Happy New Year! -- Grace

Happy New Year's Day, everyone!
I thought I'd just do a random New Year's post, including, for memory's sake, the first few things I did in 2016, as well as my 2016 New Year's Resolutions...

First thing I did in 2016:
I was actually praying as the fireworks started going off.

First hymn I sang in 2016:
After I ended my prayer, I went to my music stand and sang the hymn on it -- "Lead Kindly Light".

First food I ate in 2016:
A big bowl of pineapple! :)

First YouTube video I listened to in 2016:
Who doesn't love the Piano Guys?  I listened to their Fight Song/Amazing Grace cover as my first YouTube video in 2016.

First scripture I looked up in 2016:
Numbers 6:24-26.  "The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Sooooo, with no further adieu...my 2016 resolutions...

1.  Follow God's commandments for myself.
I don't want to follow them because it makes me look good.  Tonight while I was praying -- I prayed a ten-minute prayer from 11:55 to 12:05 -- I realized that most of who I was in 2015 was me trying to impress people.  And I failed at both things.  So this year, I'm following God's commandments because of Him and me, not because of anyone else.

2. Make a new friend.
We could all use a new friend.  They don't have to become your best friend or anything, but making a new friend is totally worth it.

3. Be a better example to the younger kids.
I'm friends with a lot of the 8-12-year-olds at church, and I'm constantly worried that I'm not being a good enough example for them.  I want them to know the right way to live life, and when the world's showing them the exact opposite, it's hard.

Speaking of the world...

4. Resist temptation.
Oh, that was a hard one in 2015.  But God and I are going to do it together this year.

And most of alllll...

5. Grow my relationship with Him.
God and I were best buds for awhile.  I could talk to Him about anything and everything, and I would often hear Him telling me things in return.  I came to Him with any and every question, knowing that nothing was too big or small for Him to care about it.
And then...something happened.  I don't know quite what it was, but I know it was on my end.  But all of a sudden it stopped.  Tonight when I prayed, I told Him I was tired of wanting the things of the world.

And strangely enough, I feel happier than I have in ages.

So here's to an awesome 2016!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!