New Year's Resolutions for 2023 (so, I already started some)

 I have never been one who makes a bunch of New Year's resolutions before the first of the year. Instead, I tend to step into new things in the midst of the year depending on what I am experiencing, thinking about and walking through in those moments. So instead of sharing resolutions for this next year, I am going to share some new things that I have already started and want to continue to grow in throughout this next year. 

FAITH: I desire to grow in my desire for God and His truth according to the Word. A few years ago, I began memorizing scripture so want to continue to walk in that, meditating and memorizing scripture. Currently, I am in Isaiah 55 which could take some time. The past couple of years, I have been more consistent with reading through the Bible in a year so want to continue to do that again this year. In my ladies Bible study, we are doing a study through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and it has been good! That will continue in this new year. I have also been reading and growing in my knowledge of church history along with what God's Word says about how I should be living as a godly woman. Nancy Wogemuth, Mary Kassian and Elisabeth Elliot speak so well and strongly into this topic. Ellen Vaughn wrote a book on the early years of Elisabeth Elliot which I received from a friend for Christmas and I am eager to learn more about her passion and dedication for Christ. 

PROFESSIONAL: I have finished my master's degree which feels so good! At the same time, I feel like I have crammed so much into my head and need time to process what I have studied the past several years. I want to continue to grow as a math, science and art teacher so here are a few thoughts. For math, I went through several amazing conferences several years ago and purchased books that I still need to read. So, I want to continue to read those. For science, we will be going through a curriculum transition and I want to grow in the new topics I will be teaching and set up next year's plan well. For art, I signed up for some fun art classes a few years ago and didn't get very far, so would like to continue to watch the videos and paint along with Anna Bartlett. I think this will be more fun stuff! 

FUN THINGS: I love to cook! Years ago, I purchased a used 1950's Italian cookbook from a used bookstore in Watertown for a dollar. There is an amazing lasagna recipe that I have made so many times (just ask my brother, Daniel) which is delicious! On the next page is a recipe for ravioli that I have never made but caught my attention recently. I had to do a little research to find a gluten and egg free dough and made the ravioli last evening and it was fun and delicious! I want to keep playing in the kitchen and try more new recipes this year. 

I also love activity! Cycling, skiing, hiking, running; endurance sports. I signed up for a 6-week plan to be a stronger runner at the end of November and have been enjoying the workouts and runs! A friend of mine shared her enjoyment of the workout plan she was on so I stepped into one as well. I find it really helps during the dark winter days to purposely plan my activity. Good for my mental as well as my physical health. 

I also need to celebrate the completion of my master's degree! So friends have told me! And that it should be two-fold; a party and a fun trip! I am not sure yet what this will look like but am beginning to consider some different options. 

I am sure I could add to this list if I spent more time considering but will leave it as is for now. Have you made New Year's resolutions? I set them up in categories; faith, professional and fun. How did you set up yours?