Now I know it isn’t exactly the beginning of the year, and I am sure that everyone has settled into school, work etc. Usually, I am thoroughly against the new year new me fiasco. Though something this year has made me re-think that. I have been so against it, I fail to prepare for the year and in turn I prepare to fail.
Last year God really showed growth in my life and I am determined to keep that going. I don’t want to let go of that feeling of achievement. At the foundation this is allowing me to go deeper with God. Whatever that may look like to any of us; one thing I do know is that there are things I need to do in order to grow that relationship.
Here are five goals I have set for myself:
1. One key bible scripture per month
This is an ongoing goal and can be measured at the end of the year or along the way. A lot of the time God speaks to me through his word. By writing key scriptures each month, at the end of the year I can see what God has said and how far I have come. Very exciting, as my memory is like a sieve
2. Attend more social events that are up-lifting
One thing I really enjoyed last year was going to concerts and seminars. I met some amazing people and had a great time. One of my fondest moments was the Israel Houghton concert. I will definitely be attending more. They don’t have to be expensive. A lot of churches provide different events, if not your own.
3. Get fit, get active
I know this is the biggest cliché, but for someone like me I really struggle with any sort of activity that doesn’t include eating *covers eyes*. So this year I will be more intentional about what I eat and how much I exercise. I have started off with 4 sessions a month. This is manageable and can also be measured. If I fail to keep this up – it isn’t the end of the world but for me, this is about denying my flesh and coming to grips with self-discipline.
4. Making sacrifices
So at my church I am a part of a small group of ladies called a cell group. At the beginning of the year, our Cell leader asked us to fast as a group. Initially, I was really reluctant to try this but… it was an amazing experience. Before I started, I really focused on studying the word around what fasting meant. Once I fully understood and knew this is what God wanted, I began. It doesn’t have to be food; I changed between food, phone, TV and Social media. My main aim was to spend more time with God. It doesn’t have to be any of the above waking up a little bit earlier just to spend time or giving away your last pizza slice! Whatever makes you feel you have made a sacrifice.
5. Meet new people!
I loveeeeee meeting new people. When I was younger I had a really close friendship group, when it was time to move on to college I decided to go somewhere different. It was a great learning curve for me. In the last year I have met so many encouraging people. They have helped with my journey! So this is definitely a priority.