A Fresh Start

​Christmas is now behind us and with a few days of 2016 left, we can’t help but think of what resolutions we want to make for 2017. There is something purifying and regenerating about having the fresh start of a new year. Many people emphasize that they want to change their eating, exercise, and spending habits. These types of resolutions are great, positive changes to make in your life but they relate to solely physical things and this should not be the only types of resolutions you make. Spiritual resolutions are just as important for your mental and physical well-being.

Resolutions to pray more and attend church more often have great intentions. But, just like many resolutions, they fall short of genuine commitment. Do you want to pray and attend church more because you think it’s a good thing to do, or because you want to honor God? A great way to make sure you stick to your faith-based resolutions is to stop thinking of them as resolutions and thinking of them as commitments to God instead.

It’s also important to remember that these commitments to our faith need to be a part of our everyday lives. A good way to attend church more is by getting involved with your church and offering your talents to your faith community. Offering your time and talents to your church will be a great way to stay aligned with your commitment while feeling useful and connected with others in your church.

Get creative with different ways to incorporate prayer every day. Write a prayer down daily on a dry eraser board or notepad at home. You can also recite prayers out loud on your way to and from work. You can even use the PrayerMate app to help with daily prayer. By setting routines like this, you’ll make prayer just as important as brushing your teeth each day.
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Something else to remember, especially when life gets a little hectic, is that you are not in this alone! God is always by your side. Happy New Year, everyone!






Christmas is now behind us and with a few days of 2016 left, we can’t help but think of what resolutions we want to make for 2017. There is something purifying and regenerating about having the fresh start of a new year. Many people emphasize that they want to change their eating, exercise, and spending habits. These types of resolutions are great, positive changes to make in your life but they relate to solely physical things and this should not be the only types of resolutions you make. Spiritual resolutions are just as important for your mental and physical well-being.
Resolutions to pray more and attend church more often have great intentions. But, just like many resolutions, they fall short of genuine commitment. Do you want to pray and attend church more because you think it’s a good thing to do, or because you want to honor God? A great way to make sure you stick to your faith-based resolutions is to stop thinking of them as resolutions and thinking of them as commitments to God instead.
It’s also important to remember that these commitments to our faith need to be a part of our everyday lives. A good way to attend church more is by getting involved with your church and offering your talents to your faith community. Offering your time and talents to your church will be a great way to stay aligned with your commitment while feeling useful and connected with others in your church.
Get creative with different ways to incorporate prayer every day. Write a prayer down daily on a dry eraser board or notepad at home. You can also recite prayers out loud on your way to and from work. You can even use the PrayerMate app to help with daily prayer. By setting routines like this, you’ll make prayer just as important as brushing your teeth each day.
Something else to remember, especially when life gets a little hectic, is that you are not in this alone! God is always by your side. Happy New Year, everyone!