Resolution or Resolve?

Which do you have?
A RESOLUTION is a decision to do or not do something.
RESOLVE is a firm determination to do something.

Resolution is wishful thinking. A fleeting moment in time.
Resolve involves ongoing action with a fixed purpose. A dedication to the process. Anyone can make a resolution. Not everyone has resolve.

One of my “goals” with an end date of on or before December 31, 2024 is to finish it strong. Typical new year’s resolutions are actually goals. We get there and we check it off the list – “I made it!” We run that marathon. Check. We get that degree. Check. We lose 10 pounds. Check.

This year I have determined to NOT QUIT what I start. I am determined and I have made up my mind to finish what I start. We make a resolution to lose weight and we accomplish that goal but two months later we’ve gained that weight back and we start over again.

This year I am RESOLVING with full-on determination to go the distance beyond 2024 and for the rest of my life. I’ve started this list with complete RESOLVE as I press daily to be my best for God.

#1. I RESOLVE to worry less and pray more. I will give my concerns to God. I will pray I become so infused with God’s Word that I have the fuel to be a woman of “true grit” – rather, true faith in God’s “keeping power” and trust in His timing, His love for me and His desire for my success.

#2. I RESOLVE to disconnect my mind from my mouth. At this mature age, I’ve amassed a great deal of wisdom. My brain is packed full of firsthand experience of doing the wrong thing at the wrong time and I want to save my husband, children, gran`dchildren and others — time and energy. But, I RESOLVE to hold my mouth from unsolicited advice, opinions and/or judgments.

#3. I RESOLVE to give 100% focus and attention to my husband, family and friends when I’m in their presence. That means putting away my phone and computer and look in their eyes and listen, full on, like they are the single most valuable and treasured, important persons in my world….because THEY ARE!

#4. I RESOLVE to introduce others to my best friend, Jesus. A best friend is someone we talk about a lot. We imitate our best friend. We tell stories about our best friend. I want my best friend to be their best friend. I’ll share Him with them every chance I get. I’ll teach them a lot about “What would Jesus do? (WWJD).”

#5. I RESOLVE to be a “HOPE” dealer by encouraging others with “Nothing is impossible with God!” I RESOLVE to spreading sunshine instead of dark clouds. Hope is great expectation that something GOOD is about to happen. “Let us hold fast to the HOPE we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

I hope and pray that as I RESOLVE to becoming a better ME that it will not just set the course for my day, and year….but my entire life. What about you?