Goals 2016

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The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. 

(Proverbs 16:1 KJV)

  

A week ago today we commenced a new year.  We received a fresh start from God.  The freshness of a new year beckons us to try new things, make changes in our lives, and accomplish a list of goals.  When we have our eyes on God, our goals should lead us to Him, rather than away from Him.  Furthermore, our goals should be healthy ones too—physically, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically.  It is good to keep in mind that when we set goals they should be ones that do not require the cooperation of others—those goals have a high failure rate, for obvious reasons!

Many people make resolutions at the beginning of the year; abandoning them a few hours or weeks later.  Why?  Perhaps the goals are far too ambitious, too vague, or require the cooperation of others.  New goals tend to require new habits to form—something that takes time and dedication to achieve.   

The greatest commitment we can make as Christians is to grow and develop in a positive direction in our faith.  Taking time for silent meditation of our hearts and coming into the presence of God.

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.  (Proverbs 16:9 KJV)

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What goals did you set for yourself last year?  What were your results?

Last year, my goal list was ambitious—even overly ambitious.  Ultimately, I achieved few of my goals.  However, I refused to beat myself up or get overly discouraged.  The goals were all good (according to my mentor), positive goals that do not require the cooperation of others—meaning that I am responsible for either doing them or not doing them.

The goals encompassed reading, writing, creativity (singing/piano playing), ministry (including this blog) and more.  They were worded in such a way to allow me to maintain my focus on the Lord, this is important for me and where I desire to go (where I feel the Lord is leading me).  Many of my goals focused on reading spiritually nurturing books and also writing about what I am learning. Good goals, yes, just too much for one year.

From http://poster.keepcalmandposters.com/897572.png

What are your goals for this year?  How do you plan to work towards achieving them?  Who do you have in your life to hold you accountable and to encourage you?

This year my goal list is once again quite substantial—still overly ambitious—many of the same ones that I had last year.  Realistically, there are so many hours in the day and a certain amount of energy to do the things that need doing.  I have been encouraged by my mentor to whittle down the list, so that I will have some “margin”, my time is filled to the edges.  Wise words…  Now to do it!

Margin, the whitespace, in art and in books that make it easier to see the work of art, whether the work of art is a painting or a book—without the whitespace things are cluttered and overwhelming.  Our lives, much like in art or writing need “whitespace”, the space to simply be—be at rest, at peace—allowing God to speak and work in and through us.

Some thoughts to keep in mind this year (that I wrote last year):

It is when we take our eyes off of our goal that we have an inclination to go off the path that will take us to where we want to be.  This is rather like driving a car; we need to keep our eyes on the road ahead of us, not on what is to the sides or behind us. Taking our eyes off the road when driving could send us off into a ditch; much the same could be for our spiritual life.  It is easy to recall times where I have gotten off into a “ditch” spiritually because I have focused on the wrong place/thing.  Getting off course is not always easy to correct, in fact, it is easy (or so it seems) to overcorrect in the opposite direction.  Thankfully, we have a wonderfully patient Teacher and Guide. Jesus stands by; ever ready to guide us back on the path He has for us.

With all of this in mind, what changes, if any, do you need to make to your goals for the year?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord of All, while we may have set goals for this year, ultimately, we desire Your guidance regarding the goals we should pursue.  The greatest goal is to pursue You and stay on the path that leads to our home with You in heaven.  Sometimes we get distracted and get far, far off course. Thank You for all those times you have come after us, to rescue us from ourselves and from the attacks that threaten to destroy us.  Lord, grant us the strength and stamina we need to keep on keeping on, so that we will be able to reach our goal of being welcomed home by You when we die. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim