In A Life of Endurance, Randy Alcorn writes about the importance of finishing well. He makes several points that have been resonating with me over this past month:
- Everyday we're becoming someone -- the question is, who?
- Who you will become will be the cumulative result of the daily choices you make.
- You will become the product of what you choose to delight in and meditate upon.
- Following Christ isn't magic. It requires repeated actions on our part, which develop into daily habits and life disciplines.
- The key to spirituality is the development of little habits, such as Bible reading and memorization and prayer.
Who we become will be the cumulative result of the daily choices we make. This has been so good for me to think about as I consider setting goals for the new year. I know who I want to become. I want to be someone who someday knows Jesus much better than I do today. I want to grow in my love for Him and for others. And, I can only do that by making deliberate decisions to seek Him. And, I can only do that with His help.
So, I have set some goals:
- I want to read the Bible in a year...in chronological order. I have tried it in the past, but I have never finished it. So, this year, I am joining up with Joni Eareckson Tada.
- I want to memorize a small book of the Bible. I am thinking Philippians, but I am not sure yet. Ann Voskamp has a Colossians plan that I might try out.
- I want to make waking up early a habit. Intentionally waking up instead of letting Caleb be my alarm clock has been so helpful in the past, and this e-book has helped me considerably. I want to participate in the Hello Mornings challenge again. I was unable to finish last time due to pregnancy-induced insomnia. Registration ends tomorrow (1.3.12).
As I look at that list and think about my record with New Year's Eve resolutions, I can easily get discouraged. But, it's not about perfection. It's about pursuing Him...the Perfect One who gave His life for all my imperfections.
Let me know if you're interested in joining me on any of these. :-)
6 comments:
You've inspired me Mandy. I was planning on renewing my effort to read through the Bible in a year (which fizzled last year) but I love Joni and think the chronological plan will be neat. I'm really convicted about the mornings challenge, but not sure I'm there yet....especially being exhausted in my first trimester here...I will consider it this last day of registration!!!
I love this Mandy! Really like the quote by Randy Alcorn. I've been doing a lot of thinking about New Year's goals, and probably have the same track record as you do keeping up with them!
I want to read through the Bible in a year as well as get up early and start the day intentionally.
Thanks for sharing friend! Hoping to get some of my goals up on the blog soon. :)
Intentionally following Jesus through setting up habits of praying and reading is what I want also. Our pastor taught on that Sunday and I think reading through the Bible in a year and spending time in prayer early in the morning will be he place to start. Loved the Randy Alcorn quote, thanks for sharing this Mandy. Pray that I can learn the art of memorizing scripture, it's a skill I do not possess. love & prayers continue from colorado
Hi friends! So, Tasha and I are starting our own group for the Hello Mornings challenge. It's on Facebook, so if you want to join, let me know. I will write more soon about it.
Yes. I will try to participate in this early morning resolution. Also, can we please talk in real life?
Also, I know I'm not a mom, but waking up early could still be a good goal for a college student.
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