This is the first Sunday in the new year and I find myself looking for balance. I decided against making new year's resolutions as they always tend to be the same ones year after year. Since they are the same resolutions, it means the same problems are still a stumbling block for me. (So it is really just a new start on old habits.) This year I'm choosing to focus on making good choices and for finding balance in life. I'm a" too much" kind of girl. I don't do moderation well.

1. I need to make good choices in what I eat. I'm in a holding pattern right now.....not gaining but not losing either. I'm waiting on a consult visit to see a surgeon about the Lap Band procedure. My sister had this procedure done over a year ago and has lost over 100 pounds and 10 dress sizes. I am encouraged by her success and feel like this may be the ultimate answer to help me lose the weight and keep it off.


2. I need to find balance at work. I need to find a schedule that will help me not be overwhelmed by my household chores and by the ever increasing amount of medical equipment that needs to be either processed or donated to another ministry that can inventory it.


3. I need to choose to focus on the good things in life....life is so daily and there is so much pain and misery all around us. I can allow others to set my mood with their critical attitudes or I can choose to focus on those that add value and encouragement to my life. I have decided to start a regular feature on my blog every Friday called "People who make me smile". My Emma was the first choice for this new entry.


4. Happy Birthday to my beautiful mother who turns 81 this week. Mom is quite active in her church, Bible Study, and volunteer work. She does all her own yard work and is fiercely independent. She is totally amazing and I'm so lucky to have her in my life.


5. This is a shout out to all Children's librarians who go over and beyond the call of duty to get kids interested in reading and exposing them to new ideas, concepts and encouraging them to "Read and Rant". Thank you for choosing to invest your life in the next generation of leaders.



6. I am thankful for being able to order some new furniture for our living room. I was hoping to have some pictures to post but the delivery date has been set back till Wednesday. What a blessing to be able to replace some of our well worn pieces and pass them along to another family.

7. We are thankful for our carport protection over the wood that we burn in our outdoor heating system. It is so nice to be able to keep the wood dry and give some protection to Mr. Wonderful in rain, wind and snow.



If life is what you make it, then I want to choose to make it the very best. God is good all the time, even when I'm not. Dim the lights, cue the music and choose to be happy and find the perfect balance. Make it a good one!