We rounded the corner and Christmas is now past. We’ve had an interesting climatological Christmas here in central Oklahoma. Dreams of a white Christmas came true! Like most things, a little snow is better than a truck load. Well, we received a whole convoy full this year in the form of a once in a lifetime blizzard. Those of you who live outside of the state may know that when Oklahoma does weather, we do it right! In fact, weather is our primary spectator sport. Above professional basketball or O. U. football, we’ve got weather. This place is like Mecca for climatologists! You can just imagine how excited they were to report the largest snowfall in state history!
The downside of all of this is that a good number of people didn’t make it to their intended destinations on Christmas Eve. For some, Christmas Eve was celebrated alone in a car on the side of the road. This will be a Christmas that they never forget!
As we dig out of Christmas Eve 2009, we begin to look toward the new year. That is why I decided to dedicate the next few Didomi blogs to how to make the most of this time of the year. There is something about this time of the year that makes us feel like we have a fresh start on life. Out with the old and in with the new! Of course, part of our problem will be sustaining the momentum of our vows, resolutions, and disciplines. So, where do we get started? We obviously need a good plan. What do we want to see happen in 2010? What is our plan of attack? How do we keep motivated? These are but a few of the questions we should consider before we get started.
Ready, aim, fire, is the best sequence for shooting at a target. My problem is that I’m sometimes a ready, fire, aim kind of a guy. So, let’s take the next few days to consider both the whimsical and the serious side of making the most of your new year. For example, start with a preliminary list of possible New Year’s resolutions. Here are mine to give you an example:
My Top 10 Resolutions for 2010
10. Go into debt.
9. Focus on the faults of others.
8. Watch more television.
7. Try to change the weather by wishing it was 85 degrees all year.
6. Don’t start exercising.
5. Don’t read the Bible; it is too hard to understand.
4. Believe that I don’t have time to pray.
3. Procrastinate more… starting tomorrow.
2. Gain at least 20 more pounds.
1. Throw away the clock; it just keeps making noise in the morning.
Start your resolution list. Then, let's talk more about it tomorrow.
Now, seriously, read Romans 8:28-29; James 1:2-4 and consider what God is doing in your life. That will make goal setting much more effective.
Romans 8:28-29(ESV)
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
James 1:2-4(ESV)
2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Dennis
2 Peter 3:18
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Posted on
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
by Dennis Newkirk