As for myself - I've made New Year's Resolutions in the past. But more often than not, I've made quite a few mid-year resolutions. I've come to learn that just because you fail at something, it doesn't mean you're destined to forever fail that thing. Like the Phoenix, today's ashes become tomorrow's victories.
2011 proved this axiom true for me many times.
Through the years - through all the General Conferences and Stake Conferences and Ward Conferences and Priesthood meetings and leadership meetings, I've been on the receiving end of so many invitations to do something - to change something. I would usually have some set goal already with regard to reading the Book of Mormon or scripture study and then after the meeting, I'd feel somewhat obligated to add another goal or to try a new method of study. This year was no different. I tried many things, but just couldn't get traction. But a few things stuck and continue to stick. I've refined these goals and plans to the point that I think they will work.
My goals, when it comes to spirituality and scripture study, is essentially to keep up my resolve on these things I've identified in 2011.
Specifically, they are spelled out here:
1) Read the Book of Mormon every day. Usually, it will be one chapter. As I discover new things and learn new lessons, I'll update my Book of Mormon Inspection blog.
2) Read and study the Sunday School lesson. Since we are studying the Book of Mormon this year in Sunday School, I will not have any assignments to read per se. But, I will take notes in class and add them to my Book of Mormon Inspection blog if I find them noteworthy.
3) Read the General Conference Ensign issues; make notes; consolidate "commandments" and post to this blog.
4) Since I'll have extra "study" time (Book of Mormon overlap), I plan on studying the life of Joseph Smith this year. I have a handful of books I plan to read - Rough Stone Rolling, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, The Journal of Joseph Smith, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith and Lectures on Faith.
As for serving ... I need to do better at being a good home teacher; and of course I intend to fulfill my calling as one of the Boy Scouts leaders in our ward.
My wife and I still have the goal of going to the temple every month. We did fairly well in 2011. I think she attended every month, while I missed a couple of months.
In 2011, I started (again) going on 'dates' with each of our kids every week. That worked well for several months and I plan to continue that tradition into 2012.
FHE's will continue, as will family scripture study and prayer. Personal prayer can be better and more consistent and I've a goal to improve that.
And of course dates with my wife - 2011 went very well on that front and I don't see it changing in 2012.
Here's to a great year!
