My New Year’s Resolutions look strangely similar every January: know Jesus… That pretty much sums it up! That’s the only goal I feel bound to, and it’s a freeing kind of goal.

But there are so many ways that happens, and a fresh start is a good time to reflect on how I can walk by the Spirit in the coming months, where the Lord is leading me to grow or take ground, how He wants me to steward my life in a way that will bring more communion with Him.

The last few weeks, I’ve been increasingly aware of my glaring need for repolishing and resharpening my sword. The hundreds of scriptures that have been hidden in my heart are growing dusty and hard to find at just the right moment. (And as we are in a war, there are lots of moments that call for a sword!) So this year, no grand Bible reading plan. Just a list of about 52 verses that I can memorize/review and meditate on each week.

Yes, meditate. That will be the tricky part, since I’ve gotten very good at memorizing with the kids in the morning and not giving it another thought the rest of the day. (Thus the rusty and dusty issues.) I am so excited about revisiting practices that were second nature to me ten years ago. Time for 3x5s and back pockets! (So, no more yoga pants, I guess.)

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My list, for those who may be interested. I’ll choose some of these to be “family” verses, and some just for my own memorization.

Psalm 34.1-10
Ephesians 6.10-13
Philippians 4.6-8
Isaiah 40.28-31
1 Corinthians 15.58
2 Corinthians 9.6-8
Romans 12.1-2
1 Peter 3.8-9
2 Corinthians 12.9
2 Corinthians 4.16-18
Romans 3.23
Romans 6.23
John 14.6
Romans 8.28
Joshua 1.8-9
Romans 10.9-10
1 John 3.16
Matthew 11.28-30
Galatians 5.16
Philippians 2.3-7;14-15

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Here are some passages we learned this past year (which I need to meditate on!), many of which I learned when I was a girl and loved. Passing them along for any moms out there wanting to make their own list!

Ephesians 2.8-10
Psalm 23
Psalm 100
1 Peter 1.2-8
Colossians 3.12-17
Proverbs 6.6-9
1 Thessalonians 4.16-18
Mark 12.30
Galatians 5.22-23
Romans 12.10

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What are some of your favorite, life-giving verses? Pondering that question the last few days has been so invigorating for me — suddenly I’m overwhelmed by how alive scripture has been and is in my life. I am so thankful for the Word of God. (Makes me want to memorize Psalm 19! Maybe next year. :-))