This Next Year...

As with the start of any new year, many people make resolutions of things they want to do. Most of these resolutions are well meaning and are full of good intentions. They often include things such as losing weight, spending more time with loved ones, being wiser with finances and so on. But frequently these resolutions are forgotten about once February rolls around. I've been thinking a lot about the things I'd like to aim for in 2012. I guess the thing that's really been on my heart is to strengthen and grow in my relationship with the Lord. I know this can be a frequently used statement, but this year I really want to live to please the Lord, in every area of my life. Not that this hasn't been a focus of mine in the past, because it has, but this year I want to see my relationship with Him become so much more passionate and intimate. I want my actions, words, attitudes and thoughts to please Him. Just as with any relationship, it can always become deeper and stronger, and I know this is isn't simply my desire, but is the Lord's too. I'm so excited about getting to know Him even more deeply in times of prayer and as I get into the Word. 2012 will be a year where I press on toward the goal, as Paul states in Philippians 3:12-14, "...But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."