Introduction

When you hear the word Resolution...What thoughts cross your mind?       

A fresh start.
Determination to finally accomplish something you've been putting off.
Here we go again...

Some Resolutions have a beginning and an end. 
     
I am going to paint the kitchen.
I am going to clean out the garage.

Some Resolutions have a beginning and an end but require more diligence.
 
I am going to read my Bible all the way through.
I am going to get out of debt.

Other Resolutions have a beginning but no end.
They are life long changes that we desire to make.
These are often the hardest but MOST important. 

I am going to spend more time with God.                    I am going to be a better mom.
I am going to pray more.                                                I am going to be a better wife.
I am going to read my Bible every day.                       I am going to do something that will make a difference.
I am going to spend more time with my family.          (Volunteer, Serve, Outreach)    
I am going to live a healthier lifestyle.
I am going to STAY out of debt.
 
Unfortunately...a lot of times our Resolutions start with good intentions but don't result in lasting change.

What do you believe are some reasons why this happens?
Lack of consistent motivation
Laziness/Procrastination
Selfishness
Failure to plan & prioritize properly
Making excuses
- I don't have time.
- It's too hard.
- If he was a better husband...
- If my kids didn't make it so difficult...
Failure to be realistic
- Sometimes we want a dramatic change to happen overnight but we need to realize it takes baby
   steps or else it can overwhelm us to the point of giving up. It's a process.
Failure to seek God
- We fail to pray and seek for God to intervene on our behalf and give us the strength, motivation,
   and endurance we need in order to be successful.
 
We cannot do it on our own. We need God. God doesn't expect or want us to do it on our own. Who would get the Glory for it if we could? Attention would be drawn to us instead of God.

So...That being said...Resolution is about change and discovering how to make it a lasting change.

Resolutions require us to leave our past behind and embrace our future.
We don't have to allow past faults, failures, and hurts to define us.

Letting go of this those things isn't always the easiest thing to do but it is necessary if we want to move forward.

"It is a Process...Not a Project."

It may take some time but it's not impossible.

I believe the more we focus our attention on God...the less time we spend dwelling on the past. The less time we spend dwelling on the past...the more freedom we begin to experience. The more freedom we begin to experience...the more hope we have for the future. The more hope we have...the more potential there is for God to do a work in and through our lives because we are trusting in Him and placing our lives in His hands. This is the "process" through which we can experience transformation in our lives or a least it has been for my life.

Sounds pretty simple...right??

All we have to do is focus our attention on God and everything else will fall into place.
Unfortunately a lot of times we fail at KEEPING our attention on God. This is when problems arise. Satan will try to distract you in any way that he can in an effort to draw your attention away from God. That's why I feel it is very important to stay connected with other followers of Christ. We need that encouragement, support, and accountability.

I am so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to lead this eGroup and book study as a way for us to connect with one another.

I pray that this book study will bring things to the surface in your life that will draw you closer to Him and help you to become the women He has called you to be.

I truly believe...The Best is Yet to Come!!

Reading for Jan. 12th-26th is Pages 1-48.
(Suprisingly Satisfied and Purposefully Feminine)

As you read through The Resolution for Women...you will want to:
- Find a distraction free place where you can really focus on what you are reading.
- Take time to think about what you have read.
- Open your heart and mind and allow God to speak to you.
- Keep a journal. As you begin to take notes...you may find God revealing things to you that you
   didn't expect. Embrace this.
- Pray before you begin reading and even after.