—a desire or hope for something to happen

—a firm decision to do or not to do something

The two definitions above are from Dictionary.com. One is the definition for wish and the other is for resolution.  

Can you guess which is which?   

Clearly, a resolution calls for intentionality, goal setting, and action. A wish, in contrast, is a passing, wistful thought.  

Combining our typical attitude towards New Year’s Resolutions, the time (or lack thereof) devoted after making them, and our annual failure to follow through (for most of us), I’m making the case that most of us should give them a new moniker: New Year’s Wishes.  

So this year, let’s consider changing it up. Let’s make resolutions that are not wishes in disguise. Here are ten ideas to spur some thoughts on making – and keeping – our 2019 Resolutions: 

1. Add a SO THAT.  
I love finding a so that in Scripture: 

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:41 

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”  Mark 11:25 

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.  Luke 8:16 

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”  John 11:4 

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…  Acts 3:19 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  Ephesians 1:17 

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 

As humans (even children) we love getting a reason for what we are asked to do. It’s motivating. Makes us feel respected and valued. (I’m cringing now as I consider all the times I said, “Because I’m the Mom!” instead of providing a solid so that. But that means you, dear reader, get to learn from all my mistakes.) 

Here are some SO THAT examples when it comes to resolutions:
—Lose ___ pounds so that I can get off medication, save money, be healthier, live a long life of serving our Lord, not be a burden to my family, etc.  
—Get my house in order so that I can feel comfortable exercising Biblical hospitality, fulfill the Great Commission, host a small group, etc. 
—Set aside daily time for prayer so that my walk with the Lord is deepened.

2. Refuse to make it about you. 
This one can be a bit tricky. Because they are our personal resolutions, they may inherently be about us. But what if we challenged ourselves to ensure our resolution was made with the purpose of blessing others?

For example:  
—I will write one note of encouragement each week. 
—I will call one extended family member every Sunday afternoon. 
—I will find a place to volunteer in my church or community.  
—I will pray for one specific elected official on a regular basis. 
—I will practice being ready to share the gospel.

3. Write it out. 
Taking time to write it down makes it more real. Do you remember the resolution you made last year? The year before? Unless (like me) you resolve every single year to “lose ten pounds,” probably not. 

4. Annotate it. 
Get a journal. Write out your thoughts on your why for this resolution. Flesh out your motivation and specific reasons for making it. Don’t skip this step. You can revisit your why to keep you going when April rolls around and you need to reboot.

5. Schedule it. 
We’ve all heard the adage, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”  
 
Yes, it’s a cliché. But it’s also true.  
 
If your resolution is to call, pray, write, read, exercise, or whatever—get it on the schedule. Your life is jammed with lots of good things. The concrete, daily demands of life will elbow out the abstract resolution every time, unless it is specifically added to your dance card. 

6. Support it. 
Most of the resolutions we make will require gathering resources. If we plan to read a non-fiction book each month, you will need to choose (and buy or borrow) the book. If you are going to write encouraging notes, be sure to have stationery and stamps on hand. If your goal is to share the gospel, perhaps regularly listening to a podcast or reading a blog will give some ideas to equip you. 

7. Tell it. 
Accountability is good for us. It raises the likelihood that our resolutions do not melt away into the “wish” column again. Consider finding a friend to meet with weekly—or every other week—for spiritual, as well as resolution-keeping, accountability. (Incidentally, if you are planning to attend a homeschool convention this year, watch for my workshop on Heart Life 3D, a simple method for intentionally building relationships of support and accountability, that we pray will bless and spur you on in all areas of life. You can find our current convention schedule on the Where We’ll Be page.) 

8. Pray it. 
When we take that resolution to God, we tap into the real power for making anything happen in our lives. We invite the Holy Spirit to equip and enable us. It ensures we are doing the right things and utilizing right methods. It makes a burden lighter and keeps eternity on our radar screen. And when that resolution is seen filtered through a spiritual lens, the stakes are raised. We see that what we are called to resolve really does matter. 

Lord, I’ve tried so many times to lose weight in the past. Give me a hunger and thirst for You that trumps any desire for physical food. Thank you for providing for me. Thank You for creating tastes, textures, and variety in the food we eat to fuel our bodies. Thank you that food can be used to create times of fellowship with fellow believers and evangelistic opportunities with those who need to know You. O God, convict me when I’m eating when I’m not hungry. Show we where I may be using food as an idol when I really need to be reading the Word to coming to You in prayer. 

9. Review it. 
January finds you motivated. Excited. You’ve started well and are on track to fulfill your 2019 resolution. But it’s also possible that 2-3 months in, the resolution might require some tweaking. Perhaps your enthusiasm to exercise hospitality prompted you to resolve to host one dinner party per week. It’s March. You’re tired physically and your budget is blown. Maybe it’s time to consider reviewing and revising your resolution. Would once per month be more realistic? Would dessert and coffee accomplish the same goal as a complete meal? Or why not go ahead and make it potluck?

10. Do it. 
We’ve written it all out. Put it on the calendar. Bought (and read) the books. We’ve talked, prayed, and tweaked. But at some point we have to just choose to DO IT. No more excuses. Perhaps there is an element of faith involved in keeping a resolution—just jump off the spiritual high dive and let Him catch you! What are you waiting for? Just do it! 

Perhaps this time next year our January 2019 dreams will have become December 2019 realities.

Is this the year you’re ready to forget wishes and make a real resolution?

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