In the beginning….2012
I love beginnings. As a matter of fact, I’m a great starter. Inspiration is always an amazing thing when you take your first step, or make your first move.
2011 was an incredible year for me and my family. Abundant blessings were showered on us. My first book was published, Paul’s business grew, our kids remained safe, health was good, we were able to make our mortgage payments. Yes, a good year, indeed.
Whether your 2011 was a walk in the park or resembled walking barefoot on broken glass, a new year gives all of us hope for the future.
New Year resolutions are not my friend. I’m a great starter, but not the best finisher. A true-blue zealot, I can inspire and encourage almost anyone. As for myself, I lose steam about day four. But, I do believe keeping goals, making lists and refocusing on a dream is imperative to its success.
My husband and I have a tradition this time of year. Paul usually has his nonfat mocha and I bring along my sugar free nonfat vanilla latte and we hunker down and send away the children so we can write out our goals. Each year it’s the same, three columns for three separate goals; personal, spiritual, home.
•Personal – The most common goal each year is exercise and better eating habits. This year we’re both up a few pounds and need to take this one seriously. Last year I convinced Paul to join us up at a local gym. Only blocks away from our house—I hate it. Seriously hate it. I didn’t realize how much I don’t enjoy exercising in front of other people like myself. I’d much rather take a walk outside.
•Spiritual – This is where we discuss how we’re doing spiritually. We also share which Bible studies we plan on hosting in our home and which one we are hoping to do attend ourselves, and the one we hope to do with our children. Our son, David, is a senior in high school, so we have one more year where his father can do a study one-on-one together. I purchased a mom-daughter devotional to do with my daughter Grace this year.
•Home – This is my honey-do wish list. It’s important to plan for financial hits to our budget, especially where house renovations are concerned. Our list for 2011 included a kitchen remodel and new garage doors. Thankfully, we accomplished both. Fixing our backyard fountain and our porch railings will have to go down on 2012’s list once again!
Write down your goals and dreams this year. Keep it close at hand. Then watch and see what God does with it!
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 The Message
What’s on your list for 2012? What plans, hopes, and dreams would you love to work on?
Done a lot of thinking along these lines. Seems like my family and me are always standing at a crossroads of sorts… such will be the case for our 2012. I think it’s healthy to reflect and move forward.
Keep me posted as to where and what your “forward” looks like.
peace~elaine
You’re so focused… and goal-oriented. I’m not so sure I’d even get to the “latte” part before flitting on to something else. 🙂 But, my goals for the year are as follows:
1. To work on my relationships. Mainly with my husband– to make it a priority when things are busy.
2. To be an intentional parent.
3. Losing the baby weight and getting another book deal would be nice, too.
XOXO
Seeing you face to face is a goal of mine for 2012. Do you think God will say yes? 🙂 love you, friend