Happy New Year!

Happy 2008! We are just returning from a New Year's Family Camp that we attended the past three days. It was held at Crier Creek which is a Pine Cove Camp in Columbus, Texas. We had such a good time. The boys shot bb guns and did archery, fishing and horse back riding. Hannah did a couple of pony rides and arts & crafts. We all did canoeing, paddle boats and other games. It was very relaxing and we had 3 days with NO ELECTRONICS!!!! No wii, no TV, no Gameboy, no DVDs...we didn't even use our cell phone. It was awesome----although I was worried that the sudden and complete detox might send a couple of the members of our family into shock!

We also did some pretty cool family activities. We participated in a version of the Amazing Race, went to a fun New Year's Eve Celebration, and we did new year's resolutions as a family and put them in a time capsule to open next year. I think we came up with some fun and challenging resolutions. The kids are going to work on not bickering and using kind words. This resolution was put to a very tough test on our car ride home today! :)

I always love a new year because it does hold such promise. One of the verses we discussed in worship yesterday was what Paul says in Philippians 3:13b-14 "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." On the first day of a new year, the thought of 'pressing on' towards a goal is one that I feel like I can do. I seem to have more energy and enthusiasm for moving forward. My calendar is nice and new. I don't feel as burdened by the day to day things that come with routine. I realized though by re looking at these verses yesterday the verse is not only about the goal, it is also "forgetting what is behind." I tend to rethink, rehash, and rework so many things that the energy to press is often used on regret. So, one of my resolutions is to forget what is behind and press on to a fabulous 2008! I also wish the same for you! Happy New Year!