10 New Year Resolutions to Revitalize Your Life

By Tonya Stoneman

Are there a million things you intend to do, but somehow forget, procrastinate, or just plain run out of time? We know how you feel. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to accomplish. This new year, when you evaluate your to-do list and priorities, ask yourself what drains you rather than enriches your life. Clear out what you can, and make some simple resolutions that will renew your spirit. They might be difficult to commit to at times, but the results are definitely worth it.

1. Read the Bible cover-to-cover this year. Have a good commentary handy to help you through those rough spots where many lose heart.

 

2. Volunteer with a community service organization. Reach out to your neighbors by serving them in some way.

 

3. Mend a broken relationship. Forgive those whom you need to forgive. Offer an olive branch of peace to mend an old hostility.

 

4. Read a classic. Oswald Chambers, C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Francis Schaeffer, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Virgil... the list goes on. Why do we refer to certain authors' books as classics? Pick one up and find out.

 

5. If you're married, dedicate at least one day a month to date your spouse. You may wake up every day in the same house. But with so many distractions vying for your attention, it's easy to treat your spouse as a co-worker. Take a day to give your spouse the intimate attention he or she deserves.

 

6. Pray. When we talk to God, He will listen attentively and respond specifically. Stop trying to live life all by yourself. Bring your thoughts, praises, concerns, and requests to God every morning.

 

7. Take a vacation. Americans take an average of only 13 vacation days a year, and 26% take no vacation at all.1 Come on, now—even God rested on the seventh day!

 

8. Contact a friend or relative you haven't heard from in a long time. The most difficult part will be finding their phone number. The simplest part will be saying, "How've you been?"

 

9. Visit a museum. What's your fancy? There's a museum for just about everything! Take a day to envelop yourself in a long-forgotten interest.

 

10. Share the Gospel. It's what we're on this earth to do. Make it a priority this year to show your concern for the spiritual welfare of those who don't know Jesus Christ.

1 www.iwantmyvacation.com