2012 Resolutions already? Wha?

'Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.' - Philippians 1:27

It may seem to be a bit early to begin thinking about 2012 Resolutions, but I'm starting to plan them now because I need your help. Let me explain:

The plan for my 2012 resolutions is actually an idea borrowed from a good friend of mine. He made a list of 12 resolutions for the year, but instead of beginning them all on 1st January, he only started one. Each month, he would add another resolution while continuing those already started. Basically, cumulative resolutions.

With his blessing, I've decided to appropriate his cumulative resolution idea, but with my own spin on it. I've come up with four different categories:

1. Spiritual - Resolutions to do with my growth and development as a Christian. 
2. General - Pretty much anything here really. 
3. 2012 Bucket List - 12 things I want to do before the end of 2012.
4. Challenges - I love a good challenge. This category is for people to challenge me. The challenges can last anywhere from a month to the whole year. 

This is where you all come in. I'm asking for suggestions for any or all of the four categories. The first three, Spiritual, General, and the Bucket List are all limited to 12 each, and we'll just see what happens with the challenges. Also, if you suggest a challenge, could you perhaps suggest a consequence for failing the challenge as well? Maybe 20 hours of volunteer work or something like that. 

I'll give you all until 23:59 on 17th December to brainstorm and put up any ideas you have, then I'll sort through them, and maybe (for the sake of accountability) let you all know what the final lists look like.

And please everyone, be creative, don't think outside the box, think 'What box?' Haha :p

Thanks in advance for what I hope will be some crazy good 2012 resolution concepts!

Ready? Steady? GO! (: 

Source

Broken Chariots

Hey everyone,

This entry is really just to re-direct you to another blog: Broken Chariots, by Ryan and Annie ( good friends of a good friend). Annie has been diagnosed with cancer (for the second time), but in this instance it's terminal. The blog is one their ways of sharing Annie's story. It's updated pretty regularly, so do keep checking back. I challenge you to read it and not be touched.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

And that's it.

Until next time,

M-J

Be prudent - Mamma Wood

Just want to begin this post by apologizing for not have put up any new entries in an extended period of time. Sorry everyone!

And now as a treat, today's post was not written by me, but by my mummy! :D 

Now from the pen of the legendary Mamma Wood, "Be prudent"

Be prudent

In today’s world of fluctuating economy, most people welcome any advice which would result in their saving, be it money, time or anything else.

Today’s admonition to “Be prudent” therefore encapsulates what I hope will be some welcome yet simple advice.  Let me admit that this advice is not original but gleaned from my mother who was an avid reader.  She came across the saying “Use snippets of time.” and shared it with me when I was a teenager.

Being a “crafty” person, the allusion was a very real one, and it was easy to identify with the many little unused pockets of time which exist in the lives of all of us.  We often talk about wasting time but fail to recognize, or perhaps we overlook those little moments which are tucked away and  unused.  I know someone who taught herself a new language using the time she spent on the bus every day to learn new vocabulary.

There are two sayings which I want to mention: “The devil finds work for idle hands to do”  and “An empty mind is the devil’s workshop”.  If we agree with the ideas expressed there, then the fifth chapter of Ephesians offers some excellent advice.  Pay particular attention to verses 15 and 16, and then it will all make sense.

We know that God is interested in the “all” of our lives, and so when we are called to account, we will need to account for our snippets of time as well.  How can we use them?  We can  learn Bible verses.  We can learn a new language like my friend.  We can start a project.  The possibililties are limited only by our individual imaginations.

If we make a habit out of using our time wisely, no prudently, there is a strong chance that the attitude will spill over into other areas of our lives - our money…our resources…  and so today, as always….”Be prudent.”

God bless.