I LOVE the idea of New Year's Meditations that is being hosted by Laurel of Laurel's Reflections. The idea is not to make a bunch of resolutions that you know you won't keep (oh, you know what I mean... I will lose 10 lbs this year, I will go to the gym everyday, and on and on), but instead to focus on what you want to see when you look back on 2009. Did my relationship with the Lord become even stronger? Was I a friend to all?
These are the areas I see the Lord leading me to focus on during the next year:
~ I want to show Christ's love to the people I encounter in my daily life. Not just to my close friends, family, people that go to my church or people that I are in my office (although, I do want to include them). What I'm specifically trying to focus on right now are areas like this... Do I stop and smile and visit with the lady that rings up my total at the grocery store or do I just wait impatiently and then rush on with my life? When I'm out shopping at the mall and see the people that always take surveys in the hallways do I rush by in an attempt to avoid them or do I make eye contact and smile?
~ I want to deepen my relationship with the Lord. I want to spend more time in the Bible and in prayer.
~ I want to teach my children more about the Lord. I want them to have a better understanding (appropriate, of course, for their ages) of who God is and the wonderful gifts that He has given us.
~ I want to make an active effort in growing my marriage. Yes, we have a good marriage, but what marriage can't grow more? I want to ensure that it will stand up to ANYTHING. I want it to be centered around Christ.
As I strive to work towards the goals above, I am so excited to see where the Lord leads. There are several paths I see Him taking my husband and I down. How fun it will be to look at this time next year and see exactly where those paths have led!
17 Thoughts Shared:
Awesome post, Melanie. What a great way to look at the opportunities of the new year!
Your list is much like mine. I pray that 2009 will bring blessings to you and your family. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Melanie!
It's all about loving God and neighbor; your focus is right on!
Happy New Year!!!
I plan to have a Jesus-Year...plan to read my bible more and memorize scripture. I agree it is all about loving God and neighbors which is anyone we meet or pass. Smiles can do wonders most times!
Love your new look!
Darlene
Hi Melanie,
Hope all your goals for the new years are successful.
Happy New year!
Happy New Year!
Hubby and I will be dealing with empty-nest syndrome this Fall. Our youngest will head off to college. This will be our year to rediscover each other, spending more time together, becoming closer to one another...as we draw closer to God. :o)
Great thoughts my friend! I pray you have a blessed 2009!
Happy New Year!
Love your blog! I will definetely try and visit again! God Bless,
Deb
Oh yes marriage should always grow every year! I too want to show Christ's love to people I meet. Thank you so much for participating, I enjoyed reading your meditations.
Praying for all your goals to be reached sweetie.
What a great list of things to focus on this year Melanie! My list is somewhat similar, I am calling them my intentions, rather than resolutions, I want to live more intentionally this year. Happy New Year!
Blessings!
Praying for you as you grow toward the goals God has placed on your heart, Melanie. He has placed many of the same on mine! I'm so blessed to have gotten to know you over the last part of the year. I always look forward to reading your blog and can't wait to go check out your sister's now! *Hugs & Love* Laurie Ann
I have been thinking of what I would like to see in my life grow for the New Year and my list is so much like yours! Kindess is a thought that keeps coming to me - to show it everywhere and at all times. Loved this post!
great list! i love the depth of your list.. and the marriage one.. i want to work on that too!
It really is nice, isn't it, to read so many who have lists similar to one another's. It helps us remember we are all walking this road together - no matter how far apart we are in distance. I look forward to reading through the year how God is helping you reach His goals for you! I figure if He's put them on your heart and you're sharing them, they're His goals, too. Blessings!!!!
Hello Melanie,
Happy New Year to you. May every day be filled with Jesus' sweet fragrance.
AMEN....I could have written this myself!!!
It's wonderful!!
Peace Melanie in the New Year!!
lori
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