As we all know, with the new year comes new goals and a new perspective on how we go about our daily lives. For me, a lot of my goals for this year are revolved around my daily habits; improving the good ones, working on the not so good ones, and adding in others that are helpful for the season of life I am in. It can be very refreshing to take a step back to reflect on the previous year. Take a mental note or make a list of what a typical day for you looks like:
- What does your morning routine look like?
- What do you listen to on the radio/watch on television/read?
- How much sleep do you usually get?
- Who is in your circle of influence?
- Have you been over extending yourself?
- Are you leading a healthy lifestyle?
These are just a few examples, but many of these basic things play a big part in the amount of joy you have throughout your day, the goals you have for yourself and your family and the perspective you have about your current situation.
Our 3 little ones, Christian Jr. and Chrishon, our 5 year old twin boys and our little princess Faith, who is 9 months old keep me on my toes. My sleep habits can be off track at times, I don’t always eat right and I can over extend myself to try to get everything on my list done that day, just to name a few. I’m working on myself daily as well. I would like to share with you some of the goals I have for growth and to have more joy-filled days.
*Staying in God’s Word Daily*
Yes! God wants you to have a joy-filled life. He wants you to grow and to prosper. He tells us this wonderful news in scripture.
- Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. -John 16:24
- “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” -John 15:11
- Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” -Psalms 35:27
As mothers I know we need as much sleep as we can possibly get, however spending time with God early in the morning before your day starts and the busy times get rolling can be very beneficial for your day ahead. One of my goals is to be consistent in this area. I absolutely LOVE my sleep. However, when I do manage to get up before my children do, I choose to spend that intimate time reading my daily devotional, in prayer or opening up my Bible to read. It helps my day go smoother and brings more joy to the simple things He’s blessed me with. Of course, there are still challenges in my day and things don’t always go as planned but God’s Word gives me what I need to overcome these obstacles. My reactions to unfavorable situations are also better. Here are some other ways to spend time with God: listen to Christian radio/music station, subscribe to a Christian podcast, read or listen to a book or audiobook, fellowship with your local church, join an at home fellowship(these usually vary as far as when you’ll meet up). There are many ways to spend time with God during the first part of your day and throughout it.
Your child(ren) may even take an interest in the new habit you’re developing. This is a great way to share with them about God’s unconditional love, His salvation and developing a relationship with Him.
*Personal Goals*
When setting goals for myself, I try to keep them pretty simple and attainable. We are all a work in progress and we can only do so much at one time. In my experience, I have found that not putting so many things on my plate in this area gives me the opportunity to place a focused effort on the few things I am working to improve on. One of the most important goals I have is to be even more intentional with my time. There are habits I have that can be very harmful to my time. Fun fact: I can be very particular about certain things, cleaning is one of them. My habit is the amount of time I spend cleaning. You know how we all get in our zone and want to clean EVERYTHING!. I have to stop myself and realize it’s 1 o’clock in the afternoon, call it quits already! This has been a habit of mines my whole life. I will say I have done this less times now a days than in previous years, but it’s still something I work towards.
Another big one is not to worry about the things I am unable to change. God speaks about this in scripture. He is the only one who is able to give us peace in the mist of our worry. Worry is also harmful to your time, it steals your joy and clouds your perspective. This can be a tough area for many of us. But when we learn to give our struggles over to God, we will feel His perfect peace. I would like to share with you a few scriptures I’ve come across that help me when worry arises:
- casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.-1 Peter 5:7
- Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -John 14:27
- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
*Marriage Goals*
My husband, Christian Sr. and I met when we were teenagers. We started dating a few months later and have been inseparable ever since and 10 years later we’ve been married for 7 wonderful years and have 3 beautiful children. Like any other marriage, ours takes work and commitment to one another. Throughout our marriage, we’ve both learned a lot of things about ourselves and each other. I can tell you that my husband is not the same person he was when we first met. He still has all of his genuine qualities I loved in the beginning but he has matured, his interests have changed, his clothing style has changed, many things are different. Having the opportunity to grow together as husband and wife has been amazing and has built such a strong bond between us. One thing is for sure, you and your spouse will constantly grow and change throughout your time together. The seasons you experience in life together will change too. Be willing to grow and change with it. Support each other, give grace to each other, laugh and have fun, cry together, be very open and honest and foremost keep God first within your marriage.
- But above all things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. -Colossians 3:14
- Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. -1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:12
What are your 2020 Goals??
Growth is about taking one step at a time. It is up to you to take the first one. It can be challenging but God is made perfect in our weaknesses!! He is greater than the not so good habits we have developed and He’ll give us the strength and endurance we need to move forward! I would like to hear from you about your goals for this year! Let me know in the comments below!
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -ll Corinthians 12:9
Blessings on your journey, Frances
Love it Frances!!Many great reminders about intentional living. Life will surely sweep us away from our joy if we don’t keep God in the driver’s seat…..and our goals on the map.
Hey Dana! Thanks so much for the feedback! I agree life can take us and our joy down the rabbit hole. Keeping God at the forefront will help us to have more joy-filled days!