Happy New Year

     Happy New Year! Okay, so I'm a few days late...the story of my life. Actually it has been a while since I posted anything. I thought welcoming in 2012 would be a good way to get back into posting updates.
     It always amazes me how quickly the holiday's are upon us. Then how quickly they are over. I like having my family at home. I like Christmas lights and holiday decorations. I like watching the same classic movies year after year. I like playing board games with the kids. I like staying up late chatting with my husband. I like eating snacks for meals. I like to plan the surprises and build up the anticipation for Christmas morning. Then *poof * it's all over. On to another year.
     I don't usually make New Year's resolutions. My desire to do better, to be better outweighs my commitment to the things necessary to accomplish my goals. I am planning on making this year different. (I also cheated and started early.)
     Several weeks ago I listened to a message about knowing who we are in Christ. It really got me to thinking. The Bible says 'when you...' not if you... There is an expectation. When we know who we are in Christ, we will know what to do. Once we know what is expected, we should do it.
     It is my plan to seek out those expectations and just do it. So much of my life has been spent 'waiting' on others. Literally and figuratively. With the boldness of the power of Christ I would like to live my life purposefully and to the fullest. I have been neglecting some areas of life...so that's where I have started.
     Several months ago I accused my husband of taking the joy from my life. He didn't take it, I had lost it and just didn't know where to look for it. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:11-12. 
     My first goal in being the woman God expects me to be was to put joy back in my life. If I am not happy doing something...I won't get it done. I know - it's a selfish sounding way to start, but realistically God wants us to be happy serving Him. He desires for us to be joyful. And that joy is found when we love others as He loved us.
     "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish bu have eternal life." John 3:16  
     "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
     He loved us so much that while we were in open rebellion against Him, living sinfully, He sent His one and only Son to die for us - for me. To pay the price for our sin - for my sin- and make a way for us - me as an individual - to have a personal relationship with God the father and an eternal home in heaven. 
     I don't know if I could ever give my life or that of one of my children to save another human being. But I do know I want to show that kind of love to others - and in doing so I will have the joy I desire.
     I started with my husband. I leave him notes (usually on the bathroom mirror), send him emails, text messages and give him cards telling him I am thinking about him and I love him. I have also been purposefully finding real life, physical ways of showing him I love him, that he is important to me and I want him to know it. I have been trying to make him a hot breakfast, not every day - in our house that just isn't practical, but as often as I can. Usually he does his own laundry, but I'll wash up some of his clothes occasionally. I surprised him with a book he wanted, but wouldn't/didn't buy for himself. I am consciously looking for ways I can bless him. 
     I have found I really enjoy doing these things (and there's more - too much to list). It makes him happy and it makes me happy. My joy is returning and it makes our marriage better, stronger.
    Now I am going to start doing the same things for my kids and expand my circle of joy!