Yep, here it is another year and you probably have another list either in your head or on paper of what you would like to improve or change in your life.
According to Nielsen, the top resolutions for last year were to stay fit and healthy, and to lose weight.

But what should we as Christian’s focus on? And what would God have us focus on?

I’m a firm believer that we should take care of our bodies. They are in fact housing our God through His Holy Spirit – our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19-20). So how we act, how we eat, whether or not we move our bodies in healthy ways to keep up our strength and keep away pounds is very important. How can we serve others if we are too tired to do so? How will we have the energy to care for our loved ones, cook a meal or visit those less fortunate if we are too sick or ill to do so?

We also need to concentrate on how we talk, react, behave, and treat others. Our bad actions also can grieve the Holy Spirit. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 4:29-32:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God …get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

And we also need to change how we “think” each day. Do you start out depressed or critical? Are you too quick to complain over something that really isn’t a life and death situation? Do we judge others without taking the time to putting ourselves in their shoes?

God is love. And He has called us to love everyone and to be a light in this very dark world. I’m hoping we all can start the New Year following His ways.

Action Plan

I want us all to make this a great year! Here are a few tips to help us do better physically, mentally and emotionally. And spiritually which is the foundation of the other three:

1. Start your day with prayer and positive talk. When you open your eyes, view this new day as the day God has meant for you to have!
2. Pray, pray and pray. Some people also mediate which is great as long as it is centered on Christ. Pray without ceasing all day. When we pray to our Lord, our eyes get off of self.
3. Eat healthy. I didn’t say diet! But most of us already know what constitutes healthy food: fruit (as an apple a day), vegetables, less bread, lots of water throughout the day, less meat. Eat only until you start to feel full and chew each bite thoroughly so you can enjoy and pay attention to what you are eating. And when eating out, eat half and take home the rest.
4. Go outside. Yes, try to get outside even for a few minutes. Feel the sun on your body and the wind in the air.
5. Move. Your. Body. I didn’t say exercise! But all of us can get up more from the computer or stretch when playing with children or walk up and down the stairs in our houses. If you can, walk for 20-30 minutes every day. It will change your life.
6. Laugh. This one is fun! Just typing the word “Laugh” makes me smile! We need to take ourselves and life less seriously and enjoy all that God has given us.
7. Be grateful. Be thankful. Every day. It is said that having gratitude can truly change your whole life. Perhaps start a gratitude journal and write 3 things you are thankful for and one thing that happened to you yesterday that was wonderful (a dear friend gave that idea to me)!
8. Say “I love you” to God. To your wonderful spouse. To your precious children and grandchildren. To your family and friends. All the commandments and laws actually come down to two: Love your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow…This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger: for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:17-20

• From InTouch Magazine, January 2016