A New Year

I love that every time a new year rolls around, we are given a chance to reevaluate our lives and see where we want to change or wipe our slate clean and try again. I don't usually get caught up in making "resolutions" because it seems no matter how many times I want to "exercise more" it fizzles out as soon as I get a stuffy nose or the wind blows to the north.

 But still, I like to use this time to think about how the previous year went and where I want to be in the new year. Obviously this year will be totally different because we are going to be assuming a new role of "mommy" and "daddy." Ahh! I can't wait!  But what a responsibility! I am not buying the "martyr mother" idea that no matter what, everything is now all about my child. 

Before you jump at me, of course my child's safety, health, and cute little toes will be top of my priorities. But  I believe that my relationship with God and how I use that to be a good mother and wife should be the dominating priority. God has gifted me this child, and one day, I will be held responsible to how I bring him up in the teachings, and the example I show him and others as a woman in Christ. 

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (Deuteronomy-Moses instructing the Israel on what God expects of them and how they are to use the 10 Commandments and God's teachings.) 

  

 In my daily life, this will be a big shift. Because honestly, last year I did not study the bible daily, I did not spend my time in prayer as I should, and I let several things take priority over that relationship (including this pregnancy) Oh how I have selfishly taken this gift of a child, given myself credit, and many days not given God first thought. 

So in light of a new year, I am striving to do better at keeping myself fueled spiritually so that I can show love and patience and knowledge to my family. As I embark on these new mommy challenges and the obstacles  it will bring to our marriage, I pray that I can accept the grace given to me and give God rule over my entire day, not just when I remember to throw Him in. 

As an added note: I have the YouVersion Bible App on my phone. It has a section with "plans" There are all kinds of bible reading, devotions, and topics that help you with your daily time in the Word. There are short term devotions for a few days or longer ones, that go through a whole year. You can even set a reminder for a certain time of the day to remind you to read your devotion. I set mine for a time I am usually checking facebook. If you are thinking about digging in to a new study, or just dipping your toes in, I think it would be a great place to start. 

And yes I know I'm behind on baby updates, shower blogs, and nursery reveals. I"ve been going through extreme spurts of energy and "yay! this baby is coming soon!" excitement, followed by hours of complete exhaustion and stress over "oh crap this baby is coming soon!"  lethargic type panic. So blogging has been forgotten, as well as why keeping candles away from flammable decor is a good idea, and where to put the BBQ sauce (not in the doggie storage corner). I'm sure Kyle is glad we work opposite hours so he only has to deal with crazy wife part of the time. He's been a real trooper though and I know he's getting excited to meet this little guy!