I resolve to....

Ride my bicycle, volunteer, take mini vacations and blog more...all for 2016!

I have made resolution after resolution. I've succeeded in some and failed in many more. I've resolved to do more and promised to do less. Last year, I resolved to wear more lipstick and start a not-for-profit. The lipstick resolution was fairly successful; the organization, not yet.

The things I've resolved to do on my own, no matter how hard I've tried, I've failed or forgotten. I've started off strong, but didn't finish. I've gotten sidetracked, stumped or stung and simply missed the mark.

However the times I've committed my plans to the Lord, they've succeeded. It wasn't a half-habit, lucky commitment; it was a true transformation of my heart in which changed my habits to change my life.

So how did the real change happen? Through God's power at work within me (Ephesians 3:20). When I made a decision to believe in God and accept that He loved me so much that He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place for my sin; the Bible says the Holy Spirit [God] came into my heart to reside. The Bible also says that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in my heart.

Through that power, I can accomplish so much more. I can love after heartache, smile after the grief, overcome debt, stand up for the truth, forgive after betrayal, believe my self-worth, and find kindness for the hard to like.

So for this year, I want to be a girl that does. That does love well, does give, teach and share; that does learn and grow, and leaves people (and things!) better than when she found them. A girl that does show grace and gratitude and a zest for God's love to fill her heart.

Riding my bike, volunteering, being better at being on time and wearing more lipstick will come. When I focus my effort [resolution] on the Lord and let Him guide my steps, He will take care of the rest to change my heart, my habits and my lifestyle for the best.

xoxo

Jes

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:3‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭(NLT‬)

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)