It has been a long time since I have blogged, well about a year.

I am setting up this blog to get familiar with it and loading pictures. In March, I will be traveling on a much anticipated trip to Israel and my plan is to blog daily.

I am working up an article for our Ladies Newsletter. I have been asked to do a New Year's Resolution article, collecting resolutions from members. I have gotten some really good ones (some I have added to my ever increasing list) and I have gotten the response of "I don't do that just to break them."

It has gotten me thinking, about me. Many things have me thinking about me and no, it is not all good. My New Year's Resolutions are a bit more specific this year and I thought I would share some of my current thoughts:

1.) The past is the past! Leave it there and MOVE forward. Stop listening to the voices of my past. Listen to the validation of those that love me in the here and now. Trust more and question less.

2.) No matter what I do, be it cleaning houses, answering phones/doors, cleaning the church, taking care of others, I need to do it all to the best of my ability. I need to be welcoming and hospitable. Especially making note of number 1 every single hour of every single day!

3.) Forgive myself as easily and quickly as I forgive others. I am my worst judge and jury. It is okay to mess up. Shake the dust, move forward and above all...laugh about it rather than cry!

4.) Give myself time and TRUST in God. Others will forsake me but He will not.

5.) Quit doubting myself. Trust in my instincts, trust in my judgement and don't worry about those that doubt me. I am not perfect, nor do I try to be, but I do try to do things as accurately as I can.

6.) Work on my self esteem. Speak up. I stopped speaking up about 8 years ago when I was greatly betrayed and belittled. I DO have things to say. I do have great ideas. Speak up and let others know. Love ME more and others will follow.

7.) Stop wasting time on those that tolerate, just put up with me or don't have time. I have many that enjoy laughing with me, listening to me, spending time with me and I don't need to "work" to make someone like me. It is too much work, too much stress and just a waste of time. Focus on the ones that WANT to be in my life.

8.) Spend less time on Facebook and any electronic and more time in the Word. My time will be more free, more mine after the New Year and I need to use it wisely! More time studying and more time in prayer. Get back to school this year. I am smart enough and I love college. Stop being afraid of math (algebra), find a tutor and get this show on the road. I can't do what I want until I get back on track with college.

9.) I have depression but it doesn't have me any more. I have a couple of accountability partners and have someone to PROVE WRONG! I intend to do just that. I am tired of depression and anxiety robbing me of the things that I love to do, making those I care about angry or upset and just interfering with my life. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

10.) Last but definitely not least; FIND THE JOY in my heart and my life again. Love completely and unconditionally, Be the example that I want to be and help teach the gospel to others that need to find the grace of God. I want to be an example of God's light and show others the blessings that God has brought to my life. Be there for others; in their joy and in their pain.

This next year is the year that I will start to bury the things that I don't like about me. I have dug the hole that is quite large and will get busy on the task.