Grace Filled Resolutions

{originally published in 2013}   I don’t know about you, but I am pretty hard on myself.  I set up these fantastic goals, mostly unrealistic, and then become annoyed, depressed, and angry with myself.  I have resolved to stop the cycle this year! Who is with me?!   I have decided to create Grace Filled Resolutions and will not allow myself to emotionally or verbally abuse myself over them.  They may seem silly or too ‘easy’ to be named a “resolution” but baby steps got me to where I am today!   The OLD me: Go on a diet. The Grace Filled me: Cut out French Fries from my diet. (Unless they are sweet potato fries – I cannot deny myself that goodness.) {Side Note: I have also cut out all sodas and Oreo’s from my diet since April this year and it’s been working out quite well. Baby steps!  It works for me because I replace those items with a healthier choice so I never feel deprived therefore never feel like ‘cheating’.}   The OLD me: Don’t worry so much. About everything. The Grace Filled me: Pray more.  Seek Joy.  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finall, brothers {and I have to add sisters} whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

    The OLD me: Connect with old friends and distant family members. The Grace Filled me: Write a letter or small note each month to one person you want to reach out to.     The OLD me: Be a better mom. Be a better wife. Be a better person. The Grace Filled me: Be in the moment.     The OLD me: Stop frivolous spending. The Grace Filled me: Pay yourself on payday. (I pretend my savings account is a bill and I must contribute something to it each month.)     As I said before, these “resolutions” may seem like common sense to a lot of you. But for me, dealing with depression and anxiety on top of life itself, these small things are like Mount Everest at times.  So, I am taking my Grace Filled baby steps and I will reach the goal of becoming a better person, or rather, the person God created me to be.  

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Philippians 2:13

  What about you? What is a “Grace Filled Resolution” that you have created for 2015?