resolution |rɛzəˈluːʃ(ə)n| noun 1 a firm decision to do or not to do something: she kept her resolution to be more thankful | a New Year’s resolution.

It’s never too late to make goals for yourself for the new year!  This is the time we resolve to eat healthier diets, to exercise more often, to make an effort to be more thankful and to do all the little things we’ve been wanting to do that have just slipped by us over the last year or years.

I love the excitement and hope that the New Year brings with it, and believe that setting goals, making vision boards and pursuing all the gifts and dreams that are inside of you, year after year, will make each year better than the last!

At the beginning of each year, I create a vision board, a list of resolutions, and pick a special Bible verse that will be a Scripture that I stand on for 2017. Last year, my scripture promise was:  1 Corinthians 2:9 was my Bible verse from 2016: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him. This was a daily reminder that I valued in my heart and spirit.

I gather all of these things and dedicate my year to the Lord, asking Him to use each part of my life to bless others and to grow His kingdom.

God is the source of everything! As I stay connected to Him, I am equipped and empowered for every situation I will face. This year, I want to be fruitful, not busy! The Bible verse I am standing firm on in 2017 is…

John 15:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last–and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

I’m praying for prosperity in relationships and family, for growth in our businesses, for blessing in our marriage, good health for our children, abundance for our friends and coworkers, and for passion to pursue all that God has for us this year.

Dedicating your year to the Lord and making resolutions is a great way to set your mind on positive things–looking ahead, and not behind. Setting your mind on the future calling on your life, and pressing forward.

“No dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14

So, here are my 2017 New Year’s Resolutions…

My 2017 Resolutions

1) Send more thank you notes and texts to friends, letting them know how much I appreciate them and how much they mean to me more regularly.

2) Look at my phone less often. As a busy mom, I am constantly answering e-mails and text messages related to my work. This year, I want less phone and more face to face interaction.

3) Take more time to relax. I can tend to work more than I should (answering e-mails in bed, discussing work while out on a date with my husband, etc.), and we are both resolving to set more time aside to just be together and enjoy everyday life!

4) Plan more dates with my girlfriends. Time slips away from us, and we all get so busy with our families and work. So, this year I want to keep a healthy balance and invest time in meaningful relationships with my soul sisters. This will require advanced planning, but I know it will be well worth the effort. 


5) Go to Europe. I would love to take the time to visit some of the places I’ve always wanted to go in Europe–maybe a European tour? Let me know some of your favorite places to travel!

6) Learn to say, “no”. Often times, I find myself stretched too far to thin, and I’m stressed when I could have just let someone else take the responsibility of what I should have said no to. This year, I want to be better at saying no to the wrong things, so that I can say yes to the right things! More fruitful, less busy.

7.) Read one book a month. Reading is so good for our mental health, and it always makes me feel relaxed. I’m resolving to read more often, instead of looking through my phone. What are some of your must-read book recommendations?

8.) Have a more precise devotional routine. I want to  develop a regular time with the Lord.  This includes setting an appointment, being still and worshipping Him while praying and reading the Bible. I already do this, but this year I want to be more strategic with my time. I plan on writing down my prayers and listening quietly for His response.

In 2016, I began setting an alarm at noon that would ring on my phone to remember to stop and pray, no matter what I was doing at that precise time. The women’s Hillsong Colour Conference in NYC inspired me to do this and It has been such a blessing.  I encourage you to do this too!

9.) Try new foods! If you know me, then you know I’m a creature of habit.  I always order the same thing at every restaurant I go to. I want to venture out, find new restaurants and become a little more ambitious with my eating choices (while still remaining healthy!!).

10.) Invest in things that matter. People matter more than anything to me. I want to invest in women that want to pursue big dreams. I want to speak into the lives of those that are hurting and have lost hope. I want to spend more time playing with my children. I want to spend more time talking with my husband–and really listening to his hopes, dreams and day to day struggles.

Overall, I want to be more present this year. I want to put down my phone more often and spend more time with the people who matter most to me. I want to live out my purpose each and every day, inspiring those around me.

Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey! Let me know what blog topics you would like to hear most–and I’ll add them to my list for 2017!

You can do anything!  Believing with you!

XO-
Sabrina

PS. This is one of my favorite photos of 2016! I can’t wait to see what the future holds!