Happy New Year and welcome to 2018!
I have been thinking over the past couple of weeks about how I wanted to start this year. You know what I’m talking about. The pages of my planner are filled with ideas that I have written down for this ministry. Then comes the list of projects I need to start and finish at home. And I don’t want to forget about all the fun times I’m planning with family and friends.
So where do I begin?
I love to read and almost every magazine or social media post I have looked at recently focuses on writing new resolutions, new goals, new dreams and countless other things that create huge to-do lists.
And the encouragement that comes with each new set of suggestions could make anyone of us believe we are Super girl with a BIG cape. I’m going to tell you upfront that my cape is in the laundry; but that’s another story.
Some of us operate well under some of these scenarios. Some of us do not.
One thing I know for sure.
It is important to NOT get wrapped up in what works for someone else. Instead focus on what works best for you. Choosing wisely is the key.
God’s word tells us in Proverbs 16:9 NIV, “A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”
I am thankful to God for giving me discernment in planning the next steps and even more thankful that He is in charge of my life and directs my journey.
I must confess that I have written my share of resolutions but I figured out a long time ago I’m not very good at keeping them or at least keeping track of them. They were either too complicated. took too long, or were not very good resolutions in the first place. I must also confess that occasionally I find myself in the midst of too much busyness. It’s not useless busyness, but it is too much of too many things piled on all at once.
So as I start 2018 I am going with a ‘less as more’ approach. I have decided to keep it simple and no frills.
Here is my list of resolutions as I start the new year.
- Follow Christ.
- Love and care for my family and friends.
- Bring my best to my job and this ministry.
That’s it. The entire list. I mentioned I was keeping it short and simple. I’ll keep you updated with how I am doing.
Whatever goals, dreams, or resolutions you write, make them work for you. Make the most of every day. This is your year!
Check out this latest song, ‘This Year’ from JJ Heller. It will speak to you.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
I would love to hear from you and how you’re doing. I’ll be praying for you.
Mitzi, yes…yes…yes…I am a sweet simple girl and need a simple list. When I get weighed down with my “own” list and not His list I stall out.
Thank you for sharing your list and the wisdom God pours in you. Happy New Year, friend. ❤️
Yes, simple always is better though there are many times when we forget that LOL I also have laid to rest “resolutions”. I live here in NC and attend Port City Community Church. Some time ago, our pastor Mike Ashcraft wrote a book called My One Word. Since then almost everyone who attends our church has taken to going through the process of picking their word for the year. 2017 was my first year doing it and I chose “content” and I did learn many thing about myself from that. This year I have chosen “purpose” as #myoneword When reflecting on 2017, I realized that I just kind of lived haphazardly with no real direction. Many things were started but few completed. So I prayed about it and thought I would like to live a more purposeful life, that I would like to seek God’s purpose for me and walk in that. It will be a challenge given that over the years I have formed a bad habit of being the Queen of Procrastination. I’m excited for what lies ahead by keeping it simple and looking at my life through the lens of purpose. Prayers for you and your ministry in the coming year. Can’t exactly remember how I stumbled across you and your blog, but thankful that I did!
Hi Brandy! I am so excited you found Peacefully Imperfect. I would love for you to subscribe so I can send you the freebies and other important information that goes straight to PI followers.
Resolutions are a tough go sometimes, but we must focus on the important things. My word for 2018 is simplify–I have a habit of getting in over my head. Oh, I finish my commitments alright, but it’s the quiet nashing of teeth that reminds me I overcommitted.
God does indeed have a purpose and we are to walk in His light. Look forward to hearing from you soon.