What if you lived like this in 2014?

                                                                                                          poem by Joanna Fuchs

New Year’s Resolutions – Christian Style

How can I use the New Year
To better serve my Lord?
I’ll read my Bible every day,
And be more in accord.

I’ll find new ways to serve others;
I’ll love my neighbor, too.
I’ll focus on “give” instead of “get”
In everything I do.

I’ll forgive the people I’m mad at;
Angry feelings I’ll discard;
I’ll try to love my enemies,
Even though it’s hard.

In the new year, I’ll lift people up,
Instead of putting them down.
I’ll fill my heart with love and joy,
And never wear a frown.

I’ll let go of my worries;
I’ll put it all in His hands;
I’ll repent and try to sin less,
And obey all His commands.

These new year’s resolutions
Are difficult, at best,
But there’s something I can do each day
That will put my soul at rest:

I’ll love my Lord with all my heart,
With all my mind and soul,
And if I do that essential thing,
All the rest will be in control.

†††

What if you decided to live this way in 2014?

How would it change your relationships? How might it deepen your connection to God? Would you become more others-focused? Would you become more peaceful, inside and out?

Maybe you’d be easier to love. Easier to approach. Easier to be around.

Your rough edges might smooth out, and your words more encouraging than damaging.

Maybe you would begin to trust God more, rather than looking to the world for answers. Living this way might tender your heart to live more like Jesus.

So whatcha think, girls?

What if you lived like this in 2014?

© 2014 Carey Scott