all these things shall be added unto you

I haven't written a purposeful new year's post in a few years. I wasn't going to this year either, though I've had some thoughts running around. However, my friend posted something on Facebook the other day that made me laugh and then go "argh!" Here Is What Happens When Each Myers Briggs Personality Type Makes a New Year's Resolution. I read through it and thought "I can never remember which one of these I am. I've taken the test a few times and I know that there is one that definitely applies to me and it begins with "I" for Introverted! That's all I know."

But then I read the very last one:

INFJ

“I resolve to be less of a perfectionist and share more of myself with others.”

Outcome: Refuses to disclose resolution to others, for fear that they will have to admit failure if they do not achieve it.

*wince* yeah. That's me, alright. However, I'm going to share here, so at least I can go against that particular stereotype. This is a work in progress. I may add to this list over time, but here are my thoughts this week. Here's what I want from 2015 so far:

• Continue repairs on my physical body as needed. These are already underway, but there's still more to do. Dentist, orthopedist, allergist...
  
  I remember last year when I got a raise and paid off a massive debt. I thought 'I'm going to have some extra money every month' and I prayed about how best to use that money. House? Just savings? Extra money towards student loans? I remember feeling kind of confused about it and I actually asked God to help me be a "good steward." Well, I really believe that this is what He wants me to do with it. If there's anything I learned in 2014, it's that my body is an integral part of my very soul. I can't continue to ignore it or abuse it in my efforts to fix the appearance. I can't continue to hate it. It deserves all the love and care I can give it and, since it was created by and given to me by God Himself, I am steward over it. And so, it continues. These efforts also include my daily supplements and good hydration, which I'm doing really well at right now. Yay!
  
  
• Three prayers a day. This should probably be number 1, because it's the first one I thought of and also the first in importance to getting all of these other things done. But it also works being listed right in the middle here. During this week, everyone's been posting articles on what to do and what not to do when making resolutions and goals. One common theme is "write down what you want and make that your focus." So I did that. I wrote down what I want and the issue is, I really really suck at getting or doing or being what I want. I have so much fear. Too much fear to be successful. And so I will ask for help, every day. In fact, I started today when I prayed with a list that began 'I need help today with...' I imagine over time my list will be shorter on a daily basis and more focused. It was all over the place today. :) And sometimes it will be. I just know that I have no hope of getting what I want and what I need without some help. So prayer is the thing.

• It was interesting, after that prayer this morning, I watched a video that's been floating around social media:
  
  
  
  And then this article which was written while they were still making the video. I was really struck by this quote from the one who started the project:
  

  If people could really understand what the Book of Mormon is, they would cherish that book like their lives depended on it,” Christensen said. “That’s what we’re hoping to do with this video is ignite the spark of the importance of the Book of Mormon so both members and nonmembers will have more of a desire to read it.

  
  I did so well with this from about September to the beginning of December. I filled almost two journals with my writing and pondering and thoughts on my reading. I learned SO much. I was taught on a daily basis, important life lessons and doctrines of the gospel. And then December happened and I was busy and tired and worn out.  It's time to get back up and do my daily study. My goal was 30 minutes a day, and that's still it. It has to happen. My joy, my progression, and the fulfilling of my life's purpose(s) depends on the things I learn when studying that book (along with the Bible. Not surprising at all, I end up studying the Bible a LOT when I'm studying the Book of Mormon. They compliment each other so well.)

There are other things I want to do this year, but I'm not going to make resolutions for them right now. I want to use my new sewing machine to do SOMETHING (not sure what yet). I want to sing more. I want to listen to music more. I want to read more. I want to go outside more, see friends more, cook more, have fun more. And I will. However, my past experience has taught me that anything good in my life comes from making sure I do well at those last two things listed above. From Matthew chapter 6:

  32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

So hi there, 2015! How are you?

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