New Year Revolution #1.

I an not doing resolutions this year. I never stick with them, anyway. Except for the year I swore I was going to completely quit smoking, even though I rarely smoked at all anymore, and then I came down with a case of the flu that was so wicked, I lost about 4 days of my life. When I woke up, I never craved a smoke again. That was an act of God, not a resolution.

I started talking with God about the New Year some months ago. This has been the worst year ever for the Odenthals, Wheelers and Smiths. *a bit of an understatement.* I’ve been praying, for months as I said, that 2012 will be better. I’m not asking for perfect; or pain free; or tear free. Just…better.

In the usual way our conversations go, God started talking to me about how I am going to make things better in the upcoming year.

*it really is all about me…lol*

Periodically between now and January 1, I will be sharing some of my revolutions for you. Revolution, not resolution. I’m revolting against the old me (aka That Girl).

While working on this, Revolution #1, my thoughts turned more to what I was gaining, not what I was giving up. The goal is more time with my family; more time focused on my family and our friends. I need that. They need that.

2012 Revolution #1: Letting go. Also known as saying no. There are a few things that I need to and will say yes to: my Thursday morning small group; I sense that they are an integral part of the year 2012. My 9-10th grade small group of girls; we meet during Youth DOG Pound on Sunday nights. And lastly, being a part of a Relay for Life Team; Team Beth. I have to walk in memory of Beth, in honor of her family, and to help raise money and awareness for a cure.

This may not seem like a big thing to any one of you, or even all of you. For me, however, it is huge. I’m a people pleaser; I’m OCD; I want to…need to…control. This entire year has been one big fat Susan-can’t-control-any-of-these-circumstances year. It has also been a year where I have totally and completely relied on God, my family, and those around me. Not because I wanted to; because I had to.

Love you guys! See y’all soon.