In 2011...

It seems a new year always starts us to thinking about the past year and the year ahead. Many people like to make New Years resolutions,but very few ever keep them. I know I never can. So I'm not going to bother trying to set some goal that I most likely won't reach, but instead ,I'm going to list a few things I'd like to work on in 2011. Even a small change to better our selves and lives is better than nothing at all or as Zig Zagler says, "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time". I want 2011 to be my year to make the changes I'd like to see.

In 2011 I would like to...

*I want to spend more time in God's word. I slipped a bit in 2010 compared to 2009. I really want to work on that.

*I want to spend more time in prayer.

*I want to be found more faithful in church. Meaning I want to attend more Wednesday and Sunday night services. I also want to be more active and do my best to help & take part in any activity our church takes part in (revivals, singings, fund raisers, youth activities,dinners, showers, food bank, clothing closet, helping the needy,etc).

* I want to read more. I really enjoy reading. It's my "ME" time and I haven't been doing it nearly enough. Mom bought me a new book that I would really love to start the year with "Max Lucado's Out Live Your Life".

*I worked really hard in 2010 to keep a positive attitude,even when I felt I had the right to feel negative about something. I tried hard to look for the bright side (even in the dark). I want to do even better this year. I want to bite my tongue instead of speaking a negative word about or to others. I want to pray that God remove each negative thought that I think and replace it with positive thinking.  Please help me Lord.

*I want to work on saving money. I don't really blow money or go on large shopping sprees like some women do, but I do spend money on things I really don't have to have especially on the kids. This year I want to save more money and say no more often.

*I want to reduce the stress in my life. I know the main causes of my stress and I want to work on that this year.

*I want to exercise more. I done much better in 2010 and I want to do even better in 2011.

*I want to eat better. I have really been working on eating more healthy "home" cooked meals in the last few months and less eating out. Which saved us $$$ and is better for our health. I want to continue this in 2011.

*I want to make more time for myself. I try hard to take care of everybody & everything and in the process I often forget/neglect myself. I'm not selfish by any means, but I do need to have a little more "ME" time.

*I want to make more time for friends.

*I want to make it a point to encourage at least one person every day.

*I want to spend less time on the computer. I do realize I spend a lot of time on here when I could be doing something more productive. I will still get on every day because I do enjoy it, but maybe not stay on for long periods of time.

*I want to pour more of my heart and time into homeschooling my children.

*I want to foster more children/families this year. We are also looking into adoption. We've discussed it with our case worker and we had it put in our 2011 home study that we are interested in adopting a child(ren). Please pray for us.

*I want to attend every monthly association meeting this year.

*I want to make more time with my hubby (Just he & I time).

*I want to spend more time with my past foster kids. The bond I have with them is precious to me and I know it means a lot to them too. I want to make it a point to call them or go see them at least every other week.

*I want to take a couple more photography classes.

*I want to continue to declutter my home and our storage/shop area (I've really been working on this)and I want to donate or sell what we aren't using or don't need.

*I want to stop worrying/thinking about people and circumstances that I can't change. Some things are just not worth the time or stress anyway.

*I want to spend more time with my Mom & Nanny.

*I want to be the best ME that I can be this year. Please pray for me and my family that God's will be done in our lives.