I know, it's a big list but 2013 is going to be a big year, like I said before I'm dreaming big and praying bigger. Also, many of these things I should already be doing - many are Biblical and things I am called to as a follower of Jesus. I don't make these goals to show how good I can be, but rather to show that I can't be these things without Jesus.
I'm a girl who thrives off of lists and action points which is why I've included both...
1. More time with Jesus
Through my advent journey I have just fallen more in love with Jesus and am so motivated to spend more time with Him. I'm still planning out what to read/study, but it's exciting!
Actions: set aside time first thing in the morning and before I go to bed, find devotions/Bible plans on Youversion on my phone.
2. Pray specifically and fervently
I witnessed the power of prayer in big ways in 2012 and I've been encouraged to pray boldly for my friends, family, church, the world and myself.
Actions: attend prayer meetings at church, continue a prayer journal, write prayer requests on my white board, put up a world map in my room
3. Run a 10 km race
Last year I ran my very first race, a 5k, and it was a great feeling and definitely pushed me to run more and train for another race. This year I'm aiming for a 10k and the training has already begun.
Actions: research races close by, sign up in advance for motivation, find a friend who will join me (any takers?)
4. Read {a least} 12 new books (textbooks not included)
I have over a dozen books on my bookshelf that I have yet to read, I want to read them I just haven't made it a priority. I figured one a month is a good goal.
5. Don't by any new DVDs
My bookshelf is also full of DVDs, it's ridiculous. I watch them often, but really don't need to buy any more right now and as I'm trying (and needing) to be wise with my finances this is a small way I am doing so.
Actions: telling others for accountability
6. Avoid excess
This one is off to a great start. My sister and I have been extremely motivated to get rid of all of the excess in our lives starting with possessions. We've decided to have a garage sale in the spring and have been sorting through our rooms and getting rid of heaps that we will sell. It feels great and I hope to continue this purging.
Actions: continue sorting and getting rid of, ask myself "Do I really need this?" in the store
7. Live simply
This one goes nicely with the previous. I have been convicted to live simply in all areas - finances, possessions, health. I want to learn to say no to what the world tells us that we need.
8. Drink more water
I started doing this at the end of last year and I must say it made me feel better overall, I want to keep it up.
Actions: keep water bottles in my locker at work, school bag, car, on my desk;
9. Choose JOY
If you read my reflection of 2012 you will know that this is something God was {and still is} teaching me. Whether it's going to work, school, or just being at home I pray that I will choose joy.
10. Run a total of 600 km
This one scares me a little bit, but it is also really motivating. That's a lots of kilometers. I bought a used treadmill with Christmas money and have really enjoyed running on it so far, so hopefully during the cold months this will help me to reach this goal.
Actions: print a chart to keep track
11. Continue cutting out refined sugar from my diet
This is something I started to do towards the end of last year and I noticed an incredible difference in how I felt - no sugar highs/crashes, no sick feeling after too much, more energy - The Christmas season caught me off track, but I need to start weening it out again.
Actions: cut up fruits and veggies at the beginning of the week, use maple syrup/honey instead of white sugar in tea/coffee
12. Write and mail a letter every month to a friend who is far away
Most of my best friends live at least 1 1/2 hours away - letter writing is so thoughtful and personal, I hope to bless my friends with this goal.
Actions: make a list of who I want to write to
13. Love sacrificially
I pray that God's benevolent love would overflow from my life into the lives of those around me. His love, not mine. His strength, not mine.
14. Go on a road trip
Last year it was Watertown/Syracuse with 3 of my best friends and it.was.a.blast! I'm excited for where it will be this year.
15. Don't forget to rest
More specifically guarding my Sabbath, it is a much needed day of rest.
Actions: get schoolwork done on other days in order to have Sunday to rest
16. Less TV and Internet more creativity
I eat up hours and hours of time doing unproductive things (Pinterest, Youtube videos, etc.) on my computer and watching TV - instead I'd like to be more creative: writing, painting, playing piano, doing crafts, crocheting... the possibilities are endless.
17. Study hard
I start seminary classes in one week! I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity and I want to be a good steward with it.
Actions: write due dates in my agenda, get work hours dropped down to 20 hours a week in order to have more time for schoolwork
18. Live intentionally
With my actions. With my words. With my friendships. With my relationship with God. Our time here is short, I don't want to waste it.
19. Serve compassionately
God has presented me with so many opportunities to do this and I pray that I would serve wholeheartedly for His glory, not my own.
20. Share the Gospel often
Jesus commands us to share the Gospel, I want to share what He has done in my life - I would like to start with my coworkers.
21. Invite friends to church
Again, I would like to start with my coworkers. I praying hard for them and would love to see them come to church/ church activities.
Actions: start by inviting them to the winter carnival we are having at the end of the month
22. Give generously
In finances, in time, in energy.
Actions: set up automatic withdrawal for my tithe, plan out my schedule
23. Have fun
Sometimes I am just far too serious. Even if it's just an hour or two a month, I need to take time for spontaneous fun.
24. Set boundaries and say NO sometimes
Being a people pleaser, when someone asks me to do something, I always want to say yes sometimes for the sole reason of making them happy. I need to work on this God is working on this in me.
Actions: Pray before making decisions, don't feel the need to answer right away
25. Flee from gossip
This is hard at work, really hard. I'd say at least 50% of the conversation that takes place is gossip. I don't want to be a part of it. I am praying that God will show me ways to flee from it while still maintaining my relationships with these coworkers.
26. More coffee dates with friends and youth
Quality time is my top love language so I really appreciate coffee dates and I pray that it will allow me to further my relationships with my youth girls.
Actions: make a list of who I'd like to meet with, schedule one a month
27. Memorize Romans 12
I am going to write a whole post on this, but this is my Scripture for the year so I figure it's on 20-some-odd verses so why not memorize it.
Actions: print it off and post it on my wall, start memorizing during my quiet times
Dear Jesus,
I bring these dreams and goals before You knowing that You know everything that is going to happen in 2013 and recognizing that Your plan is above all. I pray that I wouldn't become lazy towards these things, but be motivated as You continue to transform me into Your image. Ultimately Lord I do these things to bring glory to You. I can't do any of this without You. Amen.
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