HOORAY for the new year!!

I love the feeling of a new year!

A fresh start...a new beginning... new adventures.. and new opportunities to pursue!

It's like we're completely washed clean; it's sparkling and delicious! The best is yet to come!!

Happy 2012, dolls!

We're so excited around here because there are so many changes being made. I just recently quit my job, Josh is going back to school, and we're trying to have a baby! We know that God is faithful and His promises are true, so we rely on Him as we embark upon this coming year together!!

So come on gals…make plans, take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!!! (as Mrs Frizzle would say)

What will your dreams be for this new year?

We only have one life, we need to make the most of it and not miss out on the blessings God may have in store.

We need to get back to the heart of worship and realize that our everyday should begin by giving thanks to the One who created it. Make healthy and joyful choices!!! Be intentional.

“Today is the day that the Lord has made….rejoice and be glad in it!” Ps 118:24.

Does your heart look more like the heart of Jesus?

“As the deer pants for streams of water,
   so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
   When can I go and meet with God?”  Ps 42:1-2

We need to make decisions that will bless our life, family, home, and the people we meet along life’s pathway.

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:10

Is there a life change? Jesus said, “I came that you may have life and life to the full!”

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3: 17-19

Start a list. I've found that if you don't write things down where you can see it our plans become more of good intentions rather than a reachable goal.

Is there something you’ve been wanting to try? Bake a pie? Redecorate a room? A new do? Paint? Cooking a new dish? Read a book?

Maybe you enjoy photography and need a better camera (like me). Begin searching around at cameras you may like to purchase. Start a dream jar and anytime you have extra change, drop it in. You'd be surprised how that extra change at the bottom of your cute little hand bag or in your cozy couch cushions will add up! You could even open a savings account so it's not as tempting to spend your extra change on something else. Before ya know it, you'll be takin’ gorgeous pix with your snazzy new camera in no time! Be sure to check out this site too for some great camera bags!

As my old pastor use to say, “garbage in, garbage out!”

Make sure the things you read, watch and listen to are things that will edify your soul.

Be in control of your thoughts. Don’t be negative. If you want to be a happier person, have happier thoughts. THIS IS A CHALLENGE! Ask God to help make you into the woman He wants you to be; and you know what… HE WILL!!!!

Surround yourself with positive people (happy friends and family). Put limits on your time with toxic people (ones that bring you down). Remember to be gracious when you can and pray for them, but establish your boundaries when you need and know when it’s time to say, “well, we really should skeedaddle!”

Take at least 15 minutes or so out of your day and read your bible. You’ll be pleased to see how your days become more comforting when you take time to crawl up in the Lord’s lap.

Read books that are uplifting like, Janette Oak or Beth Moore. Watch shows and movies that are touching and boost the family like, “The Andy Griffith Show”, “I Love Lucy”, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, or a good Hallmark movie. Bring back a love for old fashioned morals. Check out our links tab for some more ideas!

Plan for something fun! Go on a road trip, visit a treasured flea market, or vintage jewelry shop, take a cooking or crafting class, or spend the day with good friends.

Try totally new makeup, get a crazy-fun shade of lipstick, get a makeover, try a completely new hairstyle.

Make time to exercise and eat right. Pop in that great movie you just got for Christmas and walk on your treadmill. You won’t even notice and the weight will just be falling off!

Remember to drink lots of water!! {I’m talking to myself here too.} Water flushes out all the toxins in your body and is great for your skin!! Also remember to take your vitamins. I’ve found that liquid minerals and vitamins are more beneficial for you because your body absorbs them better.

I JUST LOVE GIRL TALK!!!! Please leave a comment or send me an email letting me know how you liked these suggestions and how they are working for you.

Welcome to the new year, friends!!!

~Mel