We don't need another Resolution... we need a Revolution, way down deep in my fibers!!!!!.

Resolutions that focus on a daily habit can be renewed regularly. Revolutions Transform your life!!!!

The dawn of a new year is more meaning-laden than the simple act of turning a calendar page might suggest. It is a time, if only symbolically, for new beginnings in our community and our personal lives.Speaking more generally, at this time of year people find themselves ritually reflecting upon and recommitting to principles they hold dear. We resolve to relinquish bad habits and vigorously pursue higher goals. In short, we vow to be better versions of ourselves.

Of course, articulating this vision is no assurance of success. It is only the first of many steps. Following through on our aspirations is another matter, requiring a steady measure of commitment, self-discipline and purposefulness.Some would say this “failure rate” is reason enough to eschew the idea, entirely – “resolving” not to make New Year’s resolutions at all.

We look at it somewhat differently.

Pausing to take stock of our lives – individually and collectively – to measure the gap between who are and who we wish to be, in itself serves a worthwhile purpose, whether it happens in January or June.

Without a clear idea – a vivid mental image – of our “ideal state,” we have no hope of achieving it.

The difference between making resolutions and realizing them can be likened to the difference between drawing a map and successfully completing a journey. Even if we sometimes find ourselves “recycling” the same resolutions over the course of several years, throwing the map away isn’t the answer. It’s akin to throwing away our dreams and aspirations.

That may be one reason the making of New Year’s resolutions persists as a time-honored tradition – undiminished by repetition and untarnished by their evanescence.

Every great journey, for sure, begins with a single step. At New Year’s, with our resolutions, many of us make that first step. It is a sign of hope, of optimism, of our desire to do better – and to be better.

We laud and applaud each and every one among us who begins the New Year with resolve to be better in the new year than in the one that just has taken its place in the history books.

A New Year's resolution is a promise a person makes for the new year. Regardless of what resolution you commit to, the goal is to improvelife in the coming year.

Resolutions can come in many forms. Some people make a promise to change a bad habit, such as quitting smoking or eating less junk food. Other people make a promise to develop a positive habit, such as starting an exercise program, volunteering in their community, or recycling more.

The tradition of New Year's resolutions dates all the way back to 153 B.C. January is named after Janus, a mythical god of early Rome.

Janus had two faces — one looking forward, one looking backward. This allowed him to look back on the past and forward toward the future.

On December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking backward into the old year and forward into the new year. This became a symbolic time for Romans to make resolutions for the newyear and forgive enemies for troubles in the past.

The Romans also believed Janus could forgive them for their wrongdoings in the previous year. The Romans would give gifts and make promises, believing Janus would see this and bless them in the year ahead.

And thus the New Year's resolution was born!

"Resolution" is a word too small for those of us who crave true transformation. Resolutions only encapsulate habits, tricked behaviors, a list of goals that may or may not last. Resolutions take the muscle we bring and require work each day. But my resolve each New Year rarely includes the holy waiting that penetrates hearts and leads to lasting change.

No, I don't want a New Year's Resolution this year. The word came clear as I carefully wrapped each fragile keepsake: I don't need another Resolution... I need a Revolution, way down deep in my fibers.

Revolution.

If you are contemplating resolutions in these last hours leading up to a New Year, might I suggest that "abiding daily in God's Presence" be top of your list? Because it "transforms every fiber of your being". And when each fiber is engaged, invigorated and renewed... there begins a Revolution, an uprising so powerful that transformation happens from the inside out!

Resolutions happen from the outside, and we hope they make their way in. Trips to the gyms, letters to friends, date nights with the man you exchanged your vows with , nightly stretching, and no more chocolate cake for breakfast (not that there's anything wrong with an occasional cake for breakfast!)

But you and me, we don't want to just change our habits, we're wanting to be made new in 2018, completely new in the new year. And the desire for New is rising up from within, and so all those resolutions that will change our actions seems so small.

A revolution is explosive, bringing life from the thump-thump-thump of your tender heart. All pent up from years of not doing it right - not thinking or behaving right - not having it done right to you, maybe for generations. And you rise up now, lift your banner high, and cry, "NO MORE!" Lke a country who has known oppression, threatening revolution. You are ready to fight for freedom.

 2018

 The anger, the impatience, the hurtful rash words, the heavy sighs and lack of tenderness, the deep wounds... every bit of you, every fiber of your being, transformed. Every corner of your home, every nighttime stressful conversation with your husband that ends worse than better, every sibling squabble that turns unkind. Every negative word you berate yourself with.

 No amount of Resolve can change you. I'm sorry. But this isn't hopeless, this is real hope. Because this is entirely what He can do in your life, when you bring all the sin tendencies and hurting places of your heart to the Creator of the Universe, the Creator of your innermost being.

 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." John 15:7

Very soon we are going to enter into a New Year, and we're wishing and hoping and making our plans. But it starts here, right here. Abiding, remaining, tucking in deep to the folds of His robes, deep into the pages where His truth dwells active and waiting.

 You want to be transformed? Here's where it happens: Abide in Him, He will abide in you, and there will be radical, real-life change in your life in the year ahead.

 Revolution.

 Resolve this year to do your part, planting the seeds of faith, turning the soil of your heart to the sun, that the Son might penetrate and cultivate and reap a harvest. But also learn to wait attentively, for the miracle Revolution He's stirring up. Anticipate. Abide and Anticipate and do not grow weary. Let His Light shine upon your innermost thoughts and emotions as you abide. Make abiding your chief concern in 2018. Each fiber is about to get reworked, renewed, invigorated, transformed, awakened to the real life giving Presence of a loving God.

A BLESSED and a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!!!!!