My New Year's Resolutions

Hello again, everyone!
I hope you all had a joyous Christmas alongside loved ones. I certainly enjoyed much needed quality time with my family, delicious food, and so much laughter.

The new year is coming. I've taken a lot of time to think about my intentions for 2018. In the past, my new year's resolutions always sounded so shallow. I wanted to be prettier, lose weight, have more friends, etc. This year, the Lord has put it on my heart to mature a bit more and use scripture to set goals instead of being influenced by things like social media and Google. (Yes, in years past I have Googled what my resolutions should be according to experts and discussion boards. It did not turn out well.) The past few days, I have dug deep into the book of Proverbs, and found lot of good inspiration for how I'd like 2018 to go.

1.) Keep Christ first.
If my eyes are not fixed on Jesus, I will fail. I must be humble enough to give God the credit for my success.

John 15:5- "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Proverbs 3:6- "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

2.) Be a beacon of joy, light, and positivity.
The world already has enough drama and negativity. I can choose to be joyful no matter what happens to me. I can be an example of how life with Jesus is so awesome.

Proverbs 18:2- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Psalm 103:2-5- "Bless the LORD, O my soul, an forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is rented like the eagle's."

Matthew 5:16- "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

3.) Listen to understand, not to speak or criticize.
Oftentimes when someone vents to me, I like to fix things for them instead of actively listening. When I speak more than I listen, I hurt people. My advice is not always that important. Sometimes the best thing I can do is show compassion by shutting my mouth.

Proverbs 18:2- "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."

James 1:19- "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

4.) Have a mentor and be a mentor.
I must be humble enough to listen to advice for those who are wiser than me. They will help keep me accountable. Likewise, I can be a positive influence and role model for others by loving Jesus and serving people.

Proverbs 27:17- "Iron sharpens iron, and so one man sharpens another."

Hebrews 13:7- "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Ecclesiastes 4:10- "For if they fall, one will lift his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up."

5.) Be wise with my finances, but do not be greedy.
I have just started my first real job after college. It's exciting to make money and start my financial portfolio, but if my interest in money is bigger than my interest in God, then I will fail and be left with nothing. Money doesn't last, but God is eternal.

Proverbs 3:9- "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."

1 Timothy 6:10- "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

Romans 13:8- "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves has fulfilled the law."

Luke 6:10-11- "One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"

I pray that 2018 will be a year filled with many blessings for all of us. May we draw nearer to Jesus and love one another deeply.

Peace and Joy,

Chloe