Bess’ New Year’s Day Traditions

There’s something so delicious about New Year’s Day! It feels so bright, clean, hopeful… I look forward to it each year, & tomorrow it’ll be here! I even have my own special traditions for January 1st:


1. Sweet Start – I always begin the New Year with something sugary/yummy – so the year will get off to a sweet start! Whether it be chocolate or a small chunk of fudge leftover from Christmas…the 1st thing I eat in 2011 is sure to be scrumptious! (Any excuse to eat candy is always welcome!=)


2. The Word – I begin my new daily Bible reading plan on New Year’s Day. This year I’m starting with the book of John. I’m gonna read through that book & then go back to Matthew (the 1st book in the New Testament) & read through it, Mark, Luke, & John again, & then on through the rest of the Bible. I’ll read at least a chapter a day. I used to try & start at Genesis, but I never made it through that way. This year I hope to discipline myself better & stick to my plan.


3. Love Letter – Penning a love note to my (possible – if it’s God’s plan for me to wed) future husband is a new tradition I’m adding to January 1st. Just think how amazing it will be to present your husband with love notes you wrote before his existence was even known to you! Who knows, maybe 2011 will be the year I (or you=) will meet your Prince!


4. Prayerful Chat – Setting aside a special time to pray to God about the New Year makes the fresh start feel even fresher. I ask God to guide & bless me & my family; to help me to do His will & serve Him happily; for wisdom; in thankfulness & praise; & for His will & glory in my life. I usually set aside the time when I 1st wake up on January 1st for this special time.


5. Resolution Time – I take time on the 1st to look over the resolutions I have made for the year (I typically make these resolutions on New Year’s Eve). I start working on these goals I’ve made for myself right away, & I allow myself to realize that I’ll most likely fail on more than I’d wish, but forgiveness is mine through Christ. I can strive through His hope & strength.
 
Love & Happy New Year’s Eve,
-Bess-

P.S.: Don’t worry, my blog won’t be Crafty Christmas-y tomorrow! =)

“…Forgetting what is behind & straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

-Philippians 3:13-14, NIV

P.P.S.: Sometimes I take time out on the 1st to watch this old cartoon version of Pilgrim's Progress...the animation may not be near Disney standards & the quality is well, vintage, but the content is good.  It's strange, but I really do like this version & have watched it many times over the years!  Enjoy!