Here we are we made it to the New Year, 2009. Any new resolutions on the back of your mind? Oh come on, I know most of us have let a few resolutions float around our thoughts or even so much as pass over our tongue. Question is, how many of us will keep those New Year's resolutions or even attempt them? Well if I hear any more weight loss commercials or see anymore-local chain store ads having sales on workout equipment, I think I will subscribe to a Big Mac a day subscription. Better yet, throw a banana split in for dessert.

My resolution for the new year is to be more relaxed. I have a tendency to be worrisome, not enough deep breathing during the day for me I suppose. I lean toward an anxiety disorder that I would just as soon shake. For everyone who has never had an official panic attack, they are not fun. Serious things take place for me during what is normally a short time. The times tick slowly by and I cannot think straight. Keeping on task is next to impossible, I have to remain busy all of the time, which around my house this can include typing, pacing, folding laundry, baking, or walking on the treadmill. Wait, did I mention eating…oh yes… that is why I need to walk on the treadmill or cycle more!

Often times I use our pastor's weekly comments in my blog and this week will not be any different. This Sunday's message titled "A New Year Without Fear!" Dr Mike Parris spoke of ancient mapmakers and their answer to the unknown territory that had yet to be discovered, anything beyond their map drawings housed dragons. They were fearful of the unknown, like so many of us are. I have a fear of what 2009 will bring to the economic arena, we have our house for sale in an unstable market, but I have so many things to be happy and rejoice in.

Sure, we would like to have a larger home in the city limits of Marshall but do we absolutely have to have one? We have a very comfortable home just outside of town that we are blessed to have. I do not think I am alone in the fact that I have difficulty distinguishing between my wants and my needs. I want to be a best selling author but do I need to be a best selling author to achieve happiness? Absolutely not. Brother Mike reiterated to me within his sermon, "material things cannot bring happiness!"

I do not know what any of your intentions are for 2009 but I know what mine are, I am going to slay a few dragons because no longer do I intend to be fearful of the unknown. I am wearing my lucky pink MU hat and listening to Paul McCartney. How much better can life be at this point? We are all going to face obstacles in 2009, we all will not accomplish those resolutions but we all have the promise from the word of God that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

My new year's resolutions are exercise more, which will help with my anxiety disorder, and weight loss goals. Patience is not my strong virtue so I want to become more patient and willing to accept things as they are.

In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Retrieved January 5, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionar..., contented means feeling, or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation. That sounds like a steep hill but I am going to tackle the mountain and we will see if I reach the top. I am not saying that I will not have goals I just want to be more realistic with my life and my family. I also know that only I can take those steps toward change while keeping in mind that we cannot control what we cannot control. Makes all the sense in the world, right! Wish me luck as I am wishing you all luck with whatever you want to accomplish in this New Year.