A new year has all the promise of a fresh start, and there are quite a few areas I’m going to make a fresh start in:

De-cluttering my home: Of our family of six, we have five “collectors” — all of us but my five-year-old gather things faster than we get rid of them. So, our house is full of stuff we might use someday, and it’s time to pass it on to someone who actually needs it.

Managing money: I have a household budget I keep track of, and most months I end up with more month and less money. I enjoy listening to financial teachers, though, such as Dave Ramsey, and over the past year and a half I’ve learned a lot. This is the year to put it into practice.

Taking a Day Off: It’s easy to fill the weekend with all the things that didn’t get accomplished during the week, but everyone needs a day off to rest, regroup, and get ready for the week ahead. Sunday is a good day for our family to relax, and I want it to be a day we can enjoy together. So after church and a light lunch, we’re instituting a family game afternoon — and having fun.

Eating better: I’ve read many health/nutrition and diet books over the years — now it’s time to implement them! This is our year to eat right and get fit as a family; maybe even Luke will learn to love vegetables!

Keeping in Touch: While I can keep in touch with many friends and family members through the Internet, some friends don’t get online very often. This year, I’m going to set aside a certain time to write to them. This year, they’ll know they’ve been in my thoughts.

These are a lot of good changes — ones that are do-able and will bring good results if I stick with them. The best part is, my children can work on them right along with me, and we’ll all learn as we go. What are your goals for the new year?