Many of us start off the New Year with grand ideas, but once spring hits, our resolutions have disappeared into our expanding instead of slimming waist lines. So what is a woman to do? Should she just give up on goal planning, dreaming, and hoping for change?
NOT AT ALL!
Instead, my friends, we should look back and take stock of what worked and what didn't. Sometimes our goals were too lofty. Sometimes they were realistic, but life, trauma, and drama got in the way.Sometimes we need a redo...
and the new year is a perfect time to try again!
Time for ReviewI've spent some time in humble reflection with the Lord, looking over my 2009 Priorities and Goals. This one-page collection of dreams and hopes was formed through a method borrowed from Anne Ortlund's "Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman
." Not only was it simple to put together, but it offered perfect accountability as I wandered through the year. I had it stuffed in my day-timer, and on an occasional wait in a doctors office would pull it out and read it over. It often spurred me back on course.My year end review, has been convicting and encouraging. I can see that life has been heading in positive direction -- I know 24 more verses now than I did a year ago! But I also need make changes to give priorities to the important things, like mentoring my kids in Jesus and training them up in life-skills, as well as greeting my husband with a smile instead of a frenzy because I am a self-inflicted, over-committed, do-it-all gal.
New Goals for 2010
So, our review is done, but what is the next step?
- First, pray!
Simply ask God, "What do you think of my life? What do you want for me? How can I better steward my mind, body, and soul for your glory? What role do you want me to play in the lives around me?" And listen well.
- Seek the Scriptures!
What Word has the Lord laid on your heart lately? What Biblical principle are you drawn to? Which do you want to understand more? Hope? Trust? Love? Holiness? Is there a particular way of living God is calling you to? Is there a verse that captures that theme?
- Get Your Thoughts on Paper!
It is one thing to have a feeling, but another thing to put words to it. Take some time to complete the "Priorities & Goals for 2010." Make it your own. Sit with it for a bit and work it over. Pray and ask the Lord to refine your vision. Allow God to cast a theme for this coming year and inspire you forward His way.
Priorities and Goals
As sisters-in-Christ, let's encourage one another and be inspired by each other. Come back here between January 1st - 7th for a Living Intentionally Together Week! Post a link to your Living Intentionally plans for 2010 or simply share just your theme and/or verse for the year! There's no right or wrong way to do it. Just come together for a week of encouragement and inspiration! Grab the button to post on your blog!
Posts
15 Comments:
Lisa, I would love to join in on a week of coming together as sisters in Christ and sharing like this. I think it's so important to encourage one another. I will post about that week using your link. BTW, you are so creative and good at web designs. I could learn much from you. I know I will enjoy spending the first week of 2010 Living Intentionally Together. Great idea; yay God!
Blessings,
Debbie
thanks for posting this -- I was looking for some guidance as I reflect and think ahead to next year.
Hi Lisa, I've popped across from Heart Choices and I think this is BRILLIANT. I will definitely be joining in!
Nice to 'hook-up' with you again. I laid sort of low last year with blogging/sharing...But I think 2010 will be different for me.
Oh - dreaming big with God is a great thing, don't you agree.
Thank you for the document you are sharing with us. I will check back in the first week of January.
This has been on my mind so much lately. I don't feel as much clarity about the direction God is taking me this year as I did last year. I look forward to concentrating on God and his purposes along with you all next week. Thanks for the help!
I have been giving this a lot of thought and prayer recently. THIS is a wondeful idea and I will definitely be back to check all this out next week. May the Lord bless this. Debbie
Elisa,
Got here to you via precious Debbie up there in the comments. I'm glad to have come too. I'm joining you in this journey of intentionally living. Am i'm darn excited too!
God's grace is definetly extravagant!! He wow's me 24-7 with that and calls me deeper into a knowledge of it daily.
May your week be richly blessed Elisa! May the Lord fill you up till overflowing on your journey. May you see His hand move for you in all your endeavors! Be blessed my sister... Live in your inheritance in Christ!
Heather
Ah, thanks! I like this idea! I have been impressed to do better at scripture memory for one, and I keep hearing "trust"...in the Lord with ALL your heart...
Oops, I need to wait until next week...;D
Hopefully I will intentionally come back here. I have been "sluggish" about blogging since the wedding. I am going to be more intentional about that too! OOPS!
This sounds wonderful. Accountability and encouragement is needed by all of us, especially me. I will join you for this week of Intentionality. Thank you for your wonderful work
Great way to begin the new year with accountability mixed with encouragement. What a wonderful combo! I'll be in. :)
Intentional goals, accountaibility, and encouragement...just what I need. :)
This sounds great! I took some time off from blogging, (especially spending time on the computer reading) so am just now catching up and seeing this post, but I will still mention it on my blog, so others can go back and read. As for me, I have been spending time praying, and God has been showing me things, but the full plan and filled-out goals sheet is going to take some time, I think. So, I am implementing what He shows me, little by little. Glad that you're feeling better!
Wendy
Totally new here & trying to figure this out. Trying to figure out what I need to post. I just found the site tonight & I'm very interested in taking part in this. I'm on a journey this year in all aspects, but spiritual has taken the reigns so far! You can e-mail me at CLR underscore LPC at yahoo. My site is:
http://www.ladybayou.blogspot.com
Great blog! I've just started blogging and it has actually caused me to think about living intentionally. I'll put a badge on my blog... somegirlswebsite.com :) Love, Michelle
I am glad you started this. It has got me rolling :) I am going to be posting another LI post at 5am tomorrow. :)
Blessings!
Post a Comment
I'm so glad you decided to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'd also love to follow up with you, so be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog! If you'd like to contact me directly, just pop an email to Lisa at extragrace at gmail dot com.
Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa