Can you believe
2016 is almost over? A new year will begin
soon. New… a fresh page, a brand new
start, a do-over if you will… a chance to make things right, finish what you
started, and become intentional about all of those things you’ve been putting
off. It’s our own personal restart.
I challenge you
to do something crazy in 2017… become intentional. Do something!
Make a list, set a goal, and make it your own personal aim to do
SOMETHING this year. Even if it’s just
ONE thing… start and finish it.
I know, I know…
New Year’s resolutions can get old. We
always set these lofty goals and then fail.
I’m just saying set a ton of goals if you want, but let your aim be to just
complete ONE. If you do that, then you
have made one step forward in 2017 toward where you wanted to be. Hey if you knock out more than one, then way
to go, you crazy overachiever!
Just so it’s out
there and I have something to shoot for, here are some of My personal
goals…
(Note: Set goals that fit where YOU are and where you want to be by the end of the year. Not everyone’s goals will look the same. Pray and ask God to help you set your own God-sized goals to reach for.)
(Note: Set goals that fit where YOU are and where you want to be by the end of the year. Not everyone’s goals will look the same. Pray and ask God to help you set your own God-sized goals to reach for.)
My word is …
“Intentional”
Each year I try
to choose a word or phrase to focus on throughout the year to keep me pushing
forward toward my goals. Last year it
was “Baby Steps”… My health kept holding me back from doing what I
really wanted to do, but I determined to just do what I could one step at a
time with God’s help. The year before my
word was “Thrive”. I wanted to go
beyond just surviving in all areas of my life to Thriving.
Next year I want
to become INTENTIONAL… do things on purpose. I want to take time and make time for people…
especially “My People”.
My boys will be graduating before I know it so I want to savor the moments I have with them. Life is busy, but I still want to continue to build my relationship with my husband too. After 23 years of marriage, I want to continue to date my boyfriend for life.
I want to take
time to invest in others. I want to
leave a legacy behind of someone who loved God and loved others. I want to encourage, equip, and share my life
with those around me… the good, bad, and ugly.
For that
reason I have determined to mentor three women this year in their walk with
God. Not
that I think I have everything figured out or feel I have reached
perfection. Ummm… not even close. I just want a chance to share my imperfect
life with others in hopes that maybe just maybe they might grow from what I’ve
learned.
I want my life to
catch fire for God… I want to be re-ignited this year! I want to hunger for MORE of Him. I want to devour His word and soak in His
presence. I want to hear His voice more
clearly and act on His promptings radically.
Specifically, I
want to begin studying the Old Testament this year. I’ve read the New Testament a million times,
but I really want to dig deeper into the old this year.
I also want to make
a prayer wall… a place to collect specific needs I can be praying for
concerning others.
I want to get out
of my comfort zone. I want to find
places where I can surround myself with lost people (who don’t know God)
and shine God’s light to be a bold witness for Him.
On a lighter note
I want to get in shape and lose weight.
My health condition hinders this element of my New Year’s resolutions or
goals quite a bit, but I want to try.
I also want to
read books for fun this
year (at least ONE a month).
As far as writing
goes, I want to finish my book. I
don’t know why I haven’t. It could be
all the moves we have made, my random health struggles, the busyness of life,
etc… whatever the reasoning for the delay who knows. I’m just ready to complete what I started…
finally!
I also want to submit
several articles to various places for publication and write a 30 day
e-book devotional.
These are just a
few of my random goals. If I take my own
advice and just complete ONE thing this year, I will be one step closer to
where I wanted to be at the start of the year.
What if that one
thing is mentoring someone in their walk with God or losing weight or finishing
my book (Yes, please!!!) or making a prayer wall… That ONE thing that I start and finish could
make all the difference in my year!
Let’s start 2017
with our eyes focused on finishing SOMETHING.
I’m excited to see what that ONE thing will be for me and for you!
Living to leave a
legacy,
Julie
