Resolution updates: #1

I have to confess that I have not been 100% faithful to my recent resolutions. But I have done much better than I expected, and they have been consistently on my mind (sometimes in the back of my mind, but still there, nonetheless). All in all, I am grateful I took the time to make these resolutions because they have made a significant difference.

My first resolution was daily, substantial prayer. I was faithful in this until Justin came home. During his two weeks off work and out of our normal routine, however, I let my prayer time slide, on the premise that there just wasn't a convenient time (which is really not a legitimate excuse). Plus, we were able to pray together. But Justin went back to work today, and I reinstated my prayer time.

I wish I had recorded all of the things I made note of during those first few weeks of regular prayer. Mostly, though, I found that it was important for me to be intentional about putting God first as soon as I wake up, laying down my desires, and making a conscious effort to acknowledge my sin, which I so effortlessly gloss over without intentional prayer. I need prayer to love God more, to love my husband more, to love others more. Another thing I noticed when I started praying specific things for Justin is that I noticed how God was answering those prayers, and I paid more attention to the things that are important to Justin, instead of mentally checking out because I was stuck in my unchecked life-is-all-about-me mentality.

So, for those of you who commented to say that you would also appreciate some accountability in that regard, how are things going? Feel free to comment here or send me an email, whatever you are comfortable with.

Lent is another thing that has been in the back of my mind a lot over the past month or so. Ash Wednesday (March 9) will kick off Lent in a little over a week. I want to give up some bad habits, probably computer related, and replace them with good, God-honoring habits. I have been trying to be conscientious of my time/habits without making any hard and fast resolutions. BUT, I think Lent is the perfect time to change that. Would you think and pray about a commitment(s) to make, too, if you are so inclined? Preferably something not food related, unless that really is an area where you feel like you have not been God-honoring. I would love for a few of us to be able to encourage each other to take steps to "put off [our old selves]... and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:22-24).