some resolutions

I saw the following "resolutions" or "life lessons" as the author called them,  in the local paper over the weekend.  I thought these were very good.

I also added a couple of my own, in blue.  Everything else is from the Times Union, 12/25/09, Dear Abby column.  ENJOY!

• Respect others, even if they don't respect you.  Later in life they may remember that respect.
• Love with your whole heart.  It may be broken, but you can't say that you never loved.
• Treat animals with kindness.....
• Be honest with the people you love.  Honesty really is the best policy. (plus it is one of the commandments!)
• Admit your mistakes. It shows you are human.
• Learn from your mistakes, but don't dwell on them.  Negative thinking will only make you depressed. And that's not good for you or those around you.
• forgive others who have hurt you, wronged you, or treated you unkindly.  Forgiveness is part of extending grace to others..this is especially important in a Believer's life.  We need to represent Jesus well.  Forgive even if the other person isn't aware that he/she hurt you or even if they don't think they have done anything wrong. They might not be willing to admit it. In cases of abuse, betrayal or adultery,  you can still forgive if you choose to forgive. Forgiveness is not saying it never happened.  But it IS a way to free your own soul.  If you don't think you are ready to forgive, pray and give it over to the Lord.  And remember what the Bible says about forgiveness.  We are to do it. Period.  You might need to take steps towards it, and that is ok. By dwelling on the bad stuff for awhile, you can allow the Lord to work in your heart, mind and soul.  Good will come of it.
• Tell your family often that you love them.  This includes your spouse, children and extended family. You never know when it will be the last teime you get to say it.
• Never tell others that their dreams are stupid or dumb.  Each of us is entitled to our dreams. 
• Realize that the only person you can change is your self.
• Be thankful for everything you have.  Knowing you are blessed isn't arrogant or cocky if you're truly thankful for your blessings.
• Be patient.  This is a hard virtue. But...it IS a fruit of the Spirit.  We all need to extend more patience towards others and our selves.
• Take care of the earth God created!  There is so much we can do now with free recycling in most communities.  Reduce, reuse, recycle.  Our children and grandchildren will be thankful.
• Read God's Words each day.  Devotionals, blogs, email devos, sermons, books.....all of these things are great...but....Believers need the meat of God's Word.  Start out small if you have to.  Choose a book from the Old Testament and portions of the NT.  Read a Psalm each morning.  Ponder on some Proverbs.
• Pray with your children.
• Ask your spouse how you can pray for him/her.  Then do it!
• Meet your spouse's love language.  Daily.
• Meet your child(ren)'s love language daily.
• Never go to bed angry.
• Kiss your husband. often. Kiss your children even if the teenager rolls her eyes. If they are not comfortable with you kissing them, hug them or give them a pat on the back...later in life they will remember this.
• Treat your friends/family the way you would want to be treated. Sometimes we screw this up.....ask for forgiveness and begin again. We are not perfect. but....we CAN begin again.