New Year Resolutions! - Old Year in Reflection

Personally, the year of 2009 has been wonderful. As for me, I have had the chance to do new things, climb to new heights, and live another wonderful year with my family enjoying the world that God created. This past year, with abundant sources of learning experiences, I have also had huge growth in my spiritual life. A year full of training and molding, to help shape me into the person that God wants to be.

I'm supposed to write a list of all my resolutions for the coming year, correct? Well, I always have written one in previous years(even though I can't even remember two things on my list from '09). Although I haven't actually sat down to right one up (yet), I have a pretty good idea of what the list would contain.
I could go on and on, because I always think BIG in my mind and I still contain that child-ish tendency to dream the impossible. Believe the impossible. Live the impossible!

But simply, I seek to grow in the Lord and become the faithful servant that He wants me to be. My desire is to draw ever nearer to Him, and

"Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." Colossians 1:10-12

Have no doubt that I could invent simply fantastic goals for this next year of my life. But, if I conjure plans of my own, how can I be available to serve the Lord? How can I be ready to take up my cross and follow Him if I have my own goals and plans? Nevertheless, I have a few goals into which I will mention here.

God has given me a heart for orphans. Specifically, children living in third-world countries. These children go multiple days without a meal. The mix together, water, flour, and mud for something to ease their hunger pains. Many are living on the streets or in dumps. Did you know that many orphans do not even own a pair of shoes? Do you know of any women (or man) who's closet floor is not littered with shoes of all colors and styles?! I am only pointing out that while most Americans are living in comfort, enjoying a life of relative ease, and taking it all for granted, there ARE children in the world who are alone, homeless, scared, literally starving, and don't even own a pair of shoes to put on their feet.
I so long to reach out and help them and share with them also, the hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble..." James 1:27
Perhaps I will go on a mission trip or donate to a ministry for them...

As you may know, I am reading Do Hard Things. Well, if that book is not a call to action, I don't know what is. The whole book encourages teen to rebel against the low expectations that the world has set for young adults. I aim to do exactly this! Anyone want to join me?!

After all of my rambling, I suppose that I will sum it up with this. My desire is to be wholly consecrated to the Lord, and the able hands and feet of Jesus Christ. (I should have just said that at the beginning of my post!)

What are your New Year resolutions?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Josh