As my year ends and a new one begins, I am focused on celebrating the victories over the challenges I have faced this past year. I have lost eight friends and family members to death. I have traveled all over America to visit with and/or help family and friends. I discovered my own failing health and found renewed health through a change in my lifestyle. I have lost 80 pounds, lowered my blood sugar to normal, lowered my blood pressure to normal. My husband and I nearly lost and have renewed our marriage. Love really does conquer all, except death. Unfortunately, it can not bring back any of my friends or family members. I will always remember you Kelly Brinker, Jay Spell, Granny Bogart, Steve Aaberg, Shirley Erickson, Uncle Ed, Don LaSalle and Jeb Bruns.

So now I begin again to build a life for myself here with Mark and Jacob. I am looking for work and praying for guidance as to what form that work should take. I have applied for the very few jobs available and had two interviews, but have not been hired yet. I have a great amount of financial debt to recover from and hope that the way will reveal itself. I trust the Lord to provide for all my needs including relief from this debt. I have changed my priorities. I want to be here now with Mark and keep being healthy and creative. That is as far as it goes for now.

So Happy Birthday to me!!! Here are my resolutions for age 54.

Resolved:

I will exercise some everyday. [Take a walk, go for a swim, ride a bike, clean the house, work in garden].
I will plant and grow a garden.
I will watch less television.
I will listen to music more.
I will read more.
I will cultivate friendships.
I will attend health and ceramics and other art classes.
I will paint an oil painting [got to start with at least one–good bad or whatever].
I will continue growing in my creativity.
I will develop and grow Crooked Creek Crafts-Blog, Etsy, etc.
I will continue to monitor and maintain healthy living, breathing, eating, being.
I will respect myself and others.
I will listen. I will hear.
I will watch. I will see.
I will be debt free.
I am released from poverty.
I will give generously.
I will find a good church, attend, and participate.
In Jesus Name!!! Amen.