New Year's Resolutions

I don't often make New Year's Resolutions. I prefer to set goals. That way if I don't follow through there's less guilt.

Last New Years, I vowed to read the Bible cover to cover in 2008, and after today's reading I'll have finished. It was a great goal to set, and I think I might just start over and do it again next year.

One thing about reading the Bible for yourself, and in its entirety: you get a better idea of the things that are important to God. When he repeats something twice, you know he means business. But what about when he repeats some over and over and over and over? I think you can pretty much assume that it's a priority.

This past year, the message that I read again and again (and again and again and again) was that, more than sacrifice, God desires for us to act justly, show mercy, be compassionate, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and love our God with our entire hearts and souls. When we do that, we worship God.

So in 2008, I have three goals:

1) To act justly, show mercy and compassion, and to love God with my heart, mind and soul. I'd like to do a mission or service project a month, for example.

2) To stop eating shellfish and pork. When I was reading the dietary law, I was reminded of a book I read called "Holy Cow," by Hope Egan. There's a reason why God abhors it when we eat shellfish; he created those creatures to clean up after us, filter out pollution and toxins. So we shouldn't eat them. Same with pork. So I figure if God abhors it, I should try and obey. I can't promise I won't screw this one us. I love bacon and shrimp. But I'm going to do my best.

3) To have one adventure a month. I might kill two birds with one stone with #1, but as much as possible I'd like to try something new, do something outside of my comfort zone, and be adventurous.