New Years Resolutions

Yesterday was the first Sunday in my new ward Laie 10th. It didn't really feel like I was in a "new" ward considering I know most of the people there. But, I can definitely testify of the new spirit felt there. I told myself that this year would be a year of positive change, and I can already see that happening. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Laie 11th, and will always have my roots in Hau'ula 4th, but I see myself gaining a lot from Laie 10th.

To start off the new year, Karess gave an awesome lesson on Resolutions. It is exactly what I needed to start the new year right. Her lesson was on a talk given by Joe J. Christensen about Resolutions. Here's the link. I highly reccommend you read it. I usually don't make New Year's Resolutions, but after reading this article I was inspired to base my 2009 Resolutions on the four areas discussed in this talk.

2009 Resolutions

I resolve to expand my intellectual horizons, to increase in wisdom.

Lately I've been quite the voracious reader. I think I've read a total of 9 books in a period of 3 weeks. Some were just stories, but some were really thought provoking, which helped stimulate my mind. However, I resolve to read more "good" books that will stimulate my mind, and help me to grow intellectually.

I resolve to be a truer friend and to become more socially acceptable to people of high standards.

Maintaining my integrity is important, yet something that seems to be overlooked quite often. I have a bad habit of letting things "slide" to make others feel comfortable. So this year, I want to maintain those high standards that I believe in. This includes not watching rated-R movies. This was a huge weakness for me last year. I would always give myself the excuse like, "oh...it's ok if there's violence. As long as there's no nudity then it should be fine." But how come everytime, my ears would be ringing from all the swearing in those movies. So no exception to the 'R'ule for me. It's rated-R for a reason, and I'm sticking with that. The same can be applied to any social activities I plan on attending this year.


I will be resolute in preserving and strengthening my physical health.

Obviously this is the ultimate resolution that I'm sure everyon has set forth for themselves. But I am determined to lose those unwanted pounds. I plan to do any form of aerobic activity for at least an hour a day for at five days a week. I will be struggling to get myself up at 5:30 every morning so I can go to the gym before school starts. We'll see how that works out! I figure I should try to get it done early, so I can focus on other things throughout the day. I also feel more "productive" when I wake up early. There's a deep sense of accomplishment when I do that.

I resolve to grow spiritually - I will increase in favor with God.

More specifically, I resolve to be more diligent in my scripture reading. I will do this by reading at least 3 pages a day. Thanks Allen for that recommendation. Lately I've been quite the avid reader, so I will try to put that habit to good use. I started today and I already found things that peaked my interest that I never took into consideration before. I'm excited to track my progression, and see where this spiritual growth will take me.

So, these are my four main resolutions. I hope I can keep up with them throughout the year. I'll do my best to post updates on my status. Now that I've shared mine with you, what are yours?