Inspirational quotes of others who say things "just right".

I'm beginning to realize that the volume of excellent writing 
so readily available to me via the internet just may be the biggest hindrance
to the realization of some of my aspirations for this year. 
Sometimes I get sidetracked by the splendor of it all! 
I substitute READING for ACTION.
I am cognizant of fact that Jesus asks  His disciples to follow HIM.  
(He must have know of the temptation it would be 
to "follow" favorite bloggers in the 21st century when He said that.)  

So my resolution (or goal, desire, hope, aspiration, plan, etc.) is to follow HIM. First and  supremely.  I would like to also say "only", but instead will do my best to follow those who are also following Him. 

It was Paul who said, "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ"  (I Corinthians 11:1).  I shall be careful whom I imitate in 2012, and I will be careful to live in a such a way that I could say, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." 

(Give me a little time on this one, OK?  Resolutions are hard stuff!)

 All growth depends upon activity. 
There is no development physically or intellectually 
without effort & effort means work. (Calvin Coolidge)

10 comments:

  1. You have sparked a topic for my blog Rebecca. I am going to expand on your substitution of reading for action statement if you don't mind. It should post on Jan. 8 but you always visit anyway so you'll see it I am sure. Resolutions are hard stuff I agree.

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  2. I find myself not wanting to just follow every blog that catches my eye...but those with meaning...those who write for HIM. I still love a good cooking blog and decorating blog...but even there are even those written by CHRISTian women!!! Thanks so much for your wisdom and insight, dear friend!!!

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  3. Dear Rebecca,
    Oh, how this post hits right to the core of me, and issues that I have also personally come across. I shall return to read it a few times no doubt, just to keep reminding me. Take care.

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  4. Greatest resolution I've ever come across!
    Beautiful, Rebecca. Thanks for this message.
    Love and Prayers,
    Eileen

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  5. A profound Post my Friend... I recently saw a great quote that said something to the effect of "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken"... wish I could give credit to whoever uttered those profound words or Wisdom, but I can't remember. The words just resonated with me because it's how I feel exactly, comparisons or striving to do or be all that I admire would absolutely wear me out and probably make me feel totally inadequate. *Winks* The Land Of Blog is a wonderful place, but the reality is that it's probably an edited and cleaned up idyllic version of everyone's Lives, Hopes, Passions etc... and so it never ceases to Inspire, Uplift and be a safe Haven to hang out in... but it could have a downside too if we allow it to appear more reality based than it probably is. I'm a lousy domestic goddess for example and the Homes here always appear perfect... like a Magazine spread even if there are kids & fur babies & full Lives apparent. I had to do a reality check that for the Photo Op or Magazine Shoot there was probably a lot of extra work involved to get it just right and it probably doesn't look like that 24-7 either. *whew... now I didn't feel so much like a slob... winks* So... may my Joy remain intact and may your Resolution List not be so overwhelming that you don't accomplish at least a healthy portion of it... all the while as we Live for Him.

    Hugs from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  6. Wow it seems that you have been doing a lot of contemplation about this new year of 2012!!
    All we really need to do is keep following him faithfully, with God , all things are possible, right?
    Changes are in the air. I can feel it!!
    Happy New Year to you Rebecca!! Love Di ♥

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  7. How can you go wrong with this intention, for He leads us in the paths of righteousness for his namesake! It's quite similar to my intention to 'listen.' I'm weary of making the plans, I think I'd rather find out what His are for 2012.

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  8. From a fellow word lover, one who gets sidetracked, and too often subsititutes reading for action...I say thank you for this timely reminder, Rebecca! May we follow Christ, and Christ alone!

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  9. I totally agree! Resolutions are hard stuff and I make them even when I don't want to make them and whether I write them down or not! I am glad for second, third okay 63 and more chances. Joy comes in the morning. His mercies are new every day. For that, I am grateful!

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  10. The song came to me, "Oh to be like Thee, Oh to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art...my Life's song. Follow is an excellent word. I've found that when God chooses the word it is embedded in our heart.

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)