"New Year's" Resolutions

 Each year, January 1st slips up on me like a silent stalker.  I remember that I should be making some resolutions, and then the busyness of the holiday season tunnels my vision for a few weeks, and before I know what's hit me...it's January 2nd. 
This year, I decided to forget dates, and set resolutions, which I prefer to call 'goals', as they come to my mind through the help of the Holy Spirit, and that is working for me.  I purchased a planner that has a Monthly Goals page right after the monthly view, but before the daily view.  Now I carry my goals in my purse for quick editing and reference, and that works!
One of my earlier goals was to take time daily (if possible) to listen to the Focus on the Family broadcast.  Throughout my life I have gleaned so much valuable information, encouragement, motivation from Dr. Dobson and his guests, but in the last few years (as kids have overtaken the house) quiet moments to listen to radio shows have quickly diminished.  Now we have a trade-off:  I get 30 min of Focus, they get 30 min of Unshackled (censored...lol).  Although this may seem like an insignificant goal, the help that I have received so far in the programming this year has been invaluable.  Jim Daly has continued a great tradition of putting incredibly resources out there for Christian families.  His book is worth reading, as well.  Great stuff.
My favorite show so far this year is the January 6th edition entitled Words of Kindness, Source of Healing.  Florence Littauer (amazing communicator) speaks from her heart about the power and influence of our words.  It comes from her book, Silver Boxes.  It would be well worth your time to check out http://www.family.org/ and look up this show. 
Another goal has been to immerse my mind more deeply in God's Word using diverse means.  As we progress through different stages of life, we have to adjust our methods to coordinate with our current pace and place.  What works for me now is a Bible app downloaded to my phone that automatically sends me a 'verse of the day', has a simple Bible reading plan, tons of different devotional books, and with a click can be converted from text to audio, which is great if my eyes are too tired to remain open, yet my mind is still active.  :)
I also hooked up with crosswalk.com to receive daily emails with great articles for spiritual growth.  These "daily doses" of truth and Scripture really help to keep me focused.  Girlfriends in God is another email resource I am using.  It's good stuff, and the variety holds my attention.  The key is to find what works, and not be afraid to change when it ceases to "work"!
My great challenge for February is to S.I.M.P.L.I.F.Y.!  I love that word, but hate how often it fails to describe me!  I designed an acrostic to help me keep my wits:
Sever emotional ties with 'stuff' - tangible or intangible.
Inventory necessities, making tracking easy.
Market items that are valuable yet not needed or wanted in the current household.
Pray for added strength, wisdom, and clarity during this process.
Leave nothing untouched.  Denial is unhealthy! :)
Implement strategies for maintenance.
Focus firmly on the goal, not the frustrations involved in the journey.
Yield to the absence of 'stuff'; don't be tempted to re-clutter what was just de-cluttered!
So...hopefully by March 1st, my mind, soul, and home will be simplified!
I hope you are keeping up with your "goals" for 2011.  Don't feel defeated if you have to go back and adjust to make them achievable!