Three Things I Do Every January

Christmas decorations are down at our house and almost all put away. Another reminder to me that the new year is here.

There’s a few things I do every January that makes me feel like I’m getting a new start–a reset on plans and goals.

• Bible Reading Plan — This year, Paul and I decided to read through the Bible chronologically. After Christmas gifts were opened I handed out a reading plan to all our kids. We invited our future son-in-law and even our son’s girlfriend to join in. The ones that wanted to participate let us know. We don’t force it–it’s a free country. Each day, Paul sends out a group text with a comment on our reading or questions to make you think. The kids don’t have to respond–because we all HATE group texts, right? It’s just a sweet time as a family to be on board in reading through the Bible together.
• Yearly Goals — Paul and I find time this month to grab a coffee and intentionally go over our goals for the year. We usually have three columns; Family, Spiritual, Home.  Family includes what we want to accomplish with our kids. Maybe it’s focusing on an area we need to help them with; homework, their typing skills, encouraging a new hobby. Whatever it is goes in that column. Spiritual includes what studies Paul and I want to do together, or maybe what we want to facilitate in our home, where we feel led to pursue serving in ministry. That sort of thing. Home includes our financial goals, paying off debts, DIY projects, etc.
• Journal — I LOVE taking time and finding a special journal. I write in it pretty often during the week. Once the kids have gone to school and I’m having a cup of coffee out it comes. I write my prayers, my thoughts, funny things the kids did or said and this year I wrote my heartache over losing my grandma. Every year I look forward to finding the perfect journal where my words will fill the pages. Plus, it’s an incredible faith-builder.  When I grab old journals and see where God has been alongside me every step of the way–there’s nothing more powerful.

What do YOU do every January?