2019 Goals

Happy New Year! As I've been reflecting on the year behind me and the year ahead of me, I've been thinking about what changes I have made this past year and the changes I plan to make in the future. Each year, I pick a scripture verse and a word to focus on throughout the year. 2018 was "Out" (thinking outside the box, going outside of my comfort zone, going outside of the church to reach out to the community) My scripture verse was Matthew 28: 19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”As with each new year, I started with excitement and big plans. I feel like we should celebrate New Year's Day at least twice a year to remind us of our New Year thoughts. I think quarterly would be most helpful. So, while I did accomplish some things that I would consider part of this, I definitely could have done better. While I did reflect on my word more often than some years, another word seemed to be sticking in my mind a lot more. And so, as I thought of my word for this year, I was tempted to keep my word from last year- see if I could take it further this year. But, in the end, I decided my word for 2019 kind of made itself clear throughout 2018. "Intentional" Sometimes life gets so busy that things just go along. But, by being intentional with everything I do, I have purpose and don't cloud my life with "just being busy". I actually started working towards some of my 2019 goals awhile ago. One of them was to walk my dogs daily and use that time to also listen to my daily devotions and Bible study. I have to say, I feel very intentional in these things and, although it takes over an hour a day, I always feel it's time worth spending. While listening to 1 Corinthians the other day, I came across some verses that I knew would be perfect for my 2019 scripture. When I looked it up, I decided on the Message translation.  "You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself." 1 Corinthians 9:24- 27

It's time to give it everything I've got, be intentional, and accomplish my goals!As part of our youth annual New Year discussion, we choose goals in 4-6 categories. I'm still working on my thoughts for these.

My sister invited me to a facebook group called #4goals. It seems the focus is to have 4 categories and a daily goal for each one- or an overarching goal with daily work in each category. The group encourages something for self, something for others, something for humanity, and something else, although that is flexible depending on the person. Mine don;t quite match up to that, but, I do have daily goals in mind for now, at least. 1) As I mentioned, daily dog walking and devotion time which covers both health and spiritual growth is well on it's way to becoming a habit. 2) Following the schedule I set for daily tasks for work is the next one and covers both workdays and days off with intentional Sabbath days. 3) Changing my eating habits to help my overall health and well-being is definitely part of my intentional focus since until now, nothing about what I eat has been very intentional except for not eating foods that trigger my migraines. 4) And, last but not least, I plan to be more intentional with my time with family and friends. This goal is a work in progress that I hope continues to improve as I have realized more than ever the importance of it.

I should probably schedule to send this to myself at the beginning of each month. But, for now I will start with today.

Blessings,

Jennifer