Moms Together Newsletter- January

January 14, 2009

“We meet today
To thank Thee for the era done,
And Thee for the opening one.”
- John Greenleaf Whittier

I must admit that I’ve had a hard time writing January’s article.  What can I say that hasn’t already been said about the New Year and New Year’s Resolutions?  I’ve researched popular resolutions and plans to keep them.  I’ve looked for quotes and definitions.  I’ve thought about resolutions I’ve made and realized that I am like most of the populace who makes resolutions:  I’ve started out with admirable resolutions and goals, and I’ve failed to reach them.   

It troubles me to think that I can’t seem to keep commendable New Year’s Resolutions.  It is good to lose weight.  It is helpful to spend wisely.  It is excellent to spend more quality time with my family.   However, I have come to realize that the resolutions I’ve made have been created apart from God.  I’ve not asked for His help in making a resolution.  I’ve never prayed about creating a plan to help me reach my goal.  It is no wonder that I’ve failed in my New Year’s Resolutions.

Jonathan Edwards, one of the greatest evangelists during the Great Awakening, knew about making and keeping resolutions that were centered on God.  By the age of 20, Edwards had created 70 resolutions upon which he based his life.  Each resolution had God as the center point.    During his teenage years, Edwards made a goal to live an intentional life.  He did not want to waste one moment.

As you think about and look at 2009, what plans, goals or resolutions do you have?  Are they centered on God?   What could the outcome be if your plans were centered on God?  Edwards made 70 resolutions.  I am challenging you to make two.   Read through the list of some of the resolutions Jonathon Edwards made, then pray about and create two of your own.  Pull them out daily so that they may act as a reminder. 

May 2009 find you growing in Jesus, and desiring His work in your life daily.

Jonathon Edwards Resolutions

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but to improve it (or use it, or maximize it) in the most profitable way I possibly can.

I’m resolved to strive every week to be brought higher spiritually, and to a higher level of grace, than I was the week before.

Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge

Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good

 Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die

Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking

Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it

Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

 Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better

Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same

 

Take Home

1.    Which of Jonathon Edwards’s resolutions speaks to you?  Why?

 

 

 

2.     What 2 resolutions will you make for 2009?  Are they centered on God?

 

 

 

 

3.      What steps will you take to enable you to keep your goals?

 

Written by Kathy Hansen www.revealedministry.wordpress.com