New Year's Reflection #1

Normally I am dishing out my resolutions for the next 12 months but I have changed my mind about that a little through the last few years.  I did it for years and never succeeded so I have come up with ways to challenge myself each new year - without feeling like I failed at the previous year.  In other words - don't get down if I didn't meet every goal.

Did I lose down to my goal weight last year?  No.  I lost zero pounds.  I gained 15.   I'm still down 15 from my beginning.  That's good.

Did I read through the Bible last year?  No.  Embarrassingly, I read very little from my Bible.  I don't have to pay "late fees" on my Bibles laying around - so I can dig in now.  That's good.

Did I speak only kind words after much thought?  No.  The opposite.  Spent a lot of time frustrated and hashing problems out - Out Loud.    I made ammends and haven't repeated.  That's good.

So what will I focus on in 2014?  I have a short list as I listed in my previous post.  To start off with I am challenging myself to Read More Books.  I love books.  I love to look at books in the store.  I long to go to the library and browse the shelves.   I just don't get them read.  So - the first thing I did this week after recovering from the flu was to take the library books back and the church books I borrowed back.  I came home instead with my first selection for the year and it is also the first pick for my book club that I am in along with my sister Tami.  And I will read one book at a time until it is finished!     This month's selection for me is Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg.  Tami recommended it as one of her all time favorites last year and so I decided to give it a try.  She had told me that it is a tear jerker on one level and it is about two dear friends.   Since re-evaluating friendships is on my list of things to focus on - I thought - hey what a great book to start with!

     What do two women talk about when they don't have forever to talk.  They talk about what they

     have always talked about - they just go deeper and more involved.  They are more honest.  They

     look for humor.    The gift and power of female friendships.  

My challenge to Tami was to choose a book of her liking but have a reason for picking it.  Then blog about it.

Friendships are on my list of things to take stock of because as I get older I have looked back at the friends I have had through different stages of life.  I think it is interesting and I have always said that God brings us a friend for a season.    Sometimes God brings us a friend for all seasons.  Sometimes we have to part with a friend because it isn't working.   Delicate, precious, and very time consuming are friends.

So I challenge you to join me with a good book.  I'd love to hear what you are reading and why?  Or share your thoughts and insights on friendships.  And finally, feel free to tell me what you are looking forward to in 2014.

I will return after the last page is read to tell you what I discover . . .

Blessings in Books!

Read about Elizabeth Berg's Talk Before Sleep.