Most of us have done it, we’ve started the new year with the best intentions. However, the dedication to our new commitment waned.   

When this happens, we tend to get the mindset that we’ve already failed so why bother. My challenge to you is to resolve to do your best at something. Don’t set unrealistic expectations that will set you up for failure. A new year is a perfect time to set some goals to better yourself, your family.    

I’ve listed a few suggestions below you may want to try. Write them down. Print out a picture or a quote. Put that somewhere you will see it every day, maybe a mirror or your refrigerator.    

Just remind yourself. You are successful! You’ve already done more than you did last year if you’ve taken the time just one day to do your best toward your new goal. Keep going!  

Patience

So many aspects of our lives these days offer instant gratification. We’ve become accustomed to getting much of what we want with the click of a button. This makes it very easy to set ourselves up for unrealistic expectations when it comes to our prayer requests. Often times we need to step back, be still, and remember God is in control. He is working His plan, which is better than any we could construct.  

Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;  

Family Meals

Busy schedules can lead us to grab our meals on the go or have something easy as we “vedge” in front of the TV. After all, we’ve worked hard. We deserve some time to relax, time to decompress, and recharge.  

One of the most satisfying and regenerative aspects of my life is time spent with the ones I love. Is that true for you? It may seem too simple to make an impact, but the conversations and time spent around the dinner table can impact our relationships in such wonderful ways. Our mealtimes can also nourish the soul.   

Psalms 133:1 – …Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  

Faith

Christians often take faith for granted. We are assured of our salvation. We believe God is all-powerful, but do we resign ourselves to that fact? Let that sink in. God is all-powerful! He can literally move mountains! We know this, so why do we doubt the little things in our lives?   

Think of a child. Their world is so small. The little things that seem so big to them are insignificant to us. They may believe their world is crashing down because they can’t find that favorite toy. This is real to them. They may honestly believe that it’s gone forever. They can have true despair over their perceived loss. Then you as a parent come in and save the day when you find it behind the bed.   

Stop. Just let that sink in a moment. We are God’s children. All the things in our lives that we think are so big can be resolved by Him. When we find ourselves deep in worry, step back and truly believe in His power.  

Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing shall be impossible.  

Prayer

Ok, so you ask for the blessing on the food before you eat. You may even start or end your day with daily devotions and prayer. What about the hours in between? Do you talk to Him throughout the day? He is right there with you. Would you go through a day with someone beside you and never speak? I know I couldn’t. I am a bit of a talker… “Hey, did I tell you?” “I was just thinking.” “What do you think about…” I’m sure those are just a few things that may cross my lips.   

Talk to God. Praise Him. Thank Him. Ask for his guidance. You never need to doubt if he was listening to what you said.   

Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Confidence 

How many times do you question your abilities? Wonder if you’re capable of the task set before you? Why do we do this? We do it because our pasts have proven that we will not succeed at everything we set out to do. However, we can let the Lord take control. Know that through Him nothing shall be impossible.   

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Positivity 

What a negative world we live in. It’s so easy to be influenced by what is going on around us. Keeping our focus on the Lord and the blessings he bestows upon us daily can bring us joy in the trying times we face.   

Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.  

Witnessing 

Take a look at what the Lord has done for you. How wonderful is His grace. What joy we have when we submit ourselves to him. Why would we want to keep that to ourselves? We have a great purpose. We weren’t created by accident, God has a plan for our lives. We know what our future holds. That is a reason to shine! Show the world what they are missing.   

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

 I have some free printables here that you may find useful.

God Bless, and may you and your family have a wonderful new year!