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Making my resolutions with 2020 vision!

Does making my resolutions with 2020 vision mean that I know what the year 2020 holds?

Absolutely not! However, this one truth I’m absolutely sure of:

“For I know the thoughts that

I think toward you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil,

to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

With that beautiful promise in mind, here are my resolutions for 2020.

#1 I am resolved to focus more on others and less on self.

First of all, to keep me on target, I set aside 1/2 day each week for the entire year. As a result, I will be prepared to call, visit, or write those who need encouragement. Do I really have extra time for this? No, I do not!

My husband has a favorite saying which I’ve found to be true: “We find the time to do the things we want to do each day. The things that mean less to us, we leave out.” God has put people in our paths to love on, and with His help, we will do just that.

#2 I am resolved to pray more faithfully for each member of our family!

For this, I made a centerpiece on my kitchen table. Each person (young, old, close, distant) has their name written on a pebble. Candles and ivy surround Jesus’ open hands holding the pebbles (my loved ones). I often pat Jesus’ hands as I go in and out of the kitchen; thanking Him that He has them in His care.

This January, a friend and I began a journey of praying for each other’s children/grand children daily as we pray for our own. Throughout the year, we will do lunch and share concerns and praises. I hope and pray you have such a trusted friend in your life.

One of my favorite hymns is “I am Resolved”. Follow this link for the words and story. “I am resolved” is my Life Vision for 2020. Therefore, here are my 3rd and 4th resolutions for 2020.

#3 I am resolved to focus more outward than inward.

You should have caught this one by now. Each year, we naturally want to accomplish more, eat healthier, lose or gain pounds, etc.

Do you do that? How’s it working for you? I’m not saying I don’t have goals … and a program to reach them. However, these goals are not as important as my resolutions. I know that as I keep the resolutions faithfully, the goals will take care of themselves.

#4 I am resolved to seek Jesus and His plan for my life more diligently.

This actually is the most important of all my resolutions, and the secret to accomplishing the rest of them.

I have set aside a definite “meeting time” five days a week. I hope for more, but I know I will keep these as they are on my new calendar! For me, I go into the kitchen before the world wakes up and draws me away. For some of you, another time will work best. I need to hear God’s voice early – and often!

Well, I would like to hear from you. How is your year going? Can I pray with you about something?

Hugs,

Let my hear about your resolutions or your hopes and dreams for the new year. You’ll never know what your note means to me.

New Year’s Resolutions are quickly made and easily broken. Somehow we believe the calendar page will turn and all last year’s problems will vanish.

Would you like to end the struggle and see results?

Follow these four simple steps to set small, attainable, measurable goals instead of vague resolutions. You will be as amazed as I at the immediate feeling of success from day one.

Step #1. Make a list of possible changes for the new year.

For a plan you will finish, spend a few days to work through these questions. Evaluate your answers; be honest with yourself.

a. Are you making resolutions (trying to change) to please others? Make sure your list reflects your unique personality.

b. What do you see as your greatest need this year? Is it really to lose weight, quit a habit, or exercise more? Or is your need to be a better person, draw closer to God, show kindness to others? Be specific.

c. Is there a pet project or unfinished task you really want to do but never have time to finish?

d. Are you pleased with your prayer life, devotions or Bible studies?

e. Do you feel you neglect calling on friends or sending cards of encouragement when needed?

f. Do you want to lose weight? Eat healthier? Be more physically fit?

g. Need help managing money, budgets, keeping house, etc.?

h. What would you like to learn? Sewing? Play an instrument? Gardening?

#2 Choose one goal from your list – only one.

This is the most difficult step. You may have an awesome list of worthy desires for yourself. It will be difficult to narrow it down, but you must do it to succeed this year. When this one goal is accomplished, you can move to another one as the year progresses.

Begin by carefully scratching through those that mean less to you. Take out any that may require more time and resources than you have right now. If needed, take a day or two to decide; you have a fresh new year and want to start it right.

#3 Prepare for success by planning.

With your one goal in mind, what do you need to accomplish it? Gather all the tools needed in a basket or a shelf or drawer. This may be recipe books, devotion guides, writing tools, etc.

Very important, write your one goal on several cards to keep in each room as daily reminders.

#4 Set a date to start working on your one goal.

Mark it on your calendar; schedule time for it. Plan to impress yourself with accomplishments.

Take it from one who knows; the sheer excitement of working toward one attainable goal will keep you motivated.

I am resolved to make no more resolutions; only goals — one at a time.

Let’s do this together. Let me hear from you. Pass it on.