New year, fresh start – that familiar mixture of hope mingled with concern about the consequences of last year’s mistakes. Like Janus, the Roman god for whom the month of January is named, many of us look both ways, backwards and forwards. And that’s OK.

But we can only move in one direction.

Whether you make official ‘resolutions’ or just vague plans to ‘do better’, it’s only natural to want good things – for yourself, your family, your friends.

I have resolved to work at becoming better at those things I already do well, and to replace bad habits with good ones.

Yes, I have plans and hopes and dreams — who doesn’t? But I refuse to fall into the trap of over-thinking (the paralysis of analysis). I will begin each day with prayer and in God’s word, then trust Him to help me every step of the way. I asked for a verse for the year and was given Proverbs 3:5-8 (NLT)

In fortifying my resolve, I have been reading some encouraging words – maybe you will find them helpful, too.

http://1safeharborisjesus.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/waiting-on-gods-perfect-timing/#like-1551

http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?roi=echo7-10794231652-33854887-10aa516b91bde38fa5555f3f0feae425&contentid=13849 Read all of Rick Warren’s January devotionals, too.

And for the more serious and disciplined among us:

http://boyslumber.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/2014-resolutions-dec-29/

Remember the most important thing – captured in this post

http://lorilara.com/2014/01/05/timeless-wisdom/

Happy 2014 to you!