Happy 2011!

Happy 2011, everyone! I'm not big into resolutions myself--anything you HAVE to do has a tendency to become a drudgery, and not a passion--but here are some of the things I want to tackle this year:

First, I want to become a better mother, by being more mentally and emotionally present with my children. Life can get overwhelming, between school, work, and other projects, and it's too easy to tune out those high-pitched little voices--especially when you live in a cacophony of them! But some of those voices aren't so "high-pitched" anymore, and I wouldn't be surprised if by this time next year, I'll be looking up at my oldest, instead of down.

The plan: family reading times, and yes--gulp--I'm going to learn how to play the Wii. Hey, if I make them sit through the Chronicles of Narnia, it's only fair that I play Princess Peach in Super Smash Bros.

Second, I want to get better acquainted with the Bible. I've been learning all sorts of fascinating things in my studies, had a lot of "aha!" moments that make me want to go back and tear through the books again with my newfound perspective. The Bible--read it again, for the first time! :-P

The plan: chart out the individual books, so I can "see" the big picture unfolding, and have something to refer back to later. Has anyone ever shown you how to chart out a book of the Bible? (No one ever showed me, until I went back to college.) It's super-cool, and super-helpful!!! I'll explain how it works as we go along, so you can make your own charts, if you want.

Have a fantastic 2011, everyone! And please, if you insist on making resolutions, be kind to yourself! Because God loves you, and he wouldn't want anyone bullying you--not even yourself.