Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Great Advice and New Years Resolutions

So I've been thinking a lot lately.

New Years Resolutions. Last year was the first year I felt like I'd actually followed through with my resolutions. Normally I make a long list of all the things I want to change about myself and progress with, (and somehow expect that I'll make them all happen 100% perfectly from then on), but last year I followed some great advice on picking my resolutions, and that has made all the difference in my year. I was encouraged to pray about the one goal I could make for 2012 that would have the biggest positive effect on my life, and focus on that.

After praying and pondering, I finally decided on two, because they were both too important to wait for 2013. :)
1. Be a reliable and loving visiting teacher.
2. Study the Sunday School and Relief Society lessons before church each Sunday.

I wasn't perfect, but I put in an honest effort throughout the year. I spent time re-evaluating my goals during General Conference (1st week in April and October) and my birthday (1st week in July) - serendipitous how that worked out, right? With New Years it equals out to once every three months. :)

I truly feel the difference in my life because of these resolutions. I have seen the Lord blessing me because of my study and service. I've seen him preparing me, and giving me greater opportunities for growth and learning.

So what's next, then?

Obviously I want to continue my goals from 2012. But I followed the same advice for this year, and this is where I've felt drawn *gulp*:
1. Read the entire standard works (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) by the end of the year.
Want to see my schedule?
2. Write in my journal at least once a week (I almost wrote "at least every other day" but I chickened out.)

Line upon line, right? I feel a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of my reading resolution, but it equates to about 6-7 pages of scripture per day. Totally doable, right?

The reason I feel drawn to writing in my journal is because of my Grandpa, Nephi Bushman's example.  He is 83, and has been faithful and consistent in journal writing for most of his life (just like his father was before him). He has recorded so many wonderful, important, and sometimes heartbreaking memories in the precious pages of his journals, and I hope to someday pass on a similar type of legacy (albeit in much messier handwriting).

We also set family goals:
1. Take one family name each to the temple each month.
2. Read the entire Book of Mormon together by the end of the year (roughly 15 verses each day. Easy peasy.) Here is the nifty reading calendar we're using!
3. Index at least 365 names each by the end of the year.

So there you have it! What are your resolutions? Feel like taking on any of my challenges with me this year?