ObamaNation

Is it just me, or does it seem as if the whole country has succumbed to Happy Hour at the "forget how to think for yourself" Obamanaide Brewery? It's an outrage. It's an ObamaNation...in more ways than one.

I am a vocal supporter of equality among God's people...which means, everyone on earth. There is no exclusive pass to Club Heaven and everyone is VIP; even those we don't see eye-to-eye with. Therefore, I'm incredibly touched and moved by the spirit of humanity that exists not only in our nation, but in the greater majority of our world. It is this spirit that has transcended all forms of hatred and persecution evident in our history, and has paved way for change, for something different. In this country, we have never seen a leader at the pinnacle of power who was anything but white and male. It must be acknowledged, that we as a human community have moved beyond the radical forms of cultural discrimination and have opened our minds and thus our world, to endless possibilities.

This country will no doubt have more white male presidents. It has certainly had many admirable ones. And we must appreciate, in the same manner of inclusivity, the value that the growing minority of white males, has. They too, even though demonized by mainstream society, have a valuable place in the human system. Additionally, we will no doubt see other men of color, varying heritage, backgrounds and beliefs, set foot into the most prestigious position of power and leadership in the world. It does of course make me wonder, about gender. Will women ever be truly embraced as not only plausible but impeccably providential leaders? And within that question, what can we as members of the human race, demand from ourselves in the heart of reason and future? One can argue that women are on the cusp of grasping the same reality that Obama and his fellow African-Americans just embraced. Maybe one day, we will see the tears of women flow as they watch the final ceiling shatter...maybe I can hope.

I am very aware of the barriers that the Obama presidency have crossed in terms of societal blockades. I'm pleased at the growth and evolution of the human mind and the spirit of our God given humanity and compassion. I can certainly empathize with the oppression felt by those in this country who have suffered much. And I rejoice in their joy and the exultation of release from years of political and societal bondage.

However, I must remove myself from pure emotions and remain fluid as our world remains fluid. Nothing every stays the same and, being it was his political slogan, Obama should understand that change happens. It has happened in multitudes of our history, it is happening now and it will happen again, and again, and again. We as humans, masters of our own God given free will and highest of the intellectual creatures, should also desire to remain fluid in our thoughts and beliefs on the world around us. Fluidity doesn't mean loosing firm grasp on that which you subscribe, it simply means being open to the idea that things and life moves and we must move with it. I love God and Christ...that will never change. But as life moves, I must be able to move with it and I can do that if my motion is in sync with that of the Trinity.

Obama makes me nervous. Not fearful for I believe in the protection and guidance of our Lord. My concern comes in the form of my lack of faith in other humans and therefore, lack of trust in their better judgment. For all purposes concerned, it is my deepest hope that Obama can lead this country and this world in ways that are beneficial to all and are constructive rather than destructive. My greater concern, however, comes from the fact that it appears everyone has been drinking the Obama Kool-ade and no one remembers how to think for themselves. I wonder if these people will be too prideful to admit or call foul when Obama makes a mistake...which he will because he's human and flawed; as are we all. Or will every action by blindly justified?

Our media is a tool of propaganda. It has been for centuries in its various forms. I don't fault the media for everything, that would be foolish. But it does have its role in the conspiracy of Group Think. I don't wish to have others tell me what to think or how to act or vote or believe. I despise those remarks made out of ignorance that propagate those who lack faith in our new president, as uneducated and ignorant. Rather, I believe ignorance lies in the mind that does not challenge what it is told.

Think about all that you know. Where did you learn it? Who told you? Where did they learn it? Are certain they were 100% factual and nothing was altered or exaggerated or left out? Could it be that any of the things you learned and know came from humans who are also imperfect and flawed? You see, all that we know has been taught to us in one way or another. Given through lessons and stories. And even that which we know from experience, looses its flavor as memory fails us. We can only be so sure. So to have the audacity to claim we KNOW and we KNOW better than you...shows the real ignorance.

Of things, we can be certain. We can be convinced. We can believe. For everything, there will come a time when truth is all revealed. Therefore, it is not up to any one of us to claim we know Obama's mind, thoughts and true plans. In reality, we hardly know our own minds, thoughts and plans. Life is but moment to moment. Fluid.

I pray that those who like and those who dislike Obama, can come together just the same for the betterment of humanity; for life. I pray for ignorance to fade among God's people and to show us ways in which we can build our neighbor up rather than tear them down. I pray for the dwelling of the Holy Spirit amongst all the world's leaders, that they may be open to hearing the voice of God and following the light of Christ. I will never give up the hope that one day we can KNOW what global human peace is really about...what it feels like, smells like, looks like. But its not something that one man, one president can accomplish. But one humanity, lead by the Holy Spirit can accomplish anything. After all, nothing is impossible.

In the meantime, we need to live out the calling that God has placed on all of our lives and that is to help those who are suffering. It starts with one mind being willing to act out of compassion. While the world waits for perfection and for one man to be the cure to all, there are those who wait on the man who was and is our true Savior and in serving Him, we are loving the world back to health. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, parent the parent-less, shelter the homeless, give, give and keep giving. Never stop giving of yourself...that is the essence of humanity and humanity in its purest form is contagious. Spread the love, not the wealth. One lasts forever, the other is tangible waste.

I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

AMEN!

Blessed Chaos

Aloha everyone! I know its been awhile, but I wanted to update everyone on the happenin's! The week of the 11th, I was in Kansas City for a seminary course for my post-grad work. I got home on that Friday night. I spent all day Saturday running around like crazy and packing up my family because on the 18th, we adventured to Hawaii for a two week vacation.

Needless to say, I had very limited and sometimes non-existent Internet access during that time so I haven't been able to get on here to talk with all of you and I've been missing it immensely. I'm in Hawaii for a week yet, but will try and hope on here as I can to let you know how the trip is going as well as my two cents about all things random. :)

Everyone is doing great, thank you (Francois) for your kind comments and for checking in. I'm sending a big Hawaiian Mahalo your way.

So far, we've swam with dolphins, took a helicopter ride right over a live volcano and actually witnessed the bubbling of molten hot magma, hung out at a Polynesian Cultural village and partook in an amazing authentic luau, went whale watching, swam in a breath taking waterfall, snorkeled in Maui, ate delicious seafood until our eyes were swimming, boogie boarded, played in white and black sandy beaches, took a donkey drawn wagon ride through an unbelievable valley...truly a trip of a lifetime and my toddler is doing pretty okay. Although I don't recommend that 8 hour flight without Benydryl...not for the kiddo but for you...your gonna need it. :)

Hope all is well for all of you and I look forward to reading up on what you all have been up to.

Of Porn and Politics

I know this is a little out of left field, but as I was munching my breakfast cereal and reading up on the morning's news I came across a little something that literally made me gasp out loud, "Oh My God!" Then, I proceeded to go in this tangent on hubs, who totally agrees with me by the way, and then I decided, you know what, I need to blog about this.

First, let me just say how completely repelled I am by the current state of our economy. Our country is suffering the consequences of materialism and greed and the powers that be believe that the best was to handle such unpleasantries is by unleashing more stupidity on the nation. I'm talking about the bailouts. I've read up, listened, debated, discussed and thought deeply about all sides of the bailout issues, but in a country that can clone people, send someone to the moon, make the blind see, etc., this is the best we can come up with? Seriously?

So then it should come as no surprise, that as our country seems bent on nationalizing itself, that scum is coming out of the wood work and also demanding bailouts. I am pretty good about holding back judgment, and though I do believe there is hope for everyone, I must admit my guttural loathing of the vile filth that is the pornography industry. I hate everything about it and it's not because I'm a raging feminist...because raging I am not. It is simply that misguided information that so many have. Simply, people don't really know what is behind the porn that is in their homes, bedrooms and computers. The don't know about the multi-billion dollar sex trafficking industry that is fueling it.

Did you know that the United States is #1 in its demands for sex slaves? That's right. In 2007 alone, sex traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined and the greatest demand is in the U.S. Simple economics of supply and demand. Did you know about porn's black market here in the U.S. that produces 65% of the smut films in peoples homes? How about the number of marriages that porn destroys? The number of young men and women whose lives are damaged because of addiction to pornography, or dare I mention the increased levels of child pornography, pedophilia and oh...any one catch Dateline's To Catch a Predator?

Did you know that thanks to the the porn demands and sex trafficking, that there are more SLAVES today than at any time in global and American history? And did you know that the majority of today's slaves reside in the U.S.? If not, you should.

It's not that I think the people who watch porn are garbage, because I don't. Pornography has trapped a lot of people; good people. People who are innocent in that they really have no idea the depth of wickedness those images carry. It's not just about your own sinfulness, but about the lives of others. Do you know that if you have a teenage daughter and she runs away or is abducted that the likelihood is greatest that she will be sold into some kind of local or even international sex rings? This is greater than murder? And many of those girls who go missing every year end up on some amateur porn film and you have no idea that the girl you're watching on the television has a family that is desperate to know she's alive and to have her back. It's awful, this whole thing. And please don't think I'm self righteous about this, because I've been there. I've watched this stuff. I got trapped by its fangs. Maybe its because I have had such great guilt since I found out about the realities of this industry, that I have committed myself to helping those who are fighting human sex trafficking. And if you think about it, porn doesn't just enslave those who are in it, it truly enslaves those who watch it.

All of this being said, imagine my infuriating outcry when I read an article about Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis, sending a letter to congress asking for a $5 billion bailout of the pornography industry. No, I'm not kidding. Ludicrous, huh? What is the matter with us? Have we all gone completely mad? Not to mention, the porn industry thinks its in need of $5 billion of the governments money? For what, exactly? If anyone thinks porn is hurting, they are WRONG. They are at an all time high. And forgive me, but I'd like to see the industry just disinagrate.

So, what will Uncle Sam do? Will he bail out the porn industry? Will he globally acknowledge that he doesn't care about the men, women and children who are slaves in this country as a result of the high demand for sex, sex, sex? Or, will it be a pillar of dignity? And if it says no, how far with Mr. Flynt fight this? He is, of course, notorious for being over the top.

This brings me back full circle to the whole bailout concept. We have AIG, the 3 Auto Amigos and now Beavis and Butthead who all think they are in need of bailouts...money from the government. Well, what about Andrew and Jill who have three children, one half way running car and a mortgage that's about to default because Andrew just lost his job? Where is their bailout? I'm swimming in medical debt up to my nose from hubs back surgery this summer. Will I ever see a bailout from the government on that? Heck no. You want to help the 'little' people, then HELP the little people. Give us jobs, give us hope and give us the American Dream back. And that means, don't sell us the American Dream and then tell us we don't actually have to work for it just so you can take it away later. That's not the American Dream. If you want the "American Dream" you better work for it. You better study hard, work hard, save hard, love hard. You better stop spending and putting your life on credit. Quite being a slave to every department store you enter. And for the love of everything holy, you pray hard. You find that time to spend with God. You work with and for God's people and kingdom. You make a difference in the world and stop thinking about yourself all the time.

Apparently, us "little people" are going to have to show the big guys what the American Dream is all about, and its not private jets.

Thanks for letting me rant.

I Won't Make You Love Me

I Won't Make You Love Me


I'm in your life and your in mine,
We can't change the hands of time.
There is no control over the choices others make
Just grace to get us through until another day.

I'm sorry that you're frustrated with my presence.
I'm sorry that you wish I'd go away and leave you alone.
I'm sorry that you want me only when you need something,
And I'm sorry that I'll never be good enough or live up to the standards you've shown.

I never meant to cause so many problems or be the catalyst of so many tears.
It wasn't my intention to make you fell inadequate or ashamed or angry.
I've only just wanted to be me; the me God asked me to be.
I know its not easy for you to accept who I am or what I have become.

Can't you see I just want to be loved, needed, accepted, wanted...by you?
Can't you see how much I love you? Can you truly be that blind?
Do you really think I mean to hurt you? Why do you run from me?
So we're not exactly the same, or of the same 'kind', can't you see it doesn't matter when we speak of love?

God, I wish people could just understand I want to love them. I want to care for them and show them a better way.
God, why do people run from me, into darkness and out of day?
If they only knew how much I loved them so would they still run?
If only they had seen my blood that day, they might know that I AM the Son.

As much as it hurts, I won't make you love me.
I won't make you take my hand and let me free you from your chains.
I won't make you find salvation, or truth, or love, or faith, or even hope.
I won't make you love me, but my love for you will always be.

I don't love you because I have to, but because I want to.
I don't love you because your perfect, but because your not.
I don't love you because your my brother and sister, I love you because we are of the same spirit.

So I won't make you love me and I won't make you believe,
But I won't leave you alone; I can't.
I won't walk away, I'll always be here.
Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but maybe someday you can reach your arms out to me as widely as I reached them out for you.
Like our Father to us..."I Loved You This Much!"



Written by Tiffany D'Amours
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved

On the iPod - Where Is the Love?

It's 'What's on My iPod' Monday.

Today, I did a random shuffle in my iPod and the song that popped up was Where Is The Love, by the Black Eyed Peas. I've listened to it a couple of times today and then really took a look at the lyrics and as you can imagine, it got me thinking. If Jesus were amongst us in the flesh today, what would he say? I think he would be very busy turning over a lot of market places. Can you think of anything that wouldn't exactly jive with the gospel of Jesus? What a disappointment we must be sometimes.

I was getting frustrated with Hambone this morning because, as most toddlers do, he was not listening to me. It was driving me bonkers. I caught myself telling him that I'm the mommy and I know what's best for him and he's going to get hurt and then I asked him, "why don't you listen to me?" Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. If my little love bug can frustrate me that much, imagine how God feels with our lack of listening skills. He knows what's best for us. He wants to help us, guide us, teach us, love us and protect us. But how many times do we ignore Him in favor of doing it our own way just to wind up messing it all up and running to God for comfort? Or, how many times have we trumped God's word with our own doctrinal interpretation of the what God wants?

I know that when Hambone gets all "jacked up on Mountain Dew" that he's going to trip over his own feet or a toy or one of his daddy's monstrosities of shoe and then he'll face plant into something not so soft. This leads to pain and tears and some times a little bleeding. I hate that. I hate it when he doesn't listen to me and then gets hurt because it's my job as a mommy to love him and to 'take care' of him. How much more God feels of this towards all of us is astounding. We get going ninety to nothing and we don't stop to listen to the warnings and when smack head first into immovable walls.

So this song, Where Is The Love, was really popular on the air waves during my under-grad (2003) and had great meaning on a post 9/11 university campus. It's not liberal to think of social injustice or to question the decisions higher political powers are making. It's not conservative to believe that there should be morals and ethics upheld. It's humanity to want to see the gospel of Jesus in all that we do and are surrounded by. The world in a post 9/11 era is different. We have to question, we have to wonder and we all already do. The way we think and how we think globally has been challenged since the fall of the towers. People are yearning for a much deeper spiritual understanding of the world we live in and why things happen the way they do. Theological studies are in increased demand by students and theological books are flying off shelves at an all time high. We want to know answers to the deep rooted theological questions that we all have.

The song takes a look at our world from one perspective, that of the gloom that seems to exist and the dichotomy that life in this world presents. It asks the question that in all the evil that surfaces our planet, where is the love? Where can love be found even in hate? Where can we see the light even in darkness?

Listen to the song and read the lyrics. What do you think? Where do you think the love is and is it possible to make love more visible than hate? Where can you show more love today? Be the love the world needs.

Where Is The Love by the Black Eyed Peas - WATCH THE VIDEO

Lyrics

What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love
The love, the love

It just ain't the same, always unchanged
New days are strange, is the world insane
If love and peace is so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations droppin' bombs
Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones
With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone
So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong
In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'
in
Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover
The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)
Where's the love, y'all

People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found
Now ask yourself

Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love?

Sing wit me y'all:
One world, one world (We only got)
One world, one world (That's all we got)
One world, one world
And something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit it (Yeah)
Something's wrong wit the wo-wo-world, yeah
We only got
(One world, one world)
That's all we got
(One world, one world)

Rockin' Out!!!!

For Christmas, I got hubs Guitar Hero. He works hard so I figured he should be able to play hard too and this is a game I can play unlike all those sports games. I love sports, but I do NOT understand all the controls to the XBOX games. I mean...wow.

Anyway, so we have been putting Hambone to bed and spending some fun couple time jamming to some great rock hits. Is it fair then, where this was a gift for my husband, that I totally smoke him? I love healthy competition but he gets a little fed up with my ability to totally out axe him. So, we've now moved to Co-Op play, meaning we play the song together, one as bass the other as lead guitar.

I know that this is completely nontraditional, but it got me thinking. When we are working on our marriages, we often need to shake things up a bit and be nontraditional. We think about improving our marriages and we think of expensive dinners out, babysitters which also cost money, movies which cost too much money plus don't allow for bonding/communication or we think of reading self/couple help books. I'm not saying that any of these are bad, in fact, I enjoy a peaceful dinner out with candlelight in a restaurant without crayons. I enjoy being able to watch a movie without multiple distractions. However, that can't be the only thing we have to do, right?

Who ever made the decision that when you reach a certain age, you have to stop having fun? Or that I DO really means, I DON'T have anymore fun. When was the last time you and your spouse took off just the two of you, grabbed a quick bite to eat and hit the bowling alley? Putt-Putt? Or what about staying home and playing a board game together or maybe even a little Guitar Hero?

Hubs and I have had so much fun playing this game TOGETHER. One isn't in one room and the other in another. We're playing together. Laughing, joking around and having simple youthful fun. We've been having so much fun, that we look forward to it at the end of the day. So we release the day's stress and spend fun time together.

This whole notion got us thinking. What are things we do together that are not so much fun? Hmmm...any guesses what those can be? Yup...fiances, bills, taxes, some yard work (other stuff is fun), disciplining children, cleaning the house, organizing the garage...etc. Have you also happened to notice that the spare time you do happen to find for time with each other, most often is filled by one of the activities above? I have. So, what if we made a pact that after every 'not so fun' activity, we follow it up with a fun activity. It doesn't have to involve us going some where, or if we do, it doesn't have to involve us spending a lot of money or going out of state. We could go for a walk in the park and hold hands and talk about other things after an intense afternoon with the taxes. We could wrap up a trying week with a game or cooking together, or, if we so choose, reading together. There are so many things that we can do as couples to enjoy each other.

Maybe that is why so many people are unhappy in their marriages. The only time they ever get with each other is time spent on unpleasant things. Then we go seeking the pleasant things in sinful places. It makes a huge difference to your personal emotional health as well as the emotional well being of your marriage to be intentional about taking time for it. Go get that ice cream together. Have a tickle war. Have a food fight. Do what you really want to do and do it together. Start dating your spouse again. It's a lot of fun and you'll wonder why you ever stopped. Plus...it's really great for your kids, if you are parents, to see you having fun. Giddy, side-splitting, memorable and healthy fun.

As a final note, I also think its fun to take the time to become active in your church as a couple. Whether that's through small groups, couples groups or Sunday schools. You can't just feed your relationship once and then expect it to flourish and live forever on nothing more. Give it water, care and the SON. You'll be amazed at how your marriage will grow.

The Resolute - tion Revolution

It's a new year. Newness is around us and we can be refreshed by the idea of getting to do it all over again, but this time, maybe a little better. We can convict ourselves to live as we know we should. We can stand up against the competition in our lives that drives us farther from God and farther from ourselves.

You have to pretty much be on a different continent not to hear all the commercials or water cooler banter about new year's resolutions. I mean, they are every where. Not only do I not enjoy this time of year because its gloomy, cold and depressing when the tree goes down, but then you can't escape, no matter how hard you try, the weight loss ads. I loath weight loss ads. But more than that, I hate this idea that we have to change who we are to be happy. Though health and some change are always good things, when is enough, enough?

At what point do we stop trying to change ourselves to meet the world's standards and start improving that which really needs help...our relationship with God? If I had the money, I would love to follow every weight loss ad with an alternative ad. One that is spiritually based and encourages putting focus on improving our spiritual lives. Maybe a focus more on what comes out of our mouths rather than worrying so much about what goes in them.

I have long believed that it doesn't matter how beautiful you are on the outside, its really is what is on the inside that counts. Truly, your body ages no matter how many toxins you inject into it. But your heart, your soul, your spirit, it ages gracefully in a matter than only becomes more radiant with every passing day.

This got me thinking about what I wanted to do to strengthen my inner self this year in a Godly way. I think looking at the word resolution is important. Resolute. That's the part that stands out to me. I want to be, in myself, a resolution of being resolute. I want to be steadfast, determined, unwavering. I want to be, admirably purposeful in all that I do. I resolve to place myself on a course of action that will aim to honor God in all that I do and say...even if it is uncomfortable to others. I will be resolute in following the calling God has placed on my life and allow the Lord to shield me from the hateful dissuasion of others. I will stop myself before apologizing for being a determined woman of God. I will be proud of being admirably purposeful in the name of Christ...and unwavering in that humble pride.

I resolve not to make a covenant with the world where I serve its purposes, aims or ideology. Rather, I resolve to be at a level of self-awareness that is so in tune with God's will, that I am the woman God has created me to be. Not perfect. Not flawless. Not airbrushed. I resolve to be real, to be Christian, to be faithful, to be in a walk with God that others will see and long to have. And at the end of each day, I resolve to forgive myself as well as others and then in turn, love myself despite of others. I resolve to embrace the value and worth that God created me with and to realize the extent of the love which God has for me.

Have a resolution revolution. Break from the chains of bondage the world has you in. Be it finances, health, emotional grief...break free, be with God, grow and overcome in 2009. It's your year to do with what you please. Take the free will that God gave you and do something good with it. Give it back to God. Just like in photography, your relationship with God with make your resolution stronger and your life clearer.