Keys for a Great 2013

As 2012  comes to a close I find myself pondering on what worked and what didn't so I can learn from my successes and failures for 2013.  There are two things that stand out very strongly.  These two things have also attracted abuse and criticism from some people and praise from others.  I, however, make no apologies for standing by what I believe to be not only be Biblical but also have been proved in my life.  

Tithing

This has been a key to our finances.  My husband and I don't have a fixed income but we do have fixed giving.  We give ten percent of all our income including gift money and all our earnings as a first fruit to God.  In additional to our ten percent we also give offerings of varying amounts as well as money to the poor when we can.

Malachi 3:10-11 says, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.  “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;

Our family and our church believe wholeheartedly in tithing and we have proven that it works.  The businesses in our church are flourishing as they tithe too.  

Sabbath Rest  
I definitely would not have made it through this year if I didn't believe in this principle.  Our family day is Saturday and we seldom give up our Saturdays for anything.  We love our Saturdays and we rest on our Saturdays.  Each week we all know that we are guaranteed a good rest and some lovely family time which frees us up to work hard and push ourselves for six days.  Having that light at the end of the tunnel each week is wonderful and I would not ever attempt to do life without a good rest each week.  Eric and I also have a weekly date night on Wednesday and this has proven to be a key for or marriage.
   
Exodus 20:11 says, For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

What didn't work for me this year was too much time on the computer.  I recognise that although I might look busy, at times the computer simply robs me of my time, so in 2013 I intend to establish some clear computer guidelines so that I have time for other things that I enjoy such as long walks, baking cupcakes with my children and planning my eldest daughters wedding - yikes now that's a biggie.

So how about you, what worked for you this year?  What habits or principles do you intend to keep or put in place next year.

Have a joyful Christmas and a blessed 2013.

Love
Angela
xxx  

Why We Love Children

A nursery school pupil told his teacher he'd found a cat, but it was dead.
'How do you know that the cat was dead?' she asked her pupil.
'Because I pssed in its ear and it didn't move,' answered the child innocently.
'You did WHAT?' the teacher exclaimed in surprise.
'You know,' explained the boy, 'I leaned over and went 'Pssst' and it didn't move'

A small boy is sent to bed by his father.
Five minutes later.....'Da-ad....'
'What?'
'I'm thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water?'
'No, You had your chance. Lights out.'
Five minutes later: 'Da-aaaad.....'
'WHAT?'
'I'm THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??'
'I told you NO! If you ask again, I'll have to smack you!!'
Five minutes later......'Daaaa-aaaad.....'
'WHAT!'
'When you come in to smack me, can you bring a drink of water?'

An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief finally asked him 'How do you expect to get into Heaven?'
The boy thought it over and said, 'Well, I'll run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, 'For Heaven's sake, Dylan, come in or stay out!''