Discipline

This is my New Year's resolution, to be disciplined. Pretty vague, but basically to take different areas of my life and pay closer attention to them, plan and be consistent.
One thing I'm trying to do is read my Bible everyday. Another one that I just figured out will help be more disciplined in all areas is to get up earlier, before Bethany, and get stuff done. My Bible reading has actually helped encourage me in my waking up early.
It's really hard to wake up early when you have a warm bed to snuggle in and the baby's still sleeping and there's not anything pressing to wake up for. The Bible will still be there to read later, the laundry will still be there to fold later. So a couple mornings I really struggled setting my alarm numerous times and never actually getting up out of bed.
Then I read this verse a couple days ago and it really encouraged me...

" Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider it's ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8

This verse is about discipline. It puts me to shame that even the smallest dumbest creatures are disciplined enough to work hard and be diligent. Great reminder that I CAN get up a little earlier, I CAN make time to read my Bible each day, and I CAN make time to do all my housework and other work.

The rest of the verse is just a kick in the butt to get me on my way...

" How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Prov. 9-11

When will I get up from sleep each morning? When the baby starts to cry?
John gets up early everyday for work, so as part of disciplining myself I'm trying to get up at 6. (sometimes he gets up at 5 and I haven't been able to do that yet)
I got up at 6 this morning and it was WONDERFUL! I had time to read my Bible, pray, clean the bathroom and do some exercises all before 8:00!
When Bethany woke up I was way happier and ready to see her and get her ready to start our day together.

I have found that a small sacrifice of sleep and time can have huge benefits!
I hope this encourages you to look at areas of your life that you might want to practice more discipline in and ask God to help you be successful.