2011

I have never been one of those people who becomes super motivated to make New Year's Resolutions and all of that.  However, for some reason, this new year I am feeling motivated. 

As we were sitting in testimony meeting a couple of weeks ago, many people referenced the fact that they love the Christmas season because of the focus on Christ and the awesome Spirit (don't we all?!).  As I sat there listening, I started thinking about the new year and the change or resolutions that are normally associated with it.  It occurred to me that while we have the chance to focus on the birth of Christ at Christmas, I could used the new year to focus on His atonement and how I could better use that in my life.  In other words, I needed to use the opportunity to make changes in my life using the His atonement that will allow me to be a better person this year than I was the last.

Since then, I have been thinking a lot about that Sunday.  I feel so blessed: I have a testimony of the gospel, I have a wonderful husband that I absolutely adore, we have jobs (at a time when that is becoming increasingly rare), we have a home of our own, a cute little puppy, we're close to family, we have great friends, and the list goes on...

As we know, where much is given, much is required.  I feel like I seriously lacking on my end!  That being said, I am excited for the start of a new year.  I am anxious to make positive changes in my life so I can become the person that His Atonement makes possible.