"Just for Today 1 - 10" Resolutions (Part 1)

Never mind the "New Year's Resolutions" that fall by the wayside within the first days/weeks/month of the year.  Here are some resolutions one can take a day at a time!

Day 1: Just for today, I resolve to pray. This doesn't have to be difficult. Sometime during the day, just say a short prayer. Thank God for something, or praise God for something, or tell God you love Him, or confess something to Him, or ask Him for something, or ask Him for something for someone other than yourself. Just try one of these things. Or, if you feel like it - do all of the above.

Day 2: Just for today, I resolve to prepare. We all have something on the horizon that will benefit from some advance preparation. Not many of us are good at this, but the time invested in preparation usually pays off when the time to act on that something arrives. Today, look ahead to that future event, deadline, or project and take some time to prepare.

Day 3: Just for today, I resolve to appreciate the world around me. Take a moment or two to smell the roses, or look at the blue sky (or clouds, or rain, or snow, ocean, mountains, trees… you get the picture) and let the beauty in the world and of life roll over you.

Day 4: Just for today, I resolve to save money. No, you don't have to put away money for your retirement or actually put money into a bank account. Simply pass on spending money on something you normally would pay for today. Skip the afternoon Starbucks run, or pack a lunch or snack from home instead of purchasing them. If you'd like, set aside the money you save today for something—or someone—else.

Day 5: Just for today, I resolve to forgive someone. Okay, this doesn't mean that today you have to forgive the person for the worst wrongdoing that's ever been committed against you (but it would be a good day for this.) But, we routinely suffer minor offenses against us, so think of one and in your heart and soul, forgive the person who committed the offense. It's good for you to exercise the same forgiveness that God has demonstrated toward you. If it makes sense, tell the offending person that you forgive them.

Day 6: Just for today, I resolve not to compare myself to anyone else. The temptation always exists, doesn't it? Yet, playing the comparison game is never good for us. We can always find someone who appears to have more, better, easier... well, you get the picture. It's important to remember that we'll always lose when we compare what we know to be true about ourselves with what we don't know for sure about others.

Day 7: Just for today, I resolve to create some warmth in my home. It's been said that home is where we go when we're tired of being nice. Sadly, this is too often true. Everyone at home wins when we do our part to create a warm and loving atmosphere at home. Today, try some kind words, engage, pay attention (be a good listener), show appropriate physical contact (a kiss, a hug, a touch), encourage, and lighten up.

Day 8: Just for today, I resolve to exercise. Today, do yourself and your family some good by getting some exercise. This can be as simple as going outside for a brisk walk. You don't have to go overboard here. In fact, if you haven't been getting regular exercise, don't go overboard! If at all possible, exercise by doing something you enjoy. If you find all exercise tedious, try listening to music, an audiobook, a radio broadcast or a podcast while exercising.

Day 9: Just for today, I resolve to read from the Bible. No length requirements and no reading plan here. Today, just take some moments to read something from God's word. Read a verse, passage, chapter, or book, something familiar and cherished, or investigate a portion of Scripture you have never read. Whatever you do here, it will be good for your life and your soul (See Psalm 119:105). Up the ante: memorize a verse or short passage of Scripture (see Psalm 119:11).

Day 10: Just for today, I resolve to eat less. This may not apply to you, but most Americans eat more food than they need. When was the last time you consciously thought about having a smaller portion for a meal, or passing on seconds, dessert, or that late night snack? It is possible to eat less than you normally do. Try it, just for today. If you get hungry along the way, use it as a spiritual reminder that Jesus is the "Bread of Life"—the source of satisfaction for our hungry souls. Up the ante: If you are in good health, try fasting for one meal, 12-hours, or an entire day. (Don't skip the fluids!)

By Jim Liebelt

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.