Blank Pages

What is the first thing you do when you get a new notebook or journal?

If you're like me, you flip through the pages, imagining all the things

you're going to write on its pages. I like notebooks and journals. I collect

them like some people collect stamps or plates. I have many pages to fill 

with thoughts, things I've learned, things I want to remember, etc. 

A week ago today, we were each given a brand new journal. It's called a year.

God writes on the pages of our journal every day. The choices we make are

written on the pages of our life. What choices are going to be written in your

journal this year? No matter what things were written in your journal in the past,

this journal is brand new. It's a whole new chapter. You can make it the best

chapter yet. 

Many people make resolutions for the new year. I don't make resolutions.

I set goals for myself. For some reason, I tend to do better with the word

"goals" than with "resolutions." I made a few goals this year.

1. Write in my journal every day. Try to focus on something God is teaching me

or a way I saw Him at work during the day.

2. Blog every Thursday.

3. Finish reading "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George.

4. Read through the Bible...again.

5. Find a classroom of my own.

6. Be the wife my husband deserves.

So far, I'm keeping up with #1. I haven't missed a day yet. I'm also keeping up with #4. You're reading the first edition of #2. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up. I don't have confidence in my own thoughts and writing. When God told me to set goal #2, I argued about it because I don't think anyone will find value in anything I write. So, perhaps I'm only writing this for myself. #3 shouldn't be a problem. I'm halfway done. #5 I'm hoping God has in store for me. #6 I don't know if that's even possible. But I'm sure going to try. 

So, what's going to be on the pages of your journal. Make the most of every day. Listen for God's voice. Be kind to everyone you meet. Remember, everyone has their own struggles that we don't know about.

See you next Thursday!

Brenda