Goals

      It's that time when we talk about developing resolutions for the new year.  I prefer goals over resolutions because my resolutions usually just go by the wayside.  Most would argue that a goal and a resolution are the same but, by definition, they are different.  I firmly believe in setting goals.  A goal gives me hope and something to work toward, and it may take me a number of years or even a lifetime.  Because I classify myself as a dreamer,  I am far less likely to give up on a goal.  In setting goals, I need to rely on what is important: 

     Proverbs 3:21 tell us about two goals.  "Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense.  Don't let them slip away."  Then in 1 Corinthians 9:25 we find, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I fight to win.  I'm not just shadow boxing or playing around." Then in 2 Corinthians 10:13, "...Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us..."  

     With all this in mind, I haven't decided to add to the goals I have already set or just be more determined than ever to work harder on my existing ones.  Whatever the case, "Happy New Year" to all this coming 2022.  

     

      

No Do Overs

     As 2019 comes to an end and 2020 begins, I have no regrets.  Yes, I would like to have done many things differently, but I have no desire to go back in order to have a "do over."  What mistakes I made in the past are behind me.  What sins I have committed are forgiven.  Thank you, Lord!
     In 2020 I only want to go forward with Christ as the guiding force in my life.  I am not making New Year resolutions.  I am only looking to the Lord for what is to come.
     That being said, I do have dreams, ambitions, and desires, but they are nothing in comparison to having the Lord in charge of my life and doing what is pleasing within the will of God. 

Isaiah 43: 18-19a "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it?..."

New Year Resolution

      It is a little late for New Year resolutions, besides, I have never been one to keep them anyway, but as I was thinking about making improvements I considered the fact that usually my resolutions have always been about me; losing weight, forming a more consistent exercise program, eating healthier, and developing a better budget.  These are not bad resolutions,  but I wonder if I could be more consistent by making resolutions around God instead of around me.     I am not referring to just reading the Bible through in a year but more about:

1. Slowing down in order to allow God time to speak 

Psalm 85:8  "I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly."

2. Considering His will rather than mine

Matthew 4:19  "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

3. Developing boldness to witness for Him
Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

4. Scheduling more time for God

Matthew 6:33  "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

5. Budgeting better so I can give more to Him

 Malachi 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings."

6. Be more loving toward others
Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

 

 

 

 

       

Don't Miss The Journey

     I have decided not to start 2015 with any resolutions. I usually don't keep them anyway. However, I do want to kick off 2015 with an idea or a new beginning.

      The Bible starts off in Genesis with a story to tell. "In the beginning" there was the creation and “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” We are all a part of that creation, and we also have a story to tell.

     In this New Year of 2015 let us all look at ourselves as who we really are. We have a unique story of our very own to tell. Thinking on new ideas, I have decided that it is a complete waste of time and energy trying to be, or wish I were, someone else. I do not have the same looks, the same body build, or the same successes. It does no good to live in the negative world by telling myself, “I’m not pretty enough, talented enough, or rich enough.” My life and and legacy has been planned just the way I am meant to be by the one great Creator, and He said, “It is very good.” It is up to me not to miss the journey.
     Luke 12:7, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
     Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
     So, in 2015 I have a new beginning; there is me, formed by God. My story lies within the boundary of what I look like, how I handle my circumstances and the environment in which I live. My strength will come from God and through a positive outlook on life. Let me not miss the journey! My prayer is that I can embrace this New Year of 2015 walking in the path God has set before me, glorifying Him along the way.

Let me not miss the journey

wishing I were in someone else’s place.

Help me rejoice in my own face;

every frecke, every blemish,

every winkle that all may see.

Let me embrace and fill the space

in the journey meant just for me.

 

Ecclesiastes 6:9-10 New Living Translation (NLT) ^"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny."

 

A Matter Of The Heart

     It is getting close! That time of the year when we start to think of the new year and the changes we plan to make in our habits and our lives. It is sad, however, that most of us fail to maintain these resolutions. I am definitely in this category. Usually all my good intentions fade away within the first two months, if they even last that long.
     What is it exactly that will keep me on track? It might just be I truly need a complete change of heart. I don’t mean just wanting to change but really, truly desiring it. Sure I may want to lose weight but do I really want to give up my gluttony? Is it a matter of the heart?
     I heard someone say that they had been faithfully walking for several years. I asked, “How?” The reply was, “The trick is getting up, putting on those shoes, and getting out the door.”
     “Wow,” I thought, “that is so true. Once the exercise is started, I am enjoying the walk and feeling so good about the accomplishment.” It is the same with food, only in reverse. Once I have devoured that mouth-watering dessert, and not stopping with just one piece, I am hating myself for the over-indulgence.
     With what other habits do I need a change of heart? They say Social Media is a way to exchange information and ideas as well as stay in contact with each other. I am thinking, “How often do I grab my phone and go to Facebook the first thing every morning to see who said what and what may have happened that I “want” to know about?” Let me think about this one! What should I have grabbed the first thing in the morning that would help get me through my day? The answer is obvious. The Bible!  It just could be the best Social Media available. It provides information and wisdom. It lifts my spirit. It enlightens me. It keeps me in touch with the One who can lead me, support me, and solve the problems in my life. Through prayer and bible study I can stay in touch with the One who died for me so that I could have life eternal. Staying in touch with God every day is more important than any other habit I need to develop. This has to be a matter of the heart.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4: 23