Year 2010

Every new year I think we all hope that the coming year will be as good as or better than the last. However, we also know that every new year will also hold heartaches and disappointments. This year already hasn't started as I had planned, but I know that God is in control and that He works all things out for those who love Him and trust in Him.

My Granny found out just as the New Year started that she has a spot on her kidney and another on her spine. It's scary to hear the word CANCER, and she is my only remaining grandparent. I've lost 2 grandparents in the last 2 years, so I want to hold on to her as long as I can. She just had surgery this past week and is doing fairly well. She is now facing radiation, so if you pray we would appreciate your prayers for her!

Something else I had "planned" for this year was to be debt free. We have paid all our debts except one small credit card and our mortgage, and that was our goal for this year. However, I found out that once you pay off your vehicles, it takes more money to keep them functioning than it does to get a newer car. BUMMER. My van is officially DONE. It was 10 years old and has been a great car for our family these past few years. However, we simply cannot afford to keep fixing it, so we spent the weekend car shopping - UGH! Not my idea of fun, but we finally found something we like. It is much smaller than the van we're used to, so it may take us a while to adjust to a smaller space, but we like it nonetheless :-) Joel's truck is also getting old (8 years) and is starting to act up, so we're probably going to be purchasing another vehicle soon. So I guess instead of being debt free, we'll just have to be a little more frugal on our "fun stuff" for the coming year.

So, already the new year has taught me that things don't always go as planned, but despite our circumstances, we can keep smiling and keep moving forward. I got 2 e-mails this week that state perfectly what my goals for this year will be... Read on, and keep these things in mind this year. Happy New Year to all!

LOOK FOR THE GOOD

I really believe that if we are to experience a better life, it will be all in how we choose to view life. No matter what twists and turns life takes, you can find the good if you look for it. If we have the right attitude, we can see the sun shining even when it’s cloudy. We can stay full of joy and keep getting better, even when things don’t go our way.

If you will trust God each day and try to live according to His plan for your life, you will be happier, healthier, and you’ll rise higher than you ever imagined possible. Make a decision that you are going to live every day with enthusiasm. Get up each morning and think about all the things for which you can be grateful. The Bible says, “To set your mind and keep it set on the higher things.”

I believe the higher things are the positive things, so first thing every day, set your mind for success and victory. Set in your mind that you are going to enjoy this day. The Bible says you have not seen, heard, or imagined the great things God has in store for you. Keep stretching to the next level, improving your life and reaching for your highest potential.

(by Toby Youngblood, Pastor of Faith Church in Glenpool)


Here's another e-mail I received from my cousin's wife in Texas...

HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 and include the Bible.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for at least 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily, and while you walk, smile.



Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts about things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do it. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Sometimes it's best to "agree to disagree".

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with the elderly and with children.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. Don't worry about what other people think of you. Live to please God, not man.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick - your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Be happy!

And finally...
40. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God!