UPDATE

Well, you may not know it, because I only posted about it once last year, here, but, after having been to Ecuador, moving forward with our adoption in Dec 2009 (after God moved SO mightily on SO MANY LEVELS), He really began burdening my heart about many things...I was challenged in my soul to be different. Not really a resolution. I think of those as things like "I am going to floss every day this year", "I am going to eat healthier", "I am going to exercise"..that is what I think of when I think of resolutions. Last year, January 1 presented itself as the perfect timing for a year of self denial in my life-something I have known little about to be honest. So, that day, I determined to buy no clothes, shoes or accessories for the year 2010 (and gave myself permission to buy something only if it benefitted someone else or helped with their adoption). It sounds so ridiculous even now when I read what I have written-how spoiled we are-that no new clothes, shoes, etc would have THAT effect on us. Most people who live in other countries don't even have basic necessities. For me, it felt like a sacrifice and it feels shameful to say so because I don't know what REAL sacrifice is. I have never missed a meal without choice and haven't wanted for anything in my life...I have been indulged and it was hard to do even this for the year, but I did stick to it. I do think it is funny what we consider necessities in our country and community. I think I somehow ended up in more shopping scenarios than ever before, which I thought was humorous. Very funny and ironic, Lord!! I guess he wanted to test me through and through:) I did buy 3 orphan tshirts, all of which went to help feed people in Africa or help with adoption expenses. Even most of the gifts I was given from friends had the same theme and that was nice that they respected what I was trying to do. It really has given me an even different outlook and has given me a good bit of practice at telling myself no. I will say on a lighter note, it has made me pull things out of my closet that have had no action in at least a year or two and put them on my body. You know, those things that you don't like and you never pick. Inevitably, I had to pick them and it wasn't that bad after all. GASP!! Christmas came and went and I (surprisingly) wasn't chomping at the bit for some new stuff...I did get one pair of new jeans from my sis and a new jacket and scarf from my mom and another scarf from a friend and that was pretty much it in the clothing department...I have a sneaking suspicion that getting new stuff just makes you want more new stuff...so far, that has been my finding...SO, I dare you to take the challenge...there is no better day to start than today. I think you will be surprised at the contentment that is found in saying yes to what you already have. If you need encouragement or a pep talk, just send me a message!!! :)

As of right now, I have no resolutions for the new year. I believe this year of transition for us will be just that...a year of transition. I want to be more patient and kind as our family transitions to a family of 6:) Happy 2011 to you all!!!