Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Out with the Old, In with the NEW

The old year has gone, the new year has begun and with it come thoughts of what has transpired and what is yet to come. Cindy at Dominion Family has written a great post on New Years Resolutions that has gotten me thinking about my goals for the new year. I especially like her thoughts about Seeking First His Kingdom and His Righteousness (from Matthew 6:33). I also appreciated the post at Two Talent Living entitled Thinking of the New Year in which she talks about not wasting time lamenting over the past year's failings. Look at the past, learn from it and move on! We have heard two sermons recently that have also helped me to check my priorities and challenged me to focus on the important things in life. One of those sermons asked, "what is needed to put Jesus at the center of your household? Your heart? The other sermon focused on running the race to WIN the prize. (1 Cor 9:24). There are no spectators in the race - only runners and the early saints WORKED HARD. (Romans 16). Paul could boast in what the Lord had accomplished through him, what do I have that I can boast in? Hmmm.

This year looks to be a year of transition for our family as we are still seeking a new church family. I also hope it will be a year of spiritual renewal for our family. I plan to borrow Cindy's first goal for the new year of Seeking First God's Kingdom and also try to filter every other goal through that first one.

Also, as Sallie at Two Talent Living suggested, I will look back on the past year and try to focus on the good that has been accomplished or partaken of, such as camping trips with good friends, evangelism training camp and in depth bible study. I also want to see what needs improvement such as meal planning and personal time management.

Making improvements to my personal time management will be a big help in the functioning of our days in our family. Over the last year, I have failed mightily in consistency in many areas. The area that has hurt me most, of course, is my lack of consistency in bible study and prayer. I have also let my health slip considerably, resulting in extra poundage and lack of energy. I know that I need to focus on taking care of myself spiritually and physically in order to have the energy to take care of my family. So I am putting that as a top priority in my goals for the new year.

May the Lord be with you in the New Year and May 2006 be a year of LABOR for the LORD!

1 comment:

From Redding Mountain said...

What a good post! I too want to work on my health and energy level. My housework is what has failed the most for me this last year. My husband and I have been having talks about how to focus our family and how to truly rear children who love the Lord. I get a little down thinking of my failures, so I appreciate the reminder to learn from them and go on. My big question for myself is......Have I limited what the Lord could do in my life and my family by not being submissive to my husband or God focused? Keep the Faith!!!!!Keep THE FOCUS!!