Ok. So everyone and their brother’s neighbor’s cousin has posted their New Year’s Resolution.
But I haven’t. yet.
I guess the reason that I didn’t wanna put it out there was because I fail miserably at New Year’s resolutions. And so basically it would be black-balling a personal goal…making it impossible to accomplish because I actually put it out there. Then I would have to dig a hole in our backyard and throw myself in it…as punishment. It’s what I do. You should see our backyard…it has more holes than any government document…and that’s near darn impossible.
So in the spirit of hope, I decided to write down what my resolution would be and I am choosing today to share it.
At first the list looked like this:
- deliver this baby
- get back to my pre-baby weight
- finish the basement bedroom
- host a get-together with friends once a month
- write Jeremy a letter of encouragement each month
- call my grandparents once a week
But then I realized something…I want a bigger fish.
I could settle for a whole styrofoam cooler chock full of little fish…bait fish…or….
….and this is quite an or…..
….or…..
….I could go for the big fish.
the biggest fish in the history of fishes.
The kinda fish that scares the poop outta elephants.
The kinda fish that swallows humans whole.
The kinda fish that whacks you in the face and laughs.
And that is when it struck me. I want a big fish. This year, I am going to attempt something that is impossible for me. Something so out of the norm that my mother (who is on the edge of her seat reading this) is gonna laugh. And then she will try to encourage me. Because that is what mothers do.
My new years resolution is to memorize the entire book of James. That is 5 chapters. That is 108 verses. That is 2,304 words. It’s a book about faith. A book about prayer. A book about patience and wisdom and caring for one another. And isn’t that something we all need a little more of these days?
It’s also a book about not cussing when you get stuck on chapter 1, verse 1…because you stink at memorization.
So what is your new years resolution?
I’ve heard a lot of new years resolutions…but yours is by far the best! Stick with it, it’ll be worth it in the end, especially when you get frustrated with that new little boy of yours!
Good for you, that is so awesome!!
I’m going to read the Bible in 90 days. Our church just started the program and we’re already 3 days in but I’m already a day behind. I’m determined to do it though! What better way to start off the year?
That is a great, and hard, goal! James is a great book. I’m not sure if I could memorize the whole thing! I’ve never commented before but I love your blog. You are hilarious and inspiring at the same time!
I love your very attainable resolutions, and LOVE your big fish. That is an awesome goal! One of my goals is to read-the-Bible-in-a-year…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started this goal (Genesis and Exodus have been re-read many times now!), but this is the year! Can’t wait to hear how your goals go!
This is such an encouragement to me!! God totally knew you were going to write this when I needed it.
My hubs and I are leading a college bible study (starting sunday) to memorize Galations. I was feeling totally overwhelmed and you just lifted my spirits.
I always seem to relate memorization to high school spanish, which = not fun at all! Now I know I can do it!
Look out New Testament, we’re coming at ya and memorizing some amazing works of God!!
Very cool! I used to memorize verses a lot, but I’ve gotten away from it. (Why? I’m lazy.) Maybe I will make a memorization challenge for myself. Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome resolution and the rewards of it will benefit you for all the years to come. And a side note, you don’t have to resolve to “deliver”..he’s coming out regardless!:)
Yeah! Good for you, even if you do scare poo out of elephants!
Wow…a picture of a pooping elephant transitioned into the book of James. You never cease to amaze me, Katie! DO NOT dig a hole in the backyard, girl, you can do this one!! It has more heft and weight and purpose than any other goal (not a resolution, right?) I’ve seen. It’s excellent!
great resolutions! i think one of my biggest new year’s goals is to add a DISHWASHER to this place. one that isn’t my husband. personally, i want to run another marathon. but, like you, i suck at my resolutions. so — i won’t share the rest. don’t want to jinx ’em.
<3
Yay!!! I’d like to join you on that last one! I’m TERRIBLE at memorizing verses, and I love James!
Great resolution! I’m doing the whole “101 things in 1001 days” thing, and I’ve been sort of thinking about putting memorizing a book of the Bible on that list. Thanks for the kick in the pants – you’ve officially spurred me on to do it! Now the question is which book… (Jude is tempting)
I call my grandfather once a week. I started last year in February. He loves it! Wish I had started it sooner.
Wouldn’t it be better call your grandpas twice a week and just study the book of James??? Grandparents are really really really important, they deserve a part of your time and a big part of your love. So… instead of spending soooo much time trying to memorize 2,304 words I would give them ten minutes of my time twice a week. My grandpas passed away a long long time ago, I there’s no day I dont regret i didnt spend more time with them.
A worthy endeavor. Studying that book again with my husband as a matter of fact. Keep up the good work, keep being honest with yourself (per your last post) and you’ll get through whatever life throws at you! I’ve enjoyed your blog.
Ooohh good resolution. I might have stuck with “read the book of James,” though 😉
Great resolutions! Don’t you mean “New Years Resolutions 2010” though?
Good luck!!
I love reading your blog, BTW. You’re hilarious!
Laura – you are right. See what babies do to the brain?!??! Kids – beware.
XO – KB
Katie – I quietly read and enjoy your blog everyday but rarely comment. But I just had to comment on this and encourage you in this endeavor!!! I think you rock! I love that you want to stretch yourself like this. What better way to set an example for baby Will than to model what it means to live out your faith. YOU GO GIRL!
I’m also trying to read through the bible this year. We should all form a resolution support group to encourage each other.
That’s such a wonderful plan! One of my goals was to read at least 2 chapters a day, but this is even better! I might have to try this as well!
This is an excellent resolution! I never memorized it, but I did read the whole book of James every day for a month a few years ago with a friend. I was probably on the verge of memorizing it by that point! Very enriching though . . . it’s amazing how different things stand out each time it is read through.
You can do it!
You will love memorizing whole books of scripture, if you haven’t before. It is life-changing! A while back I started memorizing Philippians (still working on it) and just being able to say “Ok! Here’s chapter one…” and then belting it out is amazing. Plus, it seems like it’s so much easier to really understand what something it saying when you read it OUT LOUD. I’ll definitely be praying for you as you try to memorize this amazing book!
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Katie- I just needed to tell you that you make
me so happy! I love your resolutions.
Wow! This is a great resolution. You are so inspiring – your DIY talent, humor, and faith! This year instead of resolutions, I came up with people I want to learn from. You were already one of them, but now you just gave me another reason why! [You can check them out at http://www.apaigeinhistory.blogspot.com.]
Maybe you could memorize the book of James WHILE on the treadmill getting back to pre-baby weight?
My husband and I are looking more carefully at our finances, particularly where we are spending money on food. The goal is to spend less and cook more!!
However – if I wanted to be a bigger fish, I might reaquainte myself with the Psalms. Or Luke’s gospel. It’s my favorite. 🙂
Your ‘bigger fish’ picture made me laugh out love 😀 Good luck with your goals!
I have to say your goal to memorize James is totally inspiring, but your goal to write Jeremy a letter each month to encourage him is my favorite 🙂 Do you care if I “borrow” that idea?
My most important resolution this year is to enjoy each and every minute with my wonderful hubby & awesome lil’ man ~ my husband is scheduled to deploy in the summer so we are savoring every bit of family time! I’m also starting my very own Project 365, so the hubby will have that while he’s gone 🙁
Thank you for sharing & inspiring – I always look forward to hopping on here during Noah’s nap time to check my favorite blogs & yours is right up there, giving me a laugh in my potty-training a three year old filled day 🙂
Sarah – giiiirl don’t be guilting me into exercise…losing weight needs to come from a pure place…the place of love and hope and fatness 🙂
Borrow away Jenny. And tell me how it goes…I am gonna try to do all my ‘goals’ so we can have hand cramps together 🙂
XO – KB
I LOVE this Katie! It’s a fabulous idea!
Bill Dance would be proud of a fish that size! I am looking forward to hearing your blogs on that one and to think if you have struggles you are already in the right place…just look within to find strength.
I like your last resolution! =) It reminds me of something that my husband and I going are to start doing each year…
1.) Write three things that you want to accomplish for God (and they have to be impossible without God or you lose the point of doing it in the first place). A good example is memorizing the whole book of James! Love it!
2.)Write three things down that you want God to do for you in 2010
God Bless!
My new year’s resolution…I resolve to be a mommy. 🙂 Pretty realistic. I live and breathe goals, so I know that if that is my main focus, which I can’t help letting it be then all the other stuff will fall into place.
Without isolating as a specific resolution though, I am pre-planning next year’s Christmas. Complete with sheets of forever stamps and address labels in a file folder. Cards are pretty important to me, so I know that if I put it off or treat having a baby and getting in all the holiday traditions unrealistically then I’ll be stressed and upset at the time. Plus, we’ll have such a great year of baby to relate.
James is a good palatable book to memorize. To keep it a realistic goal, break it down into small steps. For example, 1) Read James three times over before actually cramming the verses in your head. 2) Learn what it means to your heart (it may help to read resources on it) before you commit it to your memory. 3) Then chunk it up and make it bite size. If it helps, post some or all of the verses here as you memorize. I don’t mind. 🙂
Excellent goal! James is my favorite book of the Bible!
Good luck in your goal! I think it’s a great resolution! I have a theatre degree, so I know a thing or two about memorizing words! I second Sherrie’s advice and the treadmill advice. It’s really good to work on it while you’re doing other things. I used to run lines on treadmills or while doing dishes. Doing something else helps your brain relax and flow better. Also, when you first start out, copy it into your own writing and read it as you write. The combo of auditory info, visual info, and tactile info (from the physical act of writing) helps to seal it quickly in your mind. Hope the advice helps. Memorization isn’t something everyone is born knowing how to do, but it can definitely be learned. And what better way to do it? All the best.
FABULOUS resolution! I need to learn more Bible verses but am terrible at actually doing it! How are you going to go about memorizing it? Write verses on the bathroom mirror? Stuff index cards with the verses on them in the visor of your car? Help a sister out! :p
*applause* not everyone is as open about their faith as you. usually i’m not a fan of people who are this open, but you’re not obnoxious about it or pushing your faith on others. thank you thank you thank you for that. the other awesome and applaudable thing is that when you do talk about your faith, it gives me warm fuzzy feelings cuz i can just feel the love you have for Him; it’s palpable, even through the internet. it’s a comforting feeling in today’s e-world.
as for new years resolution, haven’t made one yet, debating if i really want to have one or not. unless i make one that’s so easy a cave man could do it, then it probably won’t get done. that would cause undue amounts of stress, guilt, and general unhappiness.