Tuesday, December 29, 2009

"Let it shine, all the time, let it shine..."

Christmas was super fun, but I'm glad it's over. We like to celebrate Christmas around the world... or at least the Southeast. We decided a few years ago that Santa would always visit our own home, and we would travel around that. We love having our own traditions for Christmas Eve, but waiting to travel makes Christmas day quite hectic. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it, visiting with all of our families and making memories that will last a lifetime. Not to mention all the delicious food and desserts. I probably gained a good 15 pounds in the last week alone. Whenever I do finally get back to the gym, those working out around me will think a fresh-baked pound cake is somewhere in the building, as I sweat out the tons of cheese cake, cookies, pies and home-made fudge that's in my system. I gave myself the "I just had a baby" pass, and now I'm wishing I hadn't. Remorse... It's what New Year's Resolutions are made of.



And while I'm on the topic of resolutions.... like many other blogs I've read, I too have decided to take a break from the traditional resolutions. Let's face it, getting back into my freshman year jeans ain't gonna happen. At least, not in one year, and not without a personal trainer and healthy cooking chef. (See paragraph above.)

No, I've decided that this year I'm only going for one thing.... and sharing it with the blogsphere is something I may regret doing, as I have struggled with this topic internally for years. I guess I feel sharing it with the world will help me to tackle it and force me to do a better job. Like a good accountability partner, though none of you have asked for that title, I still feel sharing this will help me to reach my goal.



I'm not really a control freak, but more of a selfish and immature brat. I want what I want, when I want it. Not sure why I act surprised when my children mimic this behavior, since they don't have the best example before them. I've always had a hard time allowing GOD to take control, and wanting what HE has planned for me. For our family. Sure, I pray sometimes, "GOD, please take this matter and help us to glorify YOU with it..." But, I can honestly say, I don't mean it when I say it. What I really mean is, "GOD, please make this work out the way I want it to, and let YOU be happy with that too...." But, from now on, I want things to be different. I want to grow and mature enough that waiting for GOD's plan becomes the norm. And that GOD is truly glorified by my everyday life. Through this change, it's my hope that our children can grow too, not just physically, but more importantly, spiritually.

I am blessed to have many family members and friends who have excelled in these matters. I am thankful to have them as leaders and examples to follow. I still need help though. Please add me to your prayer list, and help me achieve this goal. And feel free to ask for my help too... I would be more than happy to pray for you as well. Comments on my blog are not published until I approve them, so if it's something private, I will keep it that way. After all, isn't that what friends are for?

2009 had its ups and downs, as I'm sure 2010 will too. Next year though, I plan to appreciate the ups more, and grow more from the downs. Not just teach my children the words to "This Little Christian Light of Mine" but show them my light, "all around the neighborhood" and everywhere else we go.

8 comments:

aprildfox said...

I just want you to know you are such a blessing to me! I love reading about your life and your faith. I will definitely add you to my prayer list. I think your resolution is something for everyone and I am going to strive to do the same Holly! God bless you & your family in the coming year!!!

Pogo said...

You are such a joy! Thanks for admitting so much of what I also feel - the difference is that you have the courage to admit it. I love you, Peggy

Jill Aston said...

This is something Jon and I struggle with a lot. He is a type A personality and I like to know what the future holds as well. I always try to remind myself that He is really in control and not me as God works in mysterious ways!

Hippy Long Stockings said...

I love you HollBoll! I've been praying for you guys for years! ;)

Allison said...

Hey, Cuz,

You and me, both! My mother-in-law has an ancient clipping(probably 1970's) from a newspaper that says..."At all times, preach the gospel. If necessary, use words." Wow. That says it all, doesn't it? Words are cheap, anyone can say words, but our actions and reactions are what people are watching. Yeah, it's easy to act nice and Christ-like when things are going well, but all eyes (and I meann ALL eyes) are on us when things aren't going so good. It's like people are saying, "Okay, goodie-two-shoes, let's see what you really believe about this Jesus guy NOW!" That's when God can do His best work, that is, if we let Him take over. All He is wanting is our willingness to let Him be seen through us. I'll keep you accountable and you keep me accountable. That's what makes us being cuzins so much fun! I love you, girl!

Dana said...

I'll take that deal! I'll pray for you, and you pray for me. I frequently wonder if I could be a person that gets to Heaven and then argue with God because things aren't the way that I pictured them. As a child, I thought that once I got to this age, I wouldn't feel so much like a child anymore. Ha!

It has been such a blessing to me have contact with you on here. I of course think you're selling yourself short here but, I guess if you weren't the type of person that sells yourself short. There wouldn't be nearly as much to sell!

I love you and wish many blessings in 2010!

Lindy said...

Do you mind sharing your resolution/goal for 2010? I need the same prayers on my behalf.

Thanks for being a strong example to me!

Happy New Year!

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

uh you DID just have a baby! And I'M STILL USING MINE!!! (he's almost six months) and I would LOVE to be back in my freshman year jeans. Not so sure it will happen. LOVE all your beautiful children and pics. so sweet. Let's have a resolution to get together this year. ;)