New Year's Resolutions

I can't believe it's already 2011.  Do you make resolutions?  I don't.  It seems pointless...I don't think I know anyone that on December 31st actually completed the resolution they committed to the previous January. 

But, I do like the idea of new beginnings.  A clean slate.  A reason to start fresh.  I have a few things I'd like to start anew:

• Healthier lifestyle:  Eat less, move more.  Eat  more fruit, it's now FREE on Weight Watcher's new Points Plus program.  Eat more veggies...I need to be a good example to my boys and veggies are good for me (too bad they don't taste good).  Exercise, the only way I'll ever get to my goal.  This is a toughie because I hate sweating and have NO athletic ability. 
• Scripture memorization:  This has been a focus of our church, West Evangelical Free, for the last year.  Beth Moore has challenged women to memorize two verses per month.  What's more important than hiding God's word in our hearts and minds?
• Bible Study:  Not just scripture memory, but daily devotions and time in the Word.  It's hard to find a quiet moment when you have small children.  When they're quiet they're sleeping, and when they're sleeping I want to be sleeping too.  It's an excuse but also reality.  I'm trying to make it a priority and seeking a quiet time and place for devotions.  One more thing on this topic...doing my lessons every day so I'm not up until the wee hours on Tuesday nights before Wednesday morning Bible Study.
• Coupons: Have I mentioned a love a bargain?  And, I can save our family money.  But, you can't do it when your coupon box is a disaster.  I need to set aside time once each week to cut, sort, and organize my coupons and hit the Target web site to print their in-store coupons.   You can get some amazing deals when you pair their coupons with manufacturer's coupons!  Sometimes all you have to pay is sales tax.  
• Mary Kay:  I don't think I've mentioned that I'm a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.  I joined the company in September and now after the busyness of the holidays I need to get serious about getting my business up and running.  A little extra income would be nice, but seeing women looking great and feeling good about themselves is even better.  Anyone want a facial?!?!

Do I have specific goals in mind?  For a few things, yes.  For others, no.  I'm just trying to shift my focus to what's really important.  With that in mind, here's one of my memory verses for January (I'm committing to two per month) , it's the church's January verse:

 Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Romans 12:1 NIV 

I'm memorizing it in the NIV so I can say it with the congregation on Sunday mornings, but I really like how the Message puts it:

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you:  Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.  Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.  Romans 12:1 

Memorization is not easy.  But, I've found a tool that helps.  It's called "Word on the Rings" and it'll be the method I use this year.  Not only does it help with memorization but it also keeps those words top of mind throughout the day.