Resolutions? Start HERE

Out with the Christmas list, in with the list of resolutions. As we wave good-bye to the “most wonderful time of the year,” we put our hopes on paper that this next year will be even more wonderful. We reflect on what went wrong and build on what went right. With our will we pave a way for something better.

I think I can.   I hope I can.   Dare I try?

Or maybe you quit resolving all together. Maybe the end of the year is just another reminder, you came up short. That will got lost in the shuffle a long time ago. There is no path to pave. Instead you feel like a ping pong ball with no real destination, just stuck in a box being thumped to and fro. No rest. No aim. 2014 … here we go again.

Whether your head is down poised to bulldoze your way to the bullseye, or your head is down in despair, too tired to even begin, look up for a minute. Before you determine how your year will end, Start Here:

Meditate. Memorize. Move.

There’s a tree God talks about. A tree that bears fruit and never withers. A tree unaffected by drought, that always prospers. Who is the man like this tree?

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 (ESV)

Step 1: Meditate.

I’ve heard meditation compared to a cow chewing its cud. (Stay with me city girls!) A cow eats and digests its food. After a while the cow brings some of the food back up; chews on it some more, and digests it again. In doing so, the cow extracts more nutrients from the food.

To meditate on God’s word means we chew on it, digest it, and do it over and over throughout the day and night, pulling every last bit of nourishment out of it. Meditate.

Step 2: Memorize.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (ESV)

Joshua, a strong warrior, prepared to lead God’s chosen nation into the land promised to them. Huge job. Huge reward. What did God say? He didn’t hand him the plan of attack. Not yet. He didn’t whisper the enemy’s weakness. God started somewhere else. Don’t just chew on my words. Speak them – all the time.

The only way God’s words can be on our lips is if it is first hidden in our hearts. Memorize.

Step 3: Move.

The New Orleans Saints won this week, punching their ticket to playoffs and a chance at the Super Bowl. Hundreds of thousands watched the game, but what they didn’t see were the countless hours those players spent preparing.

Before they step on the field, they study. When Luke works a 12-hour day, most of those hours are not spent throwing a football. As the team pursues success, they start with notebooks, pens, a dark room and game film. They look to understand who they are up against. They work to form and memorize a game plan of their own. Then they go play – prepared and confident.

Here’s what us “type A” girls like to do. We like to read a little scripture, check the box, then skip straight to step 3: Move! That’s our favorite step. Other personality types may like to linger in the meditate state where there’s little risk of failure or fatigue.

But to pursue God’s will we have to marry His word with our walk. And when we do, we can expect transformation.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Now there’s some fireworks for you! God has a plan for you this year. A big plan. You may not chase a championship or storm a city. Then again, you might. There is no limit to what God will do with you and me. I don’t know where I’ll end, but I know where to begin.

This year I resolve. To Meditate daily. Memorize weekly. And move, only after I’ve done those two. It’s a lofty goal and a little scary, but in His strength I believe. I believe I can do it. I believe He will transform me.

Any takers? I have a simple reminder of my resolution for 2014.

It’s taped to the mirror in my bathroom and the steering wheel in my car. I have one for you, too. Leave a comment & I’ll send you one to print out.

This year at my little kitchen table on the internet, (subscribe to the blog via email to find out what I’m talking about!), we will condition our hearts so we’re prepared to answer God’s call. Join me on this journey? Better yet, join God?

I’m excited for this year, friend! Happy New Year!