New Years resolutions and other attempts at better living...

Some of the New Years resolutions I made this year, Im proud to say Im following and some I havent been as good at.

Here are the 10 resolutions I made.

1. To get into better shape. Ive lost 12 pounds and am exercising 3 times a week with my friend Terri!

2. To read the Bible for an hour a day. Ive done this almost every night, except Saturdays it seems on Saturdays I never get around to it.

3.To do a random act of kindness for people as much as I can! Ive paid for peoples coffee at Starbucks in the drive through (they know me there as the lady who pays for the car behind hers order!) Ive put the newspaper on my neighbors porch (shes older and has trouble walking)Ive found a stray dog (HUGE DOG!) and tracked down the owner and took him back safely! (he was huge and almost dislocated my shoulder!) Ive helped a couple of photographers get their businesses going with advice. (i love to do this and have done it for about 12 years)

etc. I don't want to go on and on, but doing Random acts of kindness are my favorite thing! Last year my son and I gave $100 bill to a waitress right before Christmas. I swear I had goose bumps all over my body! I recommend every do something at least once a week. It is the best way to combat sadness. Always works 100% of the time!

4. I have tried to avoid chocolate and Dr. Pepper. I HAVE FAILED AT THIS MANY TIMES but Im better than I used to be!

5. To show my love for my husband and son every day with compliments and hugs. THATS THE EASIEST ONE!

6. To spend more time with my family. I havent done this as well as I hoped. I want to go visit my parents and grandsons at least once a month, But with my job it sooo hard!

7. In an effort to reduce stress, I vowed to get a massage once a week. I did this every week, but last week! So do I get two this week?

8. To count my blessings every night. (My journal shows I missed 4 days this year so far. I recommend this when you are overwhelmed with kids, bills, work, etc. other worries..

9. To treat my Elders with RESPECT! Its sad that some people dont remember this. I was taught that anyone older than you, even 1 year older is your elder.

SoI love to Smile at elderly people and say hello and make eye contact. I love this, I cant believe how many smiles I get back. I think most of them think that I know them, or I wouldnt be so friendly, but I dont care. It sure is fun and I love love love to see an elderly person smile. ITS THE BEST!!! (I saw a clerk being rude to an elderly man right before Jan 1st and I made that vow that day.) We owe elderly people a lot. They paved the way for us and who knows what they are going through. Japanese people really know how to revere and treat elderly people with respect! Espcially in Okinawa Japan where I used to live. Even though Im in my early 40s, I still say Ma'am and Sir to people older than me, espically strangers. Our son does too.

10. I have failed miserably at keeping my house spotless. Thats why I hired 2 maids! They keep me sane!

How are you guys doing? Id love to hear about your resolutions.

Stay in Focus,

Dixie Chick

A VERY IMPORTANT BOOK WE SHOULD ALL READ

I wanted to also tell you guys about a fantastic book. This book is called "LEFT TO TELL" and its by Immaculee Ilibagiza . This is the true story about a young woman who in 1994, she and 7 other women hid in a small bathroom (her Pastors) in Rwanda for 91 days, while her entire family was slaughtered along with tens of thousands of others. Hundreds of machete killers hunted for her during these 3 months. She was skin and bone when she finally was rescued.

It's an amazing story... I was so moved by it. This woman taught her self to read and speak English while in that bathroom, although she never spoke a word in her 91 days. Twice she was almost discovered with men only inches away from the bathroom wall she was hiding behind!

She is an amazing lady of courage, strength and a faith in God. I cant even begin to explain the book. You'll have to get it yourself. The link is here at http://www.amazon.com/Left-Tell-Discovering-Rwandan-Holocaust/dp/1401908969/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product

I just heard on the news today,that there has been some similar slayings recently in Kenya. I pray this doesnt happen again. This book is a page turner and an amazing story of Faith!