Just Do Better

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions because the majority of people who make them do not keep them past February.  I do believe in setting some goals and having a game plan.  I think the new year is a perfect time to reassess how your life is going and make the adjustments that need to be made.

I’ve decided this year to keep it simple.  Very simple.

I’m just going to DO BETTER.

Each day, I’m going to ask the question, “What can I do better today?”  Not ten things...just one thing…and do that one thing better...every day.

Your “do better” things may look different from mine.  But each day, just do ONE THING better than you have in the past.

What is it that you need to DO BETTER on?

Exercise?  Meal planning? Being a better wife or mother?  Or friend?  Better co-worker?  Better at reading your Bible and praying?  Maybe managing your home or finances?  Better at disciplining your mind,  thoughts or emotions?  Taking up a new hobby or learning something new?  Maybe you need to have more grace towards people?  Or offer more forgiveness?

Whatever those things may be for you…JUST DO IT BETTER. 

One thing…each day. 

We have enough self-condemnation from the enemy of our souls, from the world in which we live, from people around us and even from ourselves.  We do not need to put ourselves in the position of setting some unrealistic resolutions that we know we cannot keep and when we fail, we are overcome with condemnation and we give up completely.   That is not the heart of God for us.  He wants us to succeed.  But most times, we are our own worst enemy.

This past summer, I read a book that was a real “game changer” for me.  Soul Keeping by John Ortberg set me free in so many ways.  I am a naturally high-strung girl who is my own worst enemy.  The pressure I put on myself is ridiculous!!  After reading this book, God used it to speak such peace and grace to my soul.  I am still putting into practice what I read and learned through this book.

One chapter spoke of some of the lifestyle practices that Jesus kept.  As you read through the gospels, you will find some areas of Jesus’ life that He was purposeful and consistent with:

• Jesus prayed.
• He had a close circle of close friends.  Friendship was important to Jesus.
• He engaged in regular corporate worship in the synagogue.  (in other words, Jesus loved going to church!)
• He fed His mind with Scripture.
• Jesus enjoyed God’s creation:  mountains, gardens, lakes  (and I’m sure the beach too!!)
• He took long walks.
• He welcomed little children into His life and loved and blessed them.
• Jesus enjoyed hanging out with non-religious people.

I figured if these were things that Jesus regularly practiced as He walked the earth, that it’s probably not a bad idea for me to do them as well! Jesus modeled for us some great lifestyle patterns that fed and nourished His soul and we are responsible to feed and nourish our own souls as well.   Some of these things I do already.  But I CAN DO BETTER.

So as we enter into 2015, will you make that commitment with me?

EVERY DAY...CHOOSE ONE AREA IN YOUR LIFE…AND DO IT BETTER!!

And let me know how you’re doing.  Trust me, I’ll be letting you know about me too!! 

Happy “just do better” 2015!!