Goodbye & Hello

Before I share with you my new list of resolutions for 2015, let's take a look back at what was or was not accomplished during 2014.

1.  I will only drink water, lemonade or breakfast drinks such as HI-C, apple juice, milk, and orange juice.  ACCOMPLISHED!  I think this would not have been as easy if I didn't already drink as much water as I do. 

2.  I will only eat out once a week.  Exceptions are birthdays, special occasions, or visiting friends or relatives.  EPIC FAIL.  

3.  I will set a budget each month and only withdraw money out of my checking account.  Exceptions are emergencies.  FAILED. 

4.  I will write one letter or card each week and send it to someone by mail.  FAILED.  

5.  I will exercise for 30 minutes each day for at least three days a week.  FAILED.  

6.  I will start and end my days with prayer.  FAILED.

7.  I will finish the Hospitality chapter in my checklist book by March (I accidentally put Humility chapter last time).  ACCOMPLISHED!  This was probably one of the easier goals to reach.  I met this goal by having friends over for homemade pizza and dirt cake.

8.  I will get a credit card to use only during the dead time between paychecks.  FAILED.

9.  I will eat one fruit a day.  FAILED.

10.  I will share the gospel/witness to 14 people this year.  ACCOMPLISHED!  Although I can't count the specific number, I was able to witness to 6 people at the Patriotic Celebrate in Bonifay and several children at Kingdom Quest during our mission trip to Brevard, NC.

11.  I will play a special at church one Sunday each month.  FAILED.

12.  I will walk away from gossip, change the subject, or say something positive about the person who is being talked about.  FAILED.  

13.  I will read the whole Bible this year using the Bible App (Sections each day).  ACCOMPLISHED!  This goal required a LOT of discipline on my part.  I got behind on several occasions and had to spend hours catching up on some days.  

14.  I will be an encourager to others by: speaking uplifting, positive words, helping with their needs, or smiling at them.  FAILED.

~~~~~~~

So 4 out of 14 goals were met.  The reason I failed the other goals is because I just didn't put forth effort or didn't have enough self control.  Some of these goals I have decided to put back on my list for 2015 to take another shot at them.

~~~~~~~

1.  I will read the entire Bible--again.  I've decided to make this a yearly goal.  I love going back to verses I've read before and learning something new from them.  This year I will be using my new HCSB Women's Study Bible that I got earlier in 2014.

2.  I will share the Gospel with at least 15 people.  I have opportunities every day to go above and beyond this goal. 

3.  I will make 15 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Every year I procrastinate with making shoeboxes until the last minute and then I'm scrambling for supplies.  This year I plan on buying certain supplies each month.

4.  I will speak positive, encouraging words to or about people.  I'm setting this as a goal because I hear so much negativity and criticism from people around me. 

5.  I will create a budget each month and stick to it.  Nate and I are planning on saving money while knocking out payments at the same time.  If we are able to stick to a budget it will be easier for us to do both of those.

6.  I will clean the house for at least 15 minutes each day.  Should be simple....right?

7.  I will learn/cook a new meal each month.  Seeing how I get a new cookbook each Christmas, I should have plenty of resources to make this happen.  

8.  I will play a special on the piano at church each month.  I was only able to play 3 specials in 2014 because the second half of the year I was left without much access to a piano.  This year I will snag any opportunity I can get.  

9.  I will exercise for 30 minutes each day, 3 days a week.  I hope to use my planner to actually write out the times I can exercise during the week.

10.  I will jog a 5k in its entirety.  If I do #9, this should be a breeze.

11.  I will write and send a handwritten note once a week.  I have this as a goal because I love getting letters/notes in the mail.  It's so much more meaningful and can be a keepsake.  

12.  I will use my Canon camera to take pictures.  Yes, it is easy to just pull out my phone and snap a quick picture.  However, I want better quality, more space, and to actually use the pictures instead of them just sitting on my phone.

13.  I will start and end my days with prayer.  Something else that should be simple to do.

14.  I will sew a dress.  This is something I've been wanting to do for a while.  Now, I have a sewing machine.

15.  I will pass out at least one mixed Christian cd a week.  That's at least 52 cds this year.  That's 52 people who will see/hear something about God.

Whewwwww.  Ok, so this does seem like a lot.  But, I already have two people I know who can hold me accountable for achieving these goals and I'm holding them accountable for theirs as well.  I would love to hear what your resolutions/goals are for 2015!  

In Christ, 

Katie