Coyans in the Czech Republic

invitation to a changed life

plant something new

A new year and a fresh start. Since Advent, God has been working on my heart, drawing me nearer to Him, molding me and changing me. When I began blogging about it I had set the goal to chronicle daily the journey of Advent. I have used this space to gather my thoughts and give them bones and muscle and skin. I awake now with new eyes, seeking Him and His fingerprints throughout the day. Something new has been planted within me and it has less to do with New Year's resolutions than with a shifting of my feet on The Path. Following Him more closely and listening more intently. Choosing to neither look to the right nor to the left and subsequently be distracted, but a long obedience in the same direction.
Planner that I am, resolutions are still a part of my New Year.
1. gratitude journal. This helped me so much during Advent so much so that I have dusted off a new yet unused leather journal and have committed to write at least 3 things everyday that I am thankful for...a balm of healing to a dry and weary soul. Join me? I will post a few each week.
2. daily Bible reading. Every evening before I sleep I am reading a portion of scripture. Asking God to draw me nearer through His word and arising in the morning with praise on my lips.
3. spiritual study for my children. This was sorely lacking from our lives last year and we have paid a dear price for it. Right now we are studying virtues and the fruits of the Spirit. This week is the fruit of self-control. On Sunday we begin compassion and love. Every evening we will read a short story, poem or scripture and then ask God to make us aware of these virtues throughout the day and to give us opportunities to practice them, with the goal of pleasing God, showing others His love and glorifying Him in the process.
4. exercise...alright folks, the ubiquitous call to get in shape. Mine is simple and cheap. This past spring and summer I was doing 300 sit-ups and 150 push-ups a day until I broke my finger. Today seems as good as any to begin again...slowly, of course. I will keep you posted. I don't have time or money for the gym and my husband and I go hiking a few times a week, plus I climb a gazillion stairs everyday all day at work carrying heavy loads of my stuff that I haul from classroom to classroom, aerobic=covered.

"When night comes, and retrospect shows that everything was patchwork and much that one had planned left undone, when so many things rouse shame and regret, then take all as is, lay it in God's hands, and offer it up to Him. In this way we will be able to rest in Him, actually to rest and to begin the new day like a new life."
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross