can i get an "amen"?

So I think New Year means new layout! Yay for Hot Bliggity Blog. They always hook me up with some gorgeous Southern style layouts. Stop on by and tell them Allie sent ya.

I've decided to take my 2013 New Year's resolutions seriously. I've had a lot on my mind lately trying to figure how to deal with, delegate time to, and prioritize the different parts of my life, and the one theme I keep coming back to is.... I've been neglecting me. I've been neglecting the things I want to do. I've been neglecting my mind, my writing, my schoolwork at times (yikes! I hope none of my professors see this), and sadly, my own health and well-being. The hardest to admit out of all of these is God and Church.

For the New Year, I am making the following 13 resolutions (see what I did there... 13...2013... HA!):

1. I will exercise at least 3 times a week, if not more.
2. I will walk 30 minutes with my dogs at least 3 times a week, if not more (and this can't count as "exercise").
3. I will read one book a month (Cosmopolitan is not a book).
4. I will read the entire Bible front to back.
5. I will blog at least 5 times a week about anything and everything (my fans will keep me honest).
6. I will give up dating (check out Joshua Harris' book I Kissed Dating Goodbye).
7. I will have prayer/journal time every night.
8. I will switch from regular soda to diet soda.
9. I will take better care of my feet (weird...).
10. I will drink more water.
11. I will make schoolwork a priority.
12. I will keep my house cleaner.
13. I will make time for Church and small group, without excuses.

I feel as though these are all easily attainable resolutions. I believe in myself... at least I'm trying to believe in myself. My mother always said, "Fake it 'till you make it." I'm learning to slap a big ole' smile on my face regardless of my circumstances in life. This is nothing... a piece of cake... I'm stronger than I think.

Besides... my soul is rooting for me.