I was talking to my brother on the phone last night, and it seems like he’s grown up so much since I’ve been away. We don’t talk about girls or fast cars, like most brothers talk about. Usually, the topic of conversation is spirituality - something I think he’s got a much better handle on than I do.

We talked last night about how, even though we were both raised “Lutheran”, our term for our belief system has changed a lot as we’ve matured. We both settled on the fact that we believe that Jesus Christ was the one and only true Son of God, and how His death of a cross promised all who believe in Him eternal life with our Father God in heaven. We also agreed that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God and reading it as much as possible is critical to spiritual growth.

He took it a step farther, and in a way that I’d failed to see. He desrcibes himself as “Trinitarian” - meaning an equal faith and belief in the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Now that’s just awesome. So often Christians put all the emphasis on Christ and take away from the Father and Holy Spirit. Jews tend to focus soley on the Father. Still others focus too much on being overcome with the Holy Spirit (like some evangelical churches). The more I think about the Trinitarian concept the more I really like it. I don’t know if I’m going to be shouting it from rooftops just yet but it sure has giving me something to think about. It’s amazing with your little brother can teach you something.

“You’re so wise!…. You’re like a minature Buddha covered in hair!” - Anchorman (works for Baxter or Ken)

and on to part du of my post: New Years resolutions! The time has come again for us to reasses our life, find our faults, and set a start date for trying to correct them. If anything, it’s a reminder that we’re not perfect in the slightest - but it sure makes us feel good to try and better ourselves. Here are some of mine.

1. To take Jesus out the “co-pilot” seat, as the popular bumper sticker goes, and put him into the driver’s seat 24/7. God doesn’t say, “trust in me in most things. You’re perfectly capable of handling most things, but when a situation gets sticky, give me a call.” No, he wants to be in the driver’s seat - a part of every second of your life. I need to refocus on that and stop trying to solve or fix everything myself.

2. Finish what I started a year ago and read through the entire bible. I’m close now, but I’ve gotten distracted lately. He may not have anything else to say to you unless you read what He’s already written (someone much smarter than me said that first). After I finish my read-through I want to go back and do indepth studies on certain books.

3. Be myself with everyone. I don’t want to hide anything from anyone ever again. I want to be “what-you-see-is-who-I-am” Randy all the time.

4. Be more mindful of doing my part. Sure I might not be able to change the world, but I can do things right here that can make a difference. I want to start taking advantage of the opportunities that have passed me by because I was too selfish, lazy or proud.

5. Be more disciplined, organized, passionate and driven. It sad to say, but only those who are totally focused and dedicated to their goals achieve them. I want to be someone who goes for what he believes in.

6. Give equal time to all my hobbies. When I pick up my camera, my guitar gets neglected… and vice versa. There’s room for everything.

7. Get in better shape. I’ve done it before. Anyone who knew me around 7th-8th grade or the year after I joined the military knows I have it in me. It’s just forcing myself to eat healthy and get in the gym regularly.

9. Never forget all the friends and family that have helped me become who I am. Also, never to let those speical people get out of touch.

10. This should be higher on the list, but push myself to earn all Navy qualifications and get as much college education as possible. It’s my future, and I need to start working harder for it.

In keeping with the “Top 10″ theme I’ll stop right there, although I’m sure I could come up with more. What are some of your New Year’s resolutions?