New Year’s Resolutions

I wish I could explain the amount of pressure I feel to come up with just the right blog on New Year’s Day. It’s the first day of the year, a time for new beginnings, a time to set goals. There are so many expectations that lie ahead, so much hope remains.

But most of you are still sleeping and the day will go in a blur. It will mark the end of the festivities for the season before the winter grind really begins.

I love fresh starts and there’s not a day like January 1 for fresh starts. I also love lists as you can testify to from the last week of my posts. I’d like to begin the new year by categorizing the areas in my life that I like to review and set new goals for. Hope it helps you too.

1. Spiritual: This is by far the most important category for me to review. I don’t have any trouble reading my Bible daily, but need help in many other areas. But I know that even a daily quiet time is hard for most folks. Here are some ideas for you.

a. The One year Bible. I love this method of Bible reading. You don’t lose your spot and it includes a reading from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms/Proverbs. I’m very systematic and have been reading the Bible through each year for several years now. I have used this method for 2 years and love it.

b. A one year Bible reading calendar. This method allows you to still use your own Bible to read and jot notes in. Here’s a link for you to use: http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com. There are many options to choose from. I’m going back to the calendar you can stick in your Bible because I miss reading from my own Bible (rather than the one year bible that is a separate version of the Bible entirely).

c. Bible Study Book: I just started a book by Blackaby titled “Called and Accountable”. It’s a work book which I find helpful and is 6 weeks long. Try it or another version of a bible study book. There are plenty.

d. Journal. I began journaling in 1992 and have found it a great way to document what God is doing in my life. You can write down a verse that sticks out to you when you read the Bible, or you can write down your prayers to God.

e. Prayer Book. I use a small notebook to write down prayer requests and praises. I plan on working on my prayer life this year, so I will have more to say about this in the near future.

f. Scripture Memory. There are many methods to choose from. I like little cards to carry around with me. I found this program you can download for free at http://www.memoryversecards.com.

2. Physical: you only need to exercise 30 minutes a day to stay healthy. I hurt my Achilles tendon a couple of months ago and can’t run, but I ride the stationary bike 30 minutes a day. I’m going to keep this up and slowly get back into running form.

3. Financial: Save more, give more, and don’t increase your cost of living. That’s my motto for the year. I know what I need to live on and I don’t anticipate any big moves to increase my cost of living. I intend to work a little more to help give me a cushion to give a little more. This will not happen magically, you have to plan it. If you have debt, start paying it off little by little. Here’s a great resource for you: http://crown.org. Click on getting started and you’re on your way!

4. Relational: I heard it said that every Christian needs a Paul, a Timothy, and a Barnabas in their life. Do you? I am looking for someone to mentor this year. I have a great Barnabas and a Paul. I also need to work on a male relationship!! No great advice there, except to be open minded. This could be the year!

5. Emotional: I’m a high intensity very goal oriented person, so I need to work on carving in more down time this year. I plan on taking more walks, and turning off my phone more. I need solitude and time alone with God to rejuvenate. I’m looking forward to this.

6. Intellectual: I am going to read more intentionally this year. I’d like to read 2 serious books a month. I’m making up my list. How about you? I also have a personal goal of trying to write a book soon – maybe in 2011. This is a huge intellectual challenge for me, but that’s what goals are for, right?

Ok. I know this was long, but it’s New Year’s day, the guys are watching Football, so what else is there to do?

Happy New Year’s!

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