Contemplating a new year....
The years just seem to be speeding by...I notice it more every year! As I get older, I realize that it is good to reevaluate my life knowing that time is short. It is disappointing to look back and be sorry for lack of accomplishment some years and lack of spiritual growth as well. I don't want my life to be wasteful of the strength and energy that the Lord has given me while I still have it! It is so easy to be self-absorbed instead of Christ-centered! The beginning of a new year is a great time to look to the future and see myself where I want to be this time next year. Goals are important...I intend to set some important ones this year and depend on God to see me through accomplishing them for his glory.
Life Characteristics that I want in my life:
Humility (or lack of pride)- in my marriage, my family relationships, and my friendships
Servant's Heart- this is a big problem for me! I am too self-centered and need to serve others more!
Discipline- I go back and forth from being very disciplined to absolutely being a slouch!
Love- I want to really love other people more - more than I love myself! That is really hard!
These are the things I will pray for and with the Lord's help will make progress on this year.
Practical Goals for the Year:
Memorize the rest of Colossians
Memorize Romans 8 ( our whole small group is working on this passage)
Memorize Ephesians
Read through the Bible
Get involved in a special ministry at Cornerstone ( I have an idea for this one!)
Intentionally begin and end my days with God
Be more hospitable (have at least one family a month over to our home)
Have my sewing machine cleaned and running so I can sew some projects.
Take off bathroom wallpaper and paint and redecorate the bathroom
Paint the other rooms in the house
Cultivate at least one friendship
Communicate with my family more (especially the ones who don't live nearby!)
Get the web cam up and running and use it!
Spend more time with my grandchildren!
Be diligent in taking my vitamins
Go to bed earlier
Watch less television
Find an exercise plan that I can keep up with!
Be more thankful.
Don't complain!
That seems like a lot of goals, but I have a whole year to work on them. It is kind of exciting to look forward to accomplishing them! I also know that with every intention that is godly, Satan will work to thwart the plans. I guess I just have to expect that and watch for it. We were reading in the Psalms on Sunday morning in church and I came across some verses that I want to be my prayer this year:
Psalm 119: 33-37
"Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."
Awesome verses!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
