Aims for 2014

Hi all! 2013 has been a bit of a mad year for us and I have to say I feel a little nervous about 2014, with my parents leaving, decisions about work and Chloe starting school. But when I look back on hard times even this year I KNOW God has been faithful and is with me all the way (see my previous post on 'the next path').

I want to have some direction for the year but also don't think in quite up for committing to resolutions so here are a few aims.

- Focus on my marriage. I feel like J and I have been ploughing through family life for most of this year. You know, when doing 'life' seems to take all your time and energy and you don't have time for much else. Tonight will be our first time leaving Livia (with my parents) so we haven't really had much of a break. I want to get much better at date nights and prioritising talking about us and not just the kids.

- Time with Chloe. My big girl is off to school in a matter of months and I don't want to waste this special time with her. I thought briefly about increasing her preschool sessions but I don't think I will after all, so we have time free to spend together. I'm going to miss her!

- Read the Bible everyday and have regular worship sessions. I pray every day without fail but these are often 'help me' prayers with little time enjoying God. I need to prioritise quality time with God and make sure I read even a verse of the Bible every day. I manage to go on Facebook every day so there really is no excuse! I want it to be my daily bread and get my sustenance from God, not my own strength.

Those are all quite serious aims for the year! But I feel in quite a serious mood this new year. A little like I'm preparing for battle! I am hoping the coming year won't be quite as difficult as I'm envisaging. At least I'm starting it off at a fun party this evening and even a lie-in on New Year's Day!