PREPARING FOR THE NEW YEAR

2013

It's hard to believe, but it's true. It's the time of year again, when we need to start to prepare for the New Year.

I've always loved this poem:

I AM THE NEW YEAR
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Life, I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice
what you have learned about life
during the last twelve months.

All that you sought
and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out
with more determination.

All the good that you tried for
and didn't achieve
is mine to grant
when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do,
all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have -
these slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said,
'behold, I make all things new.'

I am the new year.


The original source of this poem is: http://www.inspirationpeak.com/cgi-bin/poetry.cgi?record=101

The New Year provides us with a blank canvas in which we choose how to fill and create. The choice is ours.

However, we should not even think of starting the New Year until we evaluate the past year and from there, we can then choose what we want from the new year.

Shall we start to prepare for the new year? It's that time, after all.

JOURNALING EXERCISE
* If you could live the perfect year next year, what would that look like? Describe in great detail. Take at least 1 day, preferably 2-3, in order to look at this fully.
* What would it take for you to do it?
* Make sure to write out an actual plan for the new year. Be thorough and specific. Write an 1-sentence, a 4-sentence, an 8-sentence, 3-paragraph, 1-page, and 2-page plan.
* Put your plan into action. Write out a goal for the entire year. This is your mission statement.
* Write a goal for each of the things you mentioned previously in order to live the ideal life.
* Write out a goal for each month.
* Write out a goal for each week.

* Put it all on your planner/calendar/schedule.

~ Stacy Duplease

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.) 

ITALIAN SAUSAGE, PASTA SAUCE, AND RICOTTA CHEESE LOW CARB RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs ground Italian sausage

1 can Progresso Starter Sun Dried Tomato or 3/4 of a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce or marinara

1.5 cups ricotta cheese

HOW TO MAKE

Cook Italian sausage and break into tiny chunks.

Once cooked, add sauce. Add your own spices and maybe 2 T of your favorite red cooking wine (or wine you have on-hand). 

Simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour--depending on how patient you want to be. (Can even cook for another hour if desired.)

Add ricotta cheese. Simmer 5 minutes.

Serve.

Would be really good, if you don't care about calories or carbs, over your favorite pasta. Or just eat from a bowl. 

SERVES

Serves at least 4. 

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online)