Staying on Track in the New Year
I love the New Year, don’t you? It’s a time for reflection and new beginnings. Every year, Chris and I review our goals and look at where our lives are going. We talk about what we want to accomplish and where we feel God is leading us. One of our new physical challenges this year is to run the Houston Marathon with our son Ryan. Chris and I will run the half marathon while Ryan goes the full distance. We’re excited and frightened at the same time. Have you ever faced a challenge that made you feel that way?
In preparing for the race, we’ve really had to stick to our training schedule. There have been plenty of times when we thought it would be more fun to read a book or watch some TV instead of going for a run. Like any commitment or resolution we make, it’s easy to get started, but much harder to stay motivated. But we know that if we don’t tie up our running shoes and head out the door, we’re going to really struggle to reach the finish line.
Maybe you’re like me when it comes to the New Year. You begin reading your bible every day, start a physical workout routine, set your priorities and you’re off and running. But then life interrupts your well intended plans. Your schedule gets really crowded and, before you know it, your priorities begin to get fuzzy again. How can you stay consistent? What can you do to make your good intentions reality?
Something that has really helped Chris and me is to keep asking the clarifying question, “What would you do if you knew you only had 30 days to live?” This helps us remember why we made the resolutions we did and what’s really important to us. It encourages us to remain consistent and do the things that matter most. One of the reasons we’ve expanded the OneMonthToLive.com website to include Lifestyle information is so that you can use some of the tools that have helped us over the years. We hope the tools and information will be helpful and fun as you start using them.
What things do you do to stay consistent and achieve your goals? How are you living life differently this year than in the past? We look forward to hearing from you and learning some new ways to keep on track.
Comments
My husband and I began the "journey" of looking for a new church home at the beginning of December---seemed like the perfect time to visit other churches since we were so close to the Holidays and we wanted to find out what other churches were doing to observe Christmas. We decided, on a whim, to visit FOTW for one of the Christmas Eve services and we have returned every Sunday since. We have never felt more at home and more excited about worship each week. We have been seeking "change" because we felt we were standing still in our spiritual lives and just couldn't push forward from where we were---now we have inspiration and encouragement to move forward and become what we know God wants us to be. Thanks for your ministry and we look forward to this coming year at FOTW.
Posted by: S Lee | January 21, 2008 12:24 AM
To ensure I achieve my goals I laugh. I laugh at the fact that goals are hard, take work, may even cause you to sweat, bleed and/or cry. I laugh because I know that whenever I stumble that it is okay, I can get back up. I stumbled because either the Devil was putting up road blocks or God was telling me "You need to re-evalutate." But I have God on my side and He will not allow me to carry any burden larger than I can handle. I have His guidance and His desire for me to succeed. So I laugh. I laugh out loud a lot. Because I know that I am about to show not only to myself but show the Devil that I know and believe with God all things are possible. The only things that are impossible are the things you do not even try. So laugh with me, laugh because we know the truth. We know we will succeed, because we have God.
Posted by: Selena | January 11, 2008 04:24 PM
I love Fellowship of the Woodlands. I have finally found my church home. Your sermons speak to my heart and integrate themselves into my life. Thank you! In my thirty days to no regrets I want to always be "jumping off the cliff with God". That is what I like to call it. You know, when you are at that spot and you think 'I can't do this'?--when you know it is something God wants you to do and you just don't have what it takes? Well, that is the point when I say "Ok, God- I'm jumping off the cliff with you". It seems scary and like a death sentence-- but then God is my parachute and takes over the controls in my life! I can only do it with faith--and every time it 'works'. Anyway- that is my 2 cents worth! ;)
PS- I used to be an athiest. God decided to make me a Christian about 5 years ago-- I am so extremely thankful every day for the hope that he gives. I try to be a light in others who live in the awful darkness. I know how bad it is 'there'. Your church helps me shine brightly--when I'm not getting in the way, that is!!
God Bless
Posted by: light of mine | January 10, 2008 08:03 PM
PASTOR KERRY,I LOVE YOUR CHURCH,THE FELLOWSHIP.WHAT A GREAT INSPIRATION YOU ARE TO ME.YOU ARE SO REAL,AND GENUINE.GOD USES YOU IN MANY WAYS.SOMETIMES I FEEL DEPRESSED AND I WATCH YOU ON TV AND MY SPIRIT GETS LIFTED.YOU ARE A BLESSED MAN WITH A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY.THANK YOU FOR BEING A MAN OF GOD.I PRAY FOR YOU AND THE CHURCH FOR MANY BLESSINGS..GOD BLESS YOU DAWN RANEK
Posted by: DAWN | January 10, 2008 03:08 AM
Eight is my lucky number so I have been looking forward to this new year for some time now. This year I feel so close to God and being a Christian. I look forward to the Emerge on Sat. nights, and hearing you, Pastor Kerry speak. I am from Los Angeles, and have never felt a spiritual connection the way I do here. Thank you! I have made it my mission to allow Jesus in my life and my childrens lives. Can't wait to start my "one month challenge"
Thank you,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Dickerson | January 9, 2008 07:42 PM
im from Kenya and a single mom of a 7yearold i have realised that the only way to bring up a child is showing them about God praying and the word of God that is the only important thing in life.i dint use to go to church but i used to make sure he went but that was not enough i realised you lead by example.lastly pastor pray for my country Kenya where we are going through post election violence and people are dying.God bless
Posted by: hanna muthoni | January 9, 2008 08:34 AM
Finances have been a serious problem for me for some time now. But I've finally taken concrete steps to help myself; stillneed to do more. Waiting for that sense of "peace."
Posted by: Beverly Miller | January 6, 2008 11:35 PM
TODAY JAN 6, 2008 Laying in bed and listening for the very 1st time to your program ministry. I heard if you only had 30 days left what would you do with them? Wow! as a single mom of 2 boys I immediately thought. I would teach them everything I could in order for them to be able to survive without me. They are both under 10 so there is only so much they would retain but the thought made me realise all I am living for is them. I was a leader (from Aug06-Aug07)in my church it is a wonderful program that helps others recover from all kinds of life problems--but then the Lord directed me to stop and focus on my house, boys and to prepare for my mate. I was obedient and have come to realise my sons needed me emotionally and that I was just more focused on others than my own needs. No balance to life as it were.
I am grateful for your ministry and thankful that I was was able to hear the message "Crowded Life". I may not be able to afford the book (b/c of finacial challenges) but I will take the challenge. I will live the next 30 days as if it was my last. Also I have a brother that lives 30 min from the Woodlands so hopefully we can take a road trip and meet you in person in 2008! Thanks for the challenge God Bless!
"Single Mom"
in Carrollton, Texas
"Nicole"
Posted by: NICOLE- | January 6, 2008 10:38 PM
posted a "my story" after hearing your broadcast and guess I needed more space. I too have a son Ryan who thought about running in the local L.A. Marathon here in Ca. I have conquered some fears this year, but not alone. I had people with me who supported me and knew God was right there too. Accomplishment is huge, and I feel that way when I check off my "to do" list; need to make more time for God though. Good luck and will pray right now that you are prepared physically for the challenge.
Posted by: Bonnie Mottram | January 6, 2008 06:54 PM
I become overwhelmed with setting goals, and I was just thinking, I will never be able to do anything past tonight. But as soon as I had this thought, I was overawhelmed with a feeling I've not had in a long time. peace. Encouragement that I would make "it" whatever it is; just a sense of calm and peace. Thank you for sharing your feelings and insights, they inspire me.
Posted by: tina | January 6, 2008 04:09 AM