New Year...New Blessings!

Happy New Year all!  I can't believe it's the 10th of January and I am just now writing a New Year's blog post...can you say slacker???
I am excited to welcome 2013...but also sad that another year is over.  2012 was a year of blessings for Cullen and me, as we welcomed our first child into the world-William Cullen Smith.

I have thought a lot about this new year and what "goals" I have for myself.  I like to call them "goals" rather than "resolutions" as I feel that's what they are.  I should probably go ahead and add-be a better blogger- to my list!  I feel it's important to consider each new year as an opportunity to learn from the prior year and to challenge ourselves to grow in the areas that we struggled in.  I am writing my goals out, so that it will help to hold me accountable to them:)
1.  To be a better blogger-ha!
2.  To make more time for friends and family-as I realize more and more how we are not promised tomorrow.
3.  To grow closer to Christ-I think this should be a goal EVERY year!  
4.  To read more.  I am going to set a realistic goal of reading a book a month.  The good thing is, I don't have to buy any books, because there's a stack in my bedroom of unread books.  (obviously this is an area of struggle for me!)
5.  To practice an attitude of gratitude daily.  

Cullen and I have started our "blessing jar" and it has already helped me to be thankful for every blessing...even the small ones.  It also helps me to consider all the ways in which I am blessed daily.  I think our culture is one that goes to God asking "why me" when things are complicated, but we don't ask "why me" when things are going wonderfully.  I want to continue to refine this part of my heart.  

Nothing fancy...easy to do!  I think I will pick a prettier color construction paper next month!:)

Okay...so I don't want to spread myself too thin with too many goals, so these are going to be my starting place!  So, if I do a good job with my goals, you will be hearing a lot more from me!:)  Happy 2013 all!