Hello, Fellow Travelers!
As we step into the second week of January, I want to pause and reflect with you. Statisticians often point out that by this time, many of us have already abandoned our New Year’s resolutions. If that resonates with you, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Personally, I don’t set resolutions. Instead, I create a list of goals I’d like to accomplish throughout the year. It’s a flexible, evolving list that grows as I do. Today, I’d like to share a glimpse of my goals with you, not to boast but to inspire and encourage you to think about what matters most to you in this season of life.
Here’s a portion of my list:
- Finish writing the children’s book manuscripts I’ve been storing for years.
- Complete the fiction and non-fiction projects I’ve started.
- Find ways to share my work and contribute to our household income.
- Read through the Bible in a year.
- Make more cross bracelets and keychains to give as gifts.
- Honor God in my home.
- Tithe faithfully.
- Listen to and cooperate more with the Holy Spirit.
- Say “yes” to godliness and “no” to ungodliness.
- Join a church and actively participate.
Some of these are continuations of what I’ve already started, while others are entirely new adventures for me and my family.
One of my more practical goals is to exercise regularly. I’ve started riding a stationary bike—thank you, Goodwill! As my legs grow stronger, I plan to try a ballet DVD because dancing brings me so much joy. On the nutrition side, we’ve committed to eating at home to prioritize health and save money. Meal planning has been a game-changer for us: we create a weekly menu, shop on Saturdays, and post the plan on the fridge for accountability.
You might be thinking, That’s great for you, but my schedule is packed with appointments, kids, and endless obligations. Trust me, I understand. I’ve been there too. But here’s a gentle challenge: carve out two days and two hours that are just for you. Communicate this clearly to your family—ask your spouse and kids to step up and help. It’s okay to stop doing everything for everyone.
Of course, life doesn’t always cooperate. There will be moments when you or a loved one gets sick, or you’re too exhausted to exercise or stick to your Bible reading plan. It’s easy to feel defeated in those moments, but don’t let temporary setbacks derail you. When you’re ready, pick up where you left off. If you were reading the Book of Matthew and stopped at chapter 8, but your plan says you should be at chapter 14, start at 14. If you have time, go back to what you missed. Life moves forward, and so can you.
Remember, this journey is not about perfection—it’s about persistence.
Time passes quickly. Kids grow up, parents age, and we find ourselves at the end of our earthly journey sooner than we expect. Let’s make the most of the time we have. Be kind—it costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else. Love as many people as you can. And above all, praise God through it all.
You’ve got this, my friend. Let’s walk this road together.
God Bless You!
Joni
