Resolutions

With January almost over, I figured it was time to check back in again with resolutions. Did you make any? If so, are you still keeping up with them? I think I told you (but for sanity sake, I'll do it again instead of going back to peruse old posts) that Sara and I are setting monthly disciplines. There were a couple of different thoughts behind the decision.

#1 -- We knew sweets were the first to go, but who can really give that up for a whole year??

#2 -- I tend to end the year with a long wish-list of changes I want to see for the next year. Tackling them all at once would mean certain failure...and zero actual change.

#3 -- I hear that a month of consistent action can create a habit. So if I take one change a month maybe I can tackle the to-do list the Bob Wiley way--baby steps (*please excuse me, that was screaming for a What About Bob reference.).

With January coming to an end, I've been really pleased with the plan. I haven't had any desserts/candy/sweet treats (including Starbucks) since December 31. While trying at times...it's been really refreshing to have some level of discipline back in my life. I've gone a couple of years without any in any area and while it's nice for a while, ultimately it is devastating. I'm almost positive I've landed on what February's discipline will be.... but I don't want to say quite yet in case it changes.

I have made one other resolution to be carried out in the coming year....that is to read the Bible all the way through. I've never done it! I mean, I've never even come close. Honestly, I've never considered trying. I always hear how daunting the Old Testament and Revelation can be and that scares me off. Well, that and the fact that I'm terrible at keeping any goals I set. I found a plan that lays out a chronological reading plan which keeps it interesting. Sara's joining me in this as well so the level of accountability is great! I keep my printed list on the refrigerator so I can cross of each day as I go...and so she can see where I am day-to-day. I've made it most of the way through Genesis and all of Job.

I plan on posting here when I come across things that baffle me or catch my eye. So I consider you on this journey with me as well. I found Job to be really dramatic and I couldn't always follow what was being said. I know the big picture, but some of the daily reading was going way over my head. I pulled out The Message translation as well as my new favorite Larry Crab book:

66 Love Letters. Have you heard of it? Do you have it? If not, I highly recommend it. Essentially, Dr. Crabb sits down and prays through each book of the Bible and then has a conversation with God about how they all fit together and why they are so important to the Good News. Each chapter is devoted to a different book. I see it more of a study tool than something to sit down and read cover to cover. I pulled it out to give some insight to Job and was blown away by the perspective. Here's just one quote that stood out to me:

(this is God speaking) "I punish people who reject Me by letting them have their way. Hell is the enjoyment of their own way forever. In this world, having your way can feel good. In the next, it never does. I love those I've invited to My party by permitting suffering that draws them to concentrate on Me as their only source of life. It awakens their taste buds to enjoy the rich food I offer. Heaven is the enjoyment of My way forever....To know Me well, you must first be confused by Me. Only in the mystery of suffering will you stop trying to fit Me into your understanding of life. Learn this as you read Job."

I could go on and on about how amazingly rich this is, but my eyes are closing and my bed is absolutely covered in a pile of laundry. I can't wait to see what other treasures this book + the Bible hold.

Bed time for Bonzos!