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Hello, Reader.

It's hard to believe we're already ringing in a new year, but -- ready or not -- 2025 is upon us! I always have great aspirations on January 1, and this year is not different in that respect.

If you do, too, I pray God will grant you great success in achieving them all. This week's link list is designed to help you define, organize, and track the goals on your list -- or to set a few new ones if you haven't given it much thought.

Free resources for you this week:

• ​2025 Calendars - several different styles to help you keep up with the new year
• ​Goal Setting Worksheets - take stock & make positive changes in multiple areas of life
• ​Progress Tracker - fill in your goals & don't abandon them completely if you miss a day
• ​10 New Year's Resolutions We All Should Make - guaranteed to improve your quality of life!
• ​Bible Reading Plan - I know I shared this a few weeks ago, but Jan. 1 is a great time to start
• ​Don't Grow Weary Coloring Page - keep plugging away & you'll eventually see results 😊

What I'm reading this week:

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​When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed I read very few graphic novels, but after assigning this one to my grandson, I got so drawn in by his narration that I decided to read it for myself. The book tells the true story of the years two young children, Omar Mohamed and his brother, spend in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing Somalia, uncertain if their parents were dead or alive. It's an eye-opening book and taught me a lot. There is little wonder why it has won so many awards and was named Best Book of the Year by Time, New York Times, Kirkus Reviews, and others.

On the podcast this week:

Loving Life at Home: Episode 71 ​THE POWER OF PRAYER​ There is great power in prayer, and Christians should take care to never neglect this amazing privilege and vital discipline. Listen Now

Progress on last week's goals:

I definitely bit off more than I could chew with the to-do list I published last week. Here's how they stack up as of this morning:

• ❌ do some painting with our kids
• ✅ book hotels/flights for 2025 trips (but ❌ one airbnb cancelled on me, so still not done)
• ❌ write two new Timberdoodle review (though I ✅ did post one)
• ❌ finish three quilt squares (but I did ✅ finish two)
• ❌ attend senior class meeting for youngest son (I stayed home but ✅ Gabriel attended)
• ✅ pray about/set New Year's resolutions/goals
• ❌ finish reading ​Glad Tidings​ aloud to our kids
• ❌ post this year's Christmas letter online

Personal goals for this week:

• take down Christmas decor & put away
• decorate bedroom tree for Valentine's
• paint with kids
• find replacement accommodations for one that cancelled
• post that last review
• write 3 days of a new 30-day challenge
• gather tax receipts for my husband